Student achievement is our highest priority.
I am passionately committed to preparing every child in this state for success in the 21st century,'' Locke said. That's why, in my budget, I have actually cut funding in other areas to free up 144 million new dollars for K-12 schools. That's why I'm investing millions of dollars in welfare savings in both K-12 and higher education. If we really invest in educating our children well, they won't need welfare. The governor said high academic standards have been set for public schools, and testing is under way to determine whether students are learning.