As lawmakers prepare to begin the legislative session in Olympia on Monday, one of their main issues will be to show the Washington Supreme Court the Legislature is making measurable progress toward improving the way the state pays for public education.

Most agree that the Legislature needs to find about $1 billion for a down payment on the estimated $4 billion needed to pay the full cost of basic education.

In its decision on the lawsuit brought by a coalition of school districts, parents and education groups, the Supreme Court ruled the state is not meeting its constitutional obligation concerning education funding.

Lawmakers this past week said they intend to dig up the cash to fulfill their obligation to the court.