Governor Bredesen believes education is Tennessee’s fundamental priority. It’s the key to growing a strong economy, ensuring future success for our children and improving the quality of life for all Tennesseans. His top priorities include: Fully funding the Basic Education Program (BEP). At a time when many states cut funds for education, Governor Bredesen invested new dollars in the BEP. He believes the State has a moral imperative to provide additional resources for education. Raising teacher pay. Governor Bredesen believes Tennessee must pay competitive salaries in order to recruit and retain the best and brightest professionals to teach our children. As a result, Tennessee in 2005 hit a milestone: Average teacher pay climbed above the Southeastern average. Expanding pre-kindergarten programs. Governor Bredesen believes Tennessee must help its youngest children arrive on the first day of kindergarten prepared to take advantage of what lies ahead. In 2005, the Governor proposed a voluntary expansion of pre-K programs statewide. Local communities would be encouraged, but not required, to participate. Encouraging reading initiatives. Governor Bredesen believes books in the home are key indicators of children who will do well in school. With that in mind, he formed the Governor’s Books From Birth Foundation in 2004 in an effort to expand Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program statewide. The program places one book a month in children’s homes, from birth until age 5.