The dispute over funds for Pennsylvania's need-based educational grant program is doing nothing to enhance the state's image.

On the one hand, the chief executive of the state's student loan agency — the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) — is expressing disappointment that Gov. Ed Rendell's 2007-08 budget proposal does not increase funding for the agency's college grant program.

On the other hand, Rendell wants PHEAA to supplement the state's current $386 million appropriation with $88.6 million of proceeds from its student loan business.

PHEAA was planning to use $60 million, on the belief that the state would be increasing its share, said Richard Willey, PHEAA president and chief executive officer.

In 2005, PHEAA pledged to use $265 million of its loan profits over four years to bolster the need-based grant program. At the same time, Rendell promised to seek state funding increases for the grants.

Willey estimates that 5,000 to 6,000 fewer students will receive grants next year without a state funding increase.

The grants represent an investment in Pennsylvania's future well-being. Rendell and PHEAA should resolve their differences and keep promises related to helping students who need financial aid.

Rendell should divert money from some lower-priority items — and there are many — to help put this tiff to rest. PHEAA would improve public perception of itself if it also pledged to do more.

The Keystone State should strive to be a leader on the higher-education front. The current disagreement projects the commonwealth as something less.

While not a surprise, the commitment of the congregation of McKee Chapel United Methodist Church to recover from a blaze that gutted the pre-Civil War house of worship on Feb. 18 deserves notice.Not only is the congregation working to again have its own home, but it is redoubling its efforts to reach out to the community as part of its overall mission.The Rev. Sherry Cook, who heads the eastern Butler County congregation, has expressed the view that "this fire, while tragic, may do more for that outreach effort than we could have known."In the meantime, the people, groups and churches that have come forward to help the Clearfield Township congregation overcome its setback are equally worthy of notice. They suggest a broad spirit of generosity and determination.To its credit, among the first to step forward was the congregation of Fenelton United Methodist Church, which is allowing the McKee congregation to hold its services there. The McKee services are scheduled for 9:45 a.m. on Sundays.According to Cook, there are groups working to raise funds to finance the rebuilding effort. The mailing address for anyone wishing to contribute to the effort is McKee Chapel United Methodist Church, 123 Beagle Club Road, Worthington, PA 16262.People seeking additional information can call 724-297-3230.McKee Chapel has a long history of service, and the suddenness by which its congregation was displaced has left a deep imprint on those who have relied on it for their spiritual needs.It is to be hoped that their will to move beyond this setback will grow even stronger and that the congregation will be back home sooner than they now can envision.

State Rep. Brian Ellis, R-11th, has made a constructive contribution to the state House of Representatives with his proposal for a mentoring program for freshmen GOP legislators to help them become comfortable in their important new roles. Such programs should be pursued by both parties in the House and Senate.But now, having been designated as a mentor, Ellis has an opportunity besides helping lawmakers adjust to their new responsibilities. He can help them understand the attitudes and issues that caused the General Assembly to get in trouble with the voters in July 2005 — such as the middle-of-the-night pay-raise vote and the self-serving attitude embraced by many legislators, especially party leaders.Since his election in 2004, Ellis has been trying to establish himself as a solid legislator; this new role provides an opportunity for him to have an even greater positive impact."Each of us was just another face in the crowd," Ellis recalled, in reflecting on his first days in the legislature. "No one really guided us around."Regarding his mentoring suggestion, Ellis told the Butler Eagle, "I had advocated to our leadership some form of mentoring for our freshmen members. I thought it would be a good idea for somebody to take time and spend with the freshmen and help them get through the process."He was right. Now it must be hoped that he achieves his objectives, not only in working with the current freshmen but, if he remains in the legislature, to help future freshmen start on the right foot.