The funding is a record investment and supports the Governor's continuing commitment to providing the state's children with outstanding educational opportunities. The budget also provides for the state's largest school construction program ever, setting aside funding that will be available once implementing legislation is passed. The money will set the stage for what will be the largest investment in school facilities in the nation. Among the initiatives supported in the budget are a teacher mentoring program and continued reforms in the Abbott school districts. The state's budget also increases support for colleges and universities.
Tax relief continues to be a large part of the Whitman agenda.
The EITC will provide nearly 240,000 families with a state income tax credit. Young people around the state also benefit from the prosperity dividend. The budget expands school based youth services programs so more of the state's students can get help when they need it. Debt repayment is strengthened in this year's financial blueprint with the beginning of a debt retirement fund. The money continues Whitman's commitment to redirecting growth into our urban centers.