We knew the state budget was being crafted under immense election-year pressure from powerful special-interest groups, so we're not surprised that the union representing New York's teachers was able to sneak job security for its members into this year's legislation.

With a track record of $700,000 in political contributions last year, the New York State United Teachers union has successfully lobbied state lawmakers to make tenure more easily attainable for teachers who fail in the classroom.

Tenure, an archaic system in which employees are given their jobs permanently, has long been one of the most fought-for perks in the state school system. It makes it virtually impossible for teachers to be fired, even those who are unwilling - or unable - to meet acceptable standards.

A last-minute measure added to this year's budget prevents school districts from denying tenure to teachers based on the performance of their students on standardized tests. If students fail because their teachers are inept, only the students will suffer as their teachers keep collecting their pay.

So, while state Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno claimed Wednesday that the state was working to “improve results and strengthen accountability” as it increases aid to schools by $1.8 billion, the state was actually moving to weaken accountability for results in the classroom.

The New York Public Interest Research Group, pointing out all of the money the union has spent on lobbying, called the deal an example of “Albany at its worst.”

Instead of working for the best interests of the state's schoolchildren - and the taxpayers who foot the bills - the state Legislature has once again bowed to the lobbyists who finance their re-election campaigns.

Where's the accountability in that?