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

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

Studies have shown that inmate participation in education, vocational and job training, prison work skills development, drug abuse, mental health and other treatment programs, all reduce recidivism, significantly.

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.

We can play politics, or we can reduce crime.