Educational Spending as Economic Development

Abstract

A major leverage point in improving employment, consumer demand, and investment is through state investments in quality PK-12 education. Research is clear that areas with higher and more targeted investments see significant long-term returns in terms of economic capacity, human capital, wages, and tax revenue, along with a host of social benefits including a ‘multiplier effect’ on local jobs, increased property values, reduced social and judicial costs, and community revitalization. In short, “Jobs follow better schools.”