Things are getting heated in Jackson. As hot as hell, apparently.

Discussions about the state&8217;s budget reached a climax Wednesday night, as the Friday deadline loomed over lawmakers&8217; heads.

Legislators have taken sides and they are sticking to them. Some agree that the state must fully fund education to move ahead, others say fully funding the schools means shortchanging other important state budgetary needs.

Finding a gray area between the two sides has become difficult.

And the long hours of disagreement resulted in a little schoolchild yelling Wednesday.

Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, told the opposing side they were &8220;following Haley into hell&8221; by speaking against full education funding.

The other side, including Lieutenant Governor Amy Tuck, barked back and the House speaker had to intervene.

It&8217;s an issue worth fighting over, sure. But the answer is obvious.

If years ago state lawmakers had devoted what they should have to education, today&8217;s budget requests would be different. For one, the prison system &8212; a major worry this year &8212; wouldn&8217;t need nearly as much money.

With better educated citizens, our jails wouldn&8217;t have as many criminals.

Today&8217;s lawmakers can&8217;t fix the past, but they can fix the future. Hot or not, Mississippi must fully fund education to move forward.