The 102 members of the House Democratic Majority joined Gov. Ed Rendell in ensuring that education remained a priority during this year's budget discussions.

The new 2007-2008 state budget totals $27.16 billion and includes nearly $9.4 billion for pre-K through grade 12 education and related programs, an increase of 6.3 percent. That funding specifically targets early education, with a commitment to launch Pre-K Counts that opens pre-K programs up to 11,000 children. It also expands the "Science: It's Elementary" program and continues the Classrooms for the Future initiative so 250 more high schools can offer laptop computers.

Studies have proven that early education is crucial to a student's lifelong learning. House Democrats will continue to focus state resources in this area so we can ensure that the next generation of Pennsylvania's work force is adequately prepared from the start.

For more details on the new state budget, click here.

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