According to the state Constitution, education is the “paramount” duty of the state. Court decisions have held this to mean that “ample” funding of basic education comes before all other calls upon government for support.

The governor’s proposed budget is deficient on both these grounds. It does not amply fund education as the paramount duty of the state. Instead it eviscerates vital education programs. It cuts programs that will aid our students in achieving their full potential and making a maximum contribution to the economic and social well being of the state.

So much of health and social service spending is in essence band aids for social ills. Education on the other hand is an investment in our future. Only a strong economy, bolstered by a well educated citizenry, will produce the revenue the state needs to continue to fund both education and social services. Cutting education spending now is digging out by the roots one of the basic building blocks of our state.

This is not the time to draw back from implementation of education reform. This is not the time to limit the education our children need.

Education of its citizens is the “paramount” duty of the state. This budget proposal fails to meet that duty, and fails badly.

Barbara Poyneer

King County