Painful budget's bright side

The 101-day Pennsylvania budget impasse was painful, and hundreds of millions of dollars were cut from important programs. But thanks to significant pressure from their constituents, lawmakers did manage to produce a landmark budget for education funding.

Though the budget is far from perfect, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and Gov. Rendell must be congratulated on their achievement for education. They wisely listened to their constituents, who demanded that Pennsylvania's future generations be given every opportunity to succeed.

The state was able to maintain the statewide funding formula, a key reform implemented just last year, using federal stimulus funds intended specifically for education. The $300 million increase in basic funding for education represents a smart response to the current recession, ensuring that Pennsylvanians will be educated and ready to weather economic troubles. It also signaled a move away from the state's overreliance on property taxes to fund education.

In addition, this was a smart political move for lawmakers, who are well aware that votes against sound education funding would prove costly when they face reelection bids in 2010. It's nice when political self-interest and good policy are aligned.

Susquehanna Polling and Research has found that Pennsylvanians support sustaining and even increasing spending on education during the recession. Less than one-third of those polled by the firm believed school funding should be cut. And more than 70 percent of independent voters agreed that, regardless of the economic situation, progressive school funding is vital to Pennsylvania's future.

In the Philadelphia area, support for education funding was even more striking. Self-described swing voters, mostly in the suburbs, were more likely to support expanded education funding. Within the city limits, meanwhile, voters expressed nearly unanimous support for education funding. It's clear that strong support for education will continue to transcend partisan debates.

Thanks to such clear indications from voters, Pennsylvania legislators took the obvious step forward this year: A budget that made painful, necessary cuts in some areas, but a positive investment in education. Though legislators spent months disputing natural-gas drilling, table games, taxes, and other issues, they largely agreed that making progress on public education is essential.

Pennsylvania is the only state that increased its investment in education this year. As a result, we can start to develop the ablest workforce in the nation.

Still, the job isn't done. Resources must be accompanied by effective recruiting and training of teachers, strong standards, and a curriculum that prepares children for a competitive, global economy. As new students arrive in schools each fall, commitments must be made to their future. We must continue to make these commitments, especially through our votes.