This week I joined several local and state leaders in announcing the Coalition for Property Tax Relief and Education Equity. The Coalition includes urban mayors and town administrators, representatives from the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, and the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC). Our goal is to promote property tax relief and educational equity in our state.

Without question, all children deserve a quality public education, regardless of means or residency. Providing an excellent education should be the highest priority of school funding reform. It is our urban children, and those who are poorest, who are most at risk of being left behind.

That' s why we are promoting two legislative proposals.

The first is a Constitutional Amendment that would make it a duty of the General Assembly to guarantee an equitable and adequate education for our children. The second would establish a predictable foundation school aid formula.

State funding per student foundation amount would be based on cost factors, such as pupil-teacher ratios, teacher and staff compensation, technology investments, educational supplies, teacher training and professional development, student performance assessments and other costs associated with the delivery of educational services.

As a result, the heavy burden of public education financing will be lifted from the backs of local taxpayers. This is not a novel concept. Currently, two-thirds of states in the nation have foundation school aid programs, including Connecticut and Massachusetts.

There is nothing more important than the education of our children. Today's students are tomorrow's entrepreneurs, artists, teachers and leaders. DNC