Many Pittsburgh teaching jobs were preserved under the state's new budget.

The City of Pittsburgh's 2010-2011 budget focuses on advancing the state's successful education strategy by increasing basic education funding by $250 million and preserving other vital programs that boost student achievement.

"After the intense debate and tough choices we had to make to craft this budget, I'm gratified that the General Assembly and I could agree that continued investment in education is tremendously important to Pennsylvania's kids and an investment in the commonwealth's future," Gov. Edward Rendell said. "There's no question that our strategy has gotten tremendous results where the rubber meets the road – student achievement. We simply had to keep up that momentum."

The education budget includes a $250 million, or 4.5 percent, increase in basic education. At the same time, education spending as a whole will increase by 1.3 percent, saving many vital programs and initiatives.

Some of those programs include:

• Early childhood education - Pre-K Counts received $85.2 million, Head Start got $38.4 million, and Accountability Grants to fund Pre-K and kindergarten received $259.5 million.
• Dual enrollment - This program, which helps high school students earn college credits while they complete school, received $6.9 million.
• Education Assistance Program - This tutoring initiative for students in targeted school districts received $47.6 million.

While Pennsylvania is bolstering its funding, a recent survey from the National Governors Association and the National Association of State Budget Officers found that 31 other states are cutting their education funding this year.

"We're following our blueprint for closing the gap in the funding formula, easing the pressure on local property tax increases, and preserving other targeted investments in early childhood education and support for higher education - all in the face of one of the harshest economic climates in our lifetimes," Rendell said.

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