Gov. Ed Rendell spoke to Coatesville Area School District officials and students on Thursday morning about the importance of education funding and ways he believes the state can generate revenue.

Rendell said he is proposing a $354 million increase in basic education spending in the 2010-11 state budget, which would raise the basic education fund to about $5.8 million.

Rendell outlined four ways the state could generate revenue that would help fund the increase in basic education funding.
1. A Marcellus Shale severance tax would bring in about $160 million a year.
2. A smokeless tobacco tax would bring in about $45 million in revenue.
3. An elimination of the vendor sales tax discount would bring in about $70 million.
4. An elimination of the so-called “Delaware Loophole” would save the state about $60 million.

Overall, Rendell is currently proposing a $29 billion 2010-11 state budget.

What do you think of Rendell's plans to generate revenue for the proposed increase in basic education funding?

South Coatesville Borough Council unanimously adopted a comprehensive plan Tuesday night that includes a revitalization strategy for blighted areas along South First Avenue.

Members of the planning commission began discussing the borough's comprehensive land-use plan in March 2008 after attending a Chester County 2020 meeting. The plan sets overall policies for development, preservation and revitalization of the borough over the next 15 years, officials said.

Some officials said the overall goal is to make the borough a destination spot.

What are your thoughts on these efforts?