Rendell signs budget, touts education

PHILADELPHIA. Gov. Ed Rendell signed his eighth and final budget yesterday afternoon, one that shrinks spending in many areas but does increase education funding by $250 million.

Throughout his second term, Rendell embraced an education platform that made it destined to become part of his legacy. Yesterday was no different. He did the ceremonial signing in front of a class’ worth of children from central Pennsylvania.

The $28 billion spending plan includes $4.6 billion in education money, including expanded pre-k and tutoring programs.