The education of Alabama's children is one of the most important tasks the state performs. Forget all the talk about public education not being the responsibility of government — it is.

And it's not only because of the benefit to the child, though that alone should be reason enough.

An educated citizenry is more productive and more responsible. The list of reasons why education is important goes on and on. So it follows that it is in the interest of everyone to see that Alabama's children receive a quality education.

That's why it's imperative that the state supports public education in this time of economic crisis.

The state Legislature passed a $6.4 billion education budget for the 2008-09 academic year. That money did not come in, so Gov. Bob Riley announced in December a 12.5 percent cut in that budget. He cushioned it by drawing from the state's rainy day fund, which by the end of this fiscal year (Sept. 30) will be depleted. Even with that assistance, the state's education budget was still cut 9 percent.

Though there are glimmers of hope for the economy, this week didn't bring good news for the state's education budget. Sales and income tax collections in Alabama are running even lower than last year, so there is little chance the state will be able to fund the projected $6.2 billion education budget that goes into effect Oct. 1.

Alabama has not had back-to-back proration years since 1991-1992. That's about to change.

However, those aware of Alabama's often-bewildering system of budgeting know that schools have already spent — or, at least, have obligated themselves to spend — some of the money they're now being told won't be available.

Indeed, if it were not for the federal stimulus, teaching and support jobs would have been lost, more students would be crammed into fewer classrooms, maintenance would have been delayed and there would have been what state Rep. Richard Lindsey, D-Centre, has called "a total meltdown."

It may happen yet. Falling revenue, a depleted rainy day fund and no more federal stimulus money is a recipe for serious trouble.

Alabama's current tax code makes finding a solution difficult. The state has put its heaviest tax burden on middle- and below-middle income residents, and they do not have the resources to absorb a tax increase to help education weather the storm. However, as the Legislature has repeatedly revealed, most senators and representatives lack the resolve to shift the burden from those who can't pay it to those who can.

So education will be cut. Jobs will be lost. Students will get less than they deserve from the state, and from them the state will get less than it needs.

Faced with this, Alabamians should resolve to support schools and teachers however we can — donations, volunteering, anything that will help.

Remember, it is an investment in the future of the entire state.