Get your copy of our weekly print products at any of these convenient locations.
State Debate: Help college students with child care
A 7/7 roundup of editorials from state papers
Help college students with child care, says the Appleton Post-Crescent.
We know Wisconsin is lagging in college graduation rates. Only about 25 percent of adults age 25 or older in the state hold a bachelor's degree, compared with 30 percent in Minnesota. The national average is about 27 percent.
The state will subsidize child care for full-time college students -- but only for two years -- while low-income parents working full time can receive unlimited day care assistance.
On one hand, we send the message that we want people to finish college. After all, adults with a bachelor's degree are going to earn about 60 percent more over a lifetime than their peers without one. That's good for the state. On the other hand, the child care formula is encouraging parents to drop out.
Yes, the state is struggling to balance its budget. But helping parents earn a degree is a long-term investment in everyone's future.
More scare tactics from the White House, laments the Kenosha News.
The White House recently indulged in a little of its signature fear mongering.
Press secretary Dana Perino raised the possibility that the courts could order the Guantanamo Bay detainees set free to roam the streets. Well, yes, in theory. The Supreme Court said the detainees had the right to challenge their detention in the federal courts and petition for immediate release.
But Perino edged into the ridiculous when she said, "I'm sure that none of us want Khalid Sheikh Mohammed walking around our neighborhoods."
Mohammed was al-Qaida's No. 3 leader and the self-confessed architect of 9/11, so we presume the administration could find enough evidence to persuade a judge to keep him locked up.
The Bush administration is considering sending to Congress legislation on how it should handle the 120 or so detainees it does not plan to try and whom it considers too dangerous to release.
The White House perhaps thought trying to throw a little scare into Congress ahead of time might sway things in its favor. It's worked before.
Permanent federal court building needed, says the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
When the U.S. District Court opened a courtroom and located a federal judge in Green Bay in 2002, there was much talk about the need for a permanent facility. Six years later, we're still waiting.
U.S. District Judge William Griesbach said that it's time to get serious. He has asked for permanent housing for the federal court and other federal agencies scattered around the area. A federal team is due in Green Bay this month in response to Griesbach's request. A spokesman said representatives will review space, security and lease issues and building conditions.
A central federal building would be a welcome addition in or near downtown Green Bay and a complement to the city, county and state office buildings there.
File photo
The Appleton Post-Crescent says the state should help with child care costs for college students. This scene shows the University of Wisconsin's Bascom Hill.
