Gov. Jim Thompson’s proposed education budget is not a surprise to anyone, but people concerned with education are getting a little bit tired of political lip-work.

Thompson’s spending plan falls $45 million short of what the Illinois Board of Higher Education needs to keep pace with inflation. As a result, it is almost money in the bank that tuition will go up.

The shortfall is not surprising. By now, people should be aware that these are tough financial times. Dollars for state-funded programs are scarce, and no one wants government officials taking from their coffer to fill someone else’s.

Unfortunately, this is what needs to be done.

Legislators have in the past, and will continue to do so with the upcoming elections, hailed education as the number one priority in Illinois. Voters have believed them because they know either a family member or a friend who is struggling through classes.

Now is the time for legislators to stop worrying about the next four years and become human by finding money for education.

Money for education is the safest investment Illinois can make. Of course, money spent on other programs is worthwhile, and no one is questioning that. However, it is not in the best interests of Illinois citizens to give money to other groups when education is in dire need, no matter how scarce funding is for those programs.