After three years of underfunding higher education, the state General Assembly has finally decided to do something to help parents afford the rising cost of college tuition.

A bill that would enable parents to buy state-backed, tax-free bonds for college or purchase tuition credits years in advance is awaiting Gov. Robert P. Casey's signature.

Casey has said he supports the bill. Now he should follow through and sign it into law.

With the University about to celebrate its 25th year of consecutive tuition increases, a college education is becoming out of reach for many people.

This measure would hold parent's money for tuition credits at community colleges, the 14 state-owned universities or the four state-related schools -- the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State, Temple and Lincoln.

Under the bill, credits would have to be purchased at least four years in advance, which would be a smart investment since tuition traditionally increases every year.

The savings bonds would allow parents to accumulate funds long before their children reach college age. A savings bond costing $1,425 would mature in 16 years and would be worth about $5,000. The interest -- compounded semi-annually -- would be paid when the bond matures, and earnings would be tax-exempt.

Undergraduate Student Government President Mark Stewart should be commended for lobbying in Harrisburg for this bill. It is one of the few good signs coming from the state Legislature that has been hostile to funding higher education. Now Gov. Casey must sign it.