SCHOOL-FINANCE REFORM - AN EMPIRICAL-TEST OF THE ECONOMICS OF PUBLIC-OPINION FORMATION

Primary and secondary public school finance reforms that began in the 1970s have failed to correct large intrastate spending inequities in t he United States. The threat of judicial activity and concern over the stagnating Effect of property taxes have caused states to again look at ways in which to bring about reform. This article uses survey data to determine characteristics significant to individual opinion formati on on school finance reform. In addition to traits that proxy for self -interest, measures of fiscal knowledge, political party identificatio n, and opinions on the role of government are all found to be importan t. Results can be used by policy makers to determine characteristics t hat are consequential to an individual's decision to support school fi nance reform.