Investing in education is investing in our future and the futures of our children. A solid basic education is the foundation of a society and enemy of poverty, criminal behavior and teenage pregnancy.

During the last three years, our legislature has made strides toward equalizing the kind of education that kids in Howard and Montgomery Counties get with the educational opportunities of those in Baltimore City.

But more needs to be done! I strongly support new school construction, lowering class sizes, improving teacher pay and teachers' pensions. I support increased state support for higher education, keeping tuition costs reasonable, increasing need-based scholarships, and helping all Maryland students realize their dream of a college education. Maryland has some of the best elementary, middle and high schools, as well as colleges and universities, in the nation.

But government can not do it alone, I also urge each and every one of you, whether you have children in public schools or not, to join a PTA, visit a school in your area or donate your time or money because we all are in this together.