Amid COVID-19 Recession, Missouri Voters Still Support Increased School Spending

Between June 23 and July 1, 2020, we worked with YouGov to interview 900 likely voters from the state of Missouri. In addition to questions regarding state and national political candidates, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and school satisfaction, we explored public opinion on public elementary and secondary school funding. We learned that more than six in ten surveyed Missourians support increased school spending. Nearly three in four indicated support for increases to Missouri teacher salaries, with the vast majority of respondents indicating support for achieving salary increases through additional taxation. Despite this support, many Missourians were incorrect in their estimates of average school spending and teacher salaries across the state. Responses also varied significantly by respondents’ political identification, race, and level of education.