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States boost eduspending

According to Stateline, a number of states flush with unexpected tax revenues are increasing education spending: Arkansas, Georgia, and Kansas are just a few.  And take a look at how much Wyoming is about to start shelling out.

On a related note, it’s interesting to see how the improved economy is forcing Washington D.C. to take a hard look at education.  

Homeowners, business leaders and newcomers with a financial stake in the District’s economic revival are pushing the troubled D.C. school system to the top of the city’s political agenda in a landmark election year when voters will choose a mayor and council chairman.

Polls show education surpassing taxes, crime and affordable housing as the top concern among voters across the city. In a survey late last year for mayoral candidate and D.C. Council member Adrian M. Fenty (D-Ward 4), almost 60 percent of those polled said education is the city’s biggest problem, followed by housing at a distant second.

Mayoral contenders are hearing the same message on the campaign trail from childless couples worried about property values, business executives struggling to find qualified workers, and parents frustrated by the poor condition and academic performance of public schools.

Read the whole thing.   

SIDE NOTE–An e-mailer reminds us that all these states obviously haven’t studied recent history in Kansas City. 

UPDATE: Goofed and left out the main Stateline link!  Fixed now.