Education Takeaways from Arizona and Florida's 2026 Legislative Sessions

In January, we noted the importance of keeping education at the forefront of policy discussions in Arizona and Florida, and with the 2026 legislative sessions now wrapped, the results are mixed.  

Across both states, workforce development dominated the education conversation. But we know a strong workforce begins long before college or career training. It starts with students learning to read proficiently, consistent school attendance, access to rigorous coursework, and successfully transitioning into postsecondary education.  

Achieving those outcomes requires sustained investments and thoughtful policy choices. While some progress was made this year, key opportunities to strengthen the education continuum—from early literacy through higher education—were left on the table. 

ESA Debates Dominated the Education Conversation

Both Arizona and Florida entered sessions looking to make changes to their Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) programs.

Policymakers in both states explored ways to improve transparency and accountability. In Florida, the Senate passed legislation that aimed to separately budget ESA costs to ensure more transparency and incorporate accountability measures identified in a state audit. In Arizona, there were proposed reforms designed to increase transparency and generate savings to fund other key priorities. None of these proposals ultimately became law.

In Florida, disagreements over ESA funding became a lynchpin issue in broader education budget negotiations, with the status quo prevailing. In Arizona, efforts to reach consensus on ESA reforms proved unsuccessful, and negotiations aimed at avoiding competing ESA ballot measures also fell apart.  

Why It Matters: As ESA debates consumed much of the sessions, other opportunities to strengthen education received less attention.  

Looking Ahead: In Arizona, voters will see multiple ESA-related measures on the November 2026 ballot, including a measure that would invalidate future voter-approved ESA reforms. Additionally, advocates for ESA reform in Arizona submitted enough signatures on July 2 for a citizens’ initiative to appear on the ballot.

Arizona Left Key Opportunities on the Table

Arizona preserved funding for existing literacy coaches but missed opportunities to build on proven strategies for student success.  

Win: State funding remains in place for the 34 literacy coaches currently supported through the Arizona Department of Education. This ensures participating schools can continue that work.  

Missed Opportunities: In an $18.3 billion budget, the decision not to allocate $2 million for early literacy coaches and $1.5 million for dual enrollment was a choice of priorities, not resources. Arizona’s three public universities also absorbed cuts, while the state’s two largest community college districts, Maricopa Community Colleges and Pima Community Colleges, continue to operate without dedicated state funding.  

No additional early literacy coaches were added, even as statewide reading scores have declined. This represents a departure from the “all of the above” approach previously championed when literacy coaching, along with a number of other early literacy policies, was first funded in 2019 with the expectation that the program would scale over time.  

Dual enrollment followed a similar path. What began as a $15 million investment was quickly cut to $3 million, then to $1.5 million, and has now been eliminated entirely.  

Why It Matters: Helios’ research shows dual enrollment doubles students’ likelihood of pursuing education beyond high school while helping families save on future college costs. Likewise, literacy coaching has proven to strengthen instruction and improve reading outcomes.  

Florida Saw Both Progress and Missed Opportunities

Wins: Florida lawmakers increased funding for the Florida College System by $48.4 million. This investment in the state college system reinforces findings from recent Helios-supported research that showcased the system’s $56 billion economic impact across Florida.    

Missed Opportunities: One of Helios’ priorities this year was establishing a statewide definition of chronic absence.  

Helios research consistently shows that when students miss school, they fall behind academically and are less likely to succeed long term. Chronic absence, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, is a multifaceted problem requiring state, local, and community solutions.  

While there was not support for a full statewide definition, Helios was able to craft an amendment under the leadership of State Rep. Dana Trabulsy to establish a consistent chronic absence definition for grades K-5 through reporting requirements. The measure was added to HB 1071 (the House education committee bill), and passed the full House unanimously. However, it was never heard in the Senate and ultimately did not advance.  

This was also one of the first years in recent history that Florida did not pass a comprehensive education policy package, as negotiations over ESA reforms challenged any agreement. 

At the same time, funding for the Preeminent State Research University Program was reduced, affecting a program designed to recognize and reward universities that meet the state’s ambitious performance standards.  

Why It Matters: School attendance is foundational to student success and reductions to the Preeminent State Research University Program weaken a key driver of Florida’s innovation economy. 

Looking Ahead: Chronic absence remains a multifaceted issue that requires state, local and community action. Helios remains encouraged by the support this proposal received and believes it presents an opportunity for future action.  

Investing in Education at the State Level Matters

The concerns Helios raised at the start of the legislative sessions proved well founded. Education remained part of the conversation in both Arizona and Florida, but priorities were not always reflected in the policy decisions and investment choices that followed.

While there were important wins, key opportunities to strengthen the education system were delayed, underfunded, or left out. Helios remains committed to advancing policies and investments that strengthen education and expand opportunity for all students.

The legislative sessions may be over, but the work continues. Roll up your sleeves – there’s work to do!