State funding for public education has steadily decreased over the past 30 years in Pennsylvania and is now lower than ever. Meanwhile, the expectations are higher. I know this because two of my students in English 15 did a research paper on the issue last semester. They convinced me that this was one of the most important issues affecting Pennsylvania today, and so I was very pleased to read in the The Daily Collegian that both President Graham Spanier and the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG) are urging the commonwealth of Pennsylvania to reconsider how it funds public education ("Students to rally for funds," March 22).

The Graduate and Fixed Term Employees Organization (GFTEO) supports Spanier and the CCSG's demands that the commonwealth live up to its promise of providing quality public education. But for the past few years, we have done more than that. As a union, we are affiliated with other powerful organizations: nationally, with the American Federation of Teachers and the AFL-CIO, and locally, with the Centre County Central Labor Council.

Through these organizations, we have met with labor organizers and parents across the state who care about two things: the quality of life of all working people and the quality of their children's education. These organizations and individuals are an important voice in Harrisburg.

In the past, Spanier has opposed the GFTEO, but in this case, we believe that we can work together for the common goal -- making Penn State better. And we encourage all student groups on campus to consider this issue both carefully and actively.