An overview of the constitutionality of various state public education finance systems is presented. Issues addressed include education as a fundamental right mandated by the education clause of state constitutions and the impact of the equal protection clause on the education clause. Criteria for successful challenges to state school finance systems are identified, as follows: (1) state court declaration of education as a fundamental right; (2) education clause requirement of qualitative demands and affirmative duty by a state legislature; (3) use of the "strict scrutiny" level of analysis; and (4) verdict of a district or state finance school system as inequitable. Two tables list 14 constitutional and 12 unconstitutional state finance systems. Also included are a summary of regional agenda, a guest commentary on the Illinois finance equity system, and 10 viewpoints by regional state legislators on pros and cons of current funding structures. (11 references) (LMI)