In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding Arizona's funding for higher education, highlighting a stark contrast with states like Texas and Florida. Dr. Crow pointed out that Arizona lacks a designated state appropriation for higher education, leading to a significant reduction in state investment. He emphasized that while both Texas and Florida have successfully increased their investments in higher education—Texas recently experiencing a 40% increase—Arizona's per capita investment stands at a mere $120, compared to Wyoming's $800 and Texas and Florida's figures ranging from $253 to $310.

The discussion revealed a broader issue with Arizona's tax code, which Dr. Crow described as \"antiquated\" and poorly designed. He criticized the state's focus on reducing income tax without adequately exploring alternative revenue sources to support public investment. This lack of a diversified tax strategy has resulted in insufficient funding for essential services, particularly in education.

Dr. Crow's remarks underscored a growing frustration with the state's reluctance to pursue large-scale tax reform, suggesting that the current system limits the ability to invest in higher education and other critical areas. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for a reevaluation of Arizona's fiscal policies to ensure sustainable funding for the future.