 Over the past several years, devastating cuts to basic education have forced schools to make difficult decisions. They've cut programs, laid off teachers, and increased class sizes. I know Pennsylvania can do better, and that's why I've made restoring these cuts and supporting our public schools the keystone of my budget agenda. In this budget compromise, I have fought for and received an additional $400 million in K-12 education funding, the largest increase in history. This funding will help support schools across Pennsylvania in their mission to prepare our children for the 21st century economy. We also need to prepare students for kindergarten. Research shows that access to pre-K helps children succeed throughout their schooling, and that's why I have secured an additional $50 million for pre-K funding that will help thousands of children gain access to early education. Providing public education is at the core of what we do, and I'm proud to say that this budget makes preparing our students for the jobs of the future our number one priority.