Today, education is perhaps the most important function of state and local governments.

In the Brown decision, the United States Supreme Court unanimously struck down the legal and moral footing of racially segregated public education in this country.

No one should be denied the opportunity to get an education and increase their earning potential based solely on their inability to pay for a college education.

While we must ensure that these dangerous new drugs and precursors do not get in the hands of children or others who would use them improperly, we must also be aware that these same drugs have legitimate uses.

So, the struggle for equal educational opportunity continues.

It is virtually impossible to compete in today's global economy without a college degree.

We live in an information and knowledge-based economy.