Education Funding -- Governor Keeps Promise To State's Public Schools

Gov. Gary Locke has proposed a state budget that keeps his promise to Washington's public schools. Now, hopefully, the Legislature will follow his lead.

Teachers and other school employees have had one cost-of-living adjustment in the last four years, and have in effect lost money each year to inflation. Locke proposes a 2.5 percent increase each of the next two years, similar to what inflation is projected to be.

Locke's budget also adequately funds our state's education-reform program, implementing the high academic standards and accountability that the public has demanded.

Gov. Locke has kept his promise to the voters of Washington and to students in classrooms across this state. Those students are counting on the Legislature to turn campaign promises into classroom reality. Trevor Neilson Washington Education Association Federal Way