State Budget Woes

Yesterday's ONW included an article about college financial aide being in jeopardy because the state budget has yet to be settled, as usual. Having been a past recipient of state grants for being low income and currently being the recipient of federal loans and the state GI Bill, this strikes close to home. While I will still get my loans, many of my friends and classmates may not be in class come September if those in Madison don't stop simply spouting about how they support education and actually do it.

Who does this hurt? Hard working citizens that hold down jobs, take care of families, and still make time to further their educations so that they can provide a better life for themselves and their families. So often politicians talk about giving people a helping hand out of poverty. Many college students are facing the very real possibility of having that hand jerked away because Republicans have to be Republicans and Democrats have to be Democrats. Have they forgotten whom they are suppose to be serving?

I realize budgeting is a nightmare. Small household budgets are scary enough. I can only imagine a state budget. However, while legislators in Madison are saying what a shame it is that our system is broken and college students will be paying the price, I am betting those very same legislators continue to cash some really nice paychecks.

I propose this to those in Madison, either get off your duffs, high horses, and thumbs and get this thing settled or donate part, if not all, of your paychecks to sponsor one or more college students who are working hard to achieve the advantages many of you take for granted while you are busy playing political chess with their futures. Maybe if legislative paychecks stopped when the budget process stalls, there would be more incentive to fix the system they already know is broken.