Category "Local News"
August 5, 2005
Children of meth users are filling foster homes
http://www.startribune.com/dynamic/story.php?template=print_a&story=5534339
This article highlights one woman's experience with meth and how it's affected her family. Melissa Sjoblom is 37 years old and is in prison for making meth. She had her 15 year old son arrested and sent to treatment, for the third time, when he came to visit her high.
The article continues to give statistics pertaining to the number of kids in Minnesota foster homes because of a parent's meth use. Sixty five percent of washington County foster home kids are there because of abuse and neglect resulting from a parent's meth use, nad more than half of the Pine County foster placements are attributed to meth.
I knew that the situation existed, but I had no idea that the numbers were so high.
Category "Local News"
August 4, 2005
Last in the nation, Minnesota tightens drunk driving limit.
The drunk driving law in Minnesota went into effect on monday, August. 1, 2005. Police have already starting charging people who have a .08 percent blood alcohol content which is down from the level of .10. Many supporters to this law are saying that it makes Minnesota roads safer, but businesses are saying that if you add the lower DWI limit to the smoking bans and the higher minimum wage, it means that they are hit the most this year. Their biggest concern, according to one Minneapolis business man is that with these laws, people may say it's not worth going out anymore.
I think, people who have desire for alcohol and want to get drunk, should stay at home and satisfy their desire and not take others lives away. Or if you want to go out anyway while drunk, please find a predestine driver.artile
Category "Local News"
August 2, 2005
Last state to act: DWI now at 0.08
The article was about Minnesota being the last state to lower the level of alcohol in your system from 0.10 to 0.08 percent to be considered driving while intoxicated. Although the law was in effect since May 2004, Minnesota was the last state to enact it.
The article continues with a questions and answers section, most of which is very education. For example, by changing the legal blood-alchohol limit to 0.08 the state will now receive nearly $20 million for building and improving state and local roads. Apparently this federal money was being held until the now. With the state needing all the money it can get, if you believe everything you read, this was incentive enough.
However, the article discussed the number of alcohol-related crashes that were reduced in states using the 0.08 level, discussed how you impaired at each percentage interval , and there were over 34,000 drunk driving arrests in Minnesota last year alone. The article contains good practical information, as well, if you drink alchohol and want to make sure you are legal to drive and/or the consequences of driving while intoxicated.
The statistic that really jumped out at me was the average blood-alcohol percentage found in drivers that were pulled over in Minnesota -- the "average" was high at 0.16!
What do my classmates think about the lowering of the percentage? And how will you change, if anything, what or how you are socializing?
Category "Local News"
August 1, 2005
Limits on student aid
Limits on student aid up for vote
July 30, 2005
Star Tribune
This article talks about a law that has been in effect for five years that is about not allowing students who have been caught with drugs to be able to collect financial aid. These students are still allowed to attend school, but they may not receive financial aid. Each year about 35,000 students are effected by this law. According to the article, "Some opponents also say the current law is discriminatory because most of those convicted on drug charges are members of minority groups or from low-income families." The first offense under this law is loss of aid for a year, second is no aid for two years and after three offenses you lose your aid permanently. If you are caught selling drugs the first offense is no aid for two years and second is no aid permanently.
Before reading this article, I have not heard of this law before. In my opinion I think it is a good law. The students who do not do drugs have a better opportunity to receive more aid. They say that this law effects low income families and minorities, but my argument is if these people are so poor and need the money, then why on earth on they wasting their money on drugs. If you are willing to waste your money on that then you deserve to not get help for your schooling. (This is all my opinion.)
Category "Local News"
July 29, 2005
Impact of smoking bans under scrutiny
A survey results released by an anti-smoking advocacy group show an overwhelming support for a new anti-smoking law that was passed in Hennepin County some time ago. Most businesses are saying that the ban is having economy impact on them. Bar and restaurants owners are saying that, they are losing more customers since the ban when into effect. On the flip side of that, majority of the residents of the county are saying that, they have been going to bars and restaurants as much as often since the bans was passed. However, some cities including: Minneapolis, Golden Valley and Bloomington are saying that if this ban is reverse, it will still be in effect in there areas. The article also talked about how the survey says 87 percent of Hennepin County residents are not making any special trips to patronize those restaurants and bars who allow smoking.
Category "Local News"
Homeland security chief meets with St. Paul officials
On friday, July 22, 2005 the nation chief of homeland security met with officials of St. Paul. The chief urged the citizens of this great state to be vigilant but there was no imminent threat in the state. He went on to say that the state leaders were doing good jobs in keeping the citizens save. On the part of the Major of St. Paul, Randy Kelly who told the homeland Security chief that the city was asking for more than $3 million in federal grants in order to combat terrorism.
Chief Michael Chertoff told the citizen of Minnesota not to avoid Public transportation out of fear. He went on to say that eventhough there was no known threat in the state, but a potential terrorist attack at the Mall of America was a focus of concerned.
The chief also lamented about how the department was also focusing on border security and how a sophisticated tunnel along the U.S. Canadian border was found and appear to have been built to smuggle drugs.
I think the Canadian authorities need to do more work on their side of the border in order to strengthen it. For the past time terrorists have been using Canada to enter the U.S.
sources: mpr.org
Category "Local News"
July 25, 2005
Arsenic in land
Arsenic under study in Phillips neighborhood
July 22, 2005
Startribune
Envirnomentalist will be checking soil from about 600 homes and businesses in the next month for arsenic. They believe the arsenic is from an old pesticide manufacturing company that was running in 1938-1968. They had arsenic in their pesticides to kill grasshoppers. They believe yards got contaminated from the spread of dust by the wind. They have found arsenic in several areas. The project manager, Tim Prendiville, stated "Based on previous sampling, we haven't been able to develop a pattern of contamination, so we figured we'd just go out and sample everybody." "Last year the Envrionmental Protection Agency removed contaminated soil from 30 yards and replaced them with clean dirt and grass."
I am glad that the Environmental Protection Agency is taking charge and is going to check all the soil. It is also nice that they are replacing people's yard with clean dirt and grass.
Category "Local News"
St. Paul neighbors oppose home for single mothers
Star Tribune
June 23, 2005
This was a short article, but I'm glad there was some discussion in class about the topic. I am sure some of you are right that the neighbors are opposing the home for single mothers because of the rich elitist (my words) area they are proposing the home be built. But again, how threatening is a home with mothers and children so the single mothers can attend college?
Even the last paragraph of the article states those that oppose the home will not even meet with anyone from the group 'Jeremiah Project'. In re-reading the article, it appears the residents want the site to be used for senior housing. So they are not opposed to a home being built for a group, but specifically the mothers and their children.
This is more information I found searching the LexisNexis Academic website. The article is dated 4/22/2005 w/ the headline New Place for a new start; The Jeremiah Program in Minneapolis, which helps low-income single moms turn their lives around, is seeking to expand to St. Paul" --
"The Jeremiah Program in St. Paul expects to have room for 40 single mothers and their children when it opens in the fall of 2006. Applications for its Minneapolis site are taken on an ongoing basis. The requirements:
- Low income.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Must be a resident of Minnesota at least 2 years.
- A high school diploma or GED certificate.
- Enrolled in college or training program.
- Children 4 years of age or younger.
- Drug and alcohol use evaluation.
Applications are available by calling the program at 612-259-3006."
I could not locate an article more recent than the June 23 article, but if you find something as follow-up, please respond.
Category "Local News"
July 22, 2005
Immigrants flee to Minnesota,yet still struggle to escape the trauma.
Startribune
Many Liberians survived the civil war at home but they still carry heavy burdens of personal tales that are painful to tell. In Minnesota there are thousands of Liberians who are living with tales of trauma from the violence that devestated their homeland. The center for Victims of Torture is working with $ 125,000 in grant from the Minneapolis Foundation which is creating a network of: Churches , schools, healthcare agencies and social-services workers to watch for symptoms of war trauma to wheel victims toward treatment. I think, such a program will help lots of Liberians especially children who never had childhood to get reintegrated in a normal society. It is tough for so many Liberians for them to be going through a terrible experience especially parents who lost every things including their children. Women were rape before their children and husband. I know friends who lost thier entire family. I sometime wonder how these people will put the broken pieces together.
Category "Local News"
Dental School gives care to migrant workers' children
I thought that light-hearted feel-good journalism might be a refreshing change from the doom and gloom of my usual picks. Here's the link: http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2005/07/20/64798.
Twelve volunteers from the University of Minnesota's dental school, including students and staff, will spend four days examining, drilling and filling the teeth of the children of Olivia's migrant workers. They brought with them an X-ray machine, a portable dental chair and a dental light. "It's basically a dental office that can be packed into a van." says one of the volunteer staff.
The program started nine years ago in 1996 with the organizational efforts of one of the school's dentql professors, Les Martens. He was concerned with the lack of dental care these workers and their families accessed, citing that up to twenty percent of the children that participated in past projects had at least one rotten tooth that had to be pulled. It's good to know that there are people who act for a cause instead of just saying "someone should."
Category "Local News"
July 21, 2005
Teen girl dies due to methadone
Bloomington teen charged in girlfriend's drug death
Star Tribune
July 20, 2005
This is a very sad article. Sherry Thompson, 15 years old, was at her boyfriend's house with some friends using a variety of drugs. They used marijuana, snorted a prozac tablet, experimented with ecstasy, crack cocaine, methadone and had some wine coolers. The next day Thompson was found dead. She died due to an overdose of methadone. Her boyfriend, Daniel Otto who is 16 years old, is now "being charged with third-degree murder because he did not intend to kill his girlfriend when he gave her the drug (methadone). He was also charged with second-degree manslaughter for negligence and creating a level of risk in causing Thompson." They say that Otto will probably be charged in juvenile court, but could be tried as an adult.
I do not really know what to say about this article. It is very sad. I cannot believe that these teenagers used that many drugs in one night. They have a serious drug problem. I only hope that the parents of these teenagers watch their children more carefully and get them the help that they need to stop using drugs.
Category "Local News"
Somali without a home is released
Remember the Somali man without a home who was in jail awaiting deportation? Well, he is a free man for now. Keyse Jama is a Somali man who the U.S. wanted to deport but his home country wouldn't allow him because there is no diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
His odyssey began in a Waseca parking lot in June of 1999. Jama acknowledged that he drank heavily at the time and went into a fight with three other Somali men from opposing clans. He stabbed the men, one in the shoulder, the other in the hand and another in the arm. He pleaded guilty to theird degree assault. The Judge sentenced him to a year and a day in jail for his crime. His crime meant deportation according to immigration officials. Immigration tried to deport Jama to an area of Somalia known as Puntland but Somali officials refused him. When immigration returned him to the U.S., a federal Judge ordered him released, but under his release term he has to check in with immigration authorities every Monday until he is deported.
Eventhough he served his time, but I think they should keep him in jail until his home country can accept his deportation. Jame will be a good example for others who will be planning similar activities. After all this country is law abiding.
Category "Local News"
July 19, 2005
New laws will change your life, if .....
As I said in class, I brought in this article because it referred to some of the articles we had discussed earlier in class, and also when I saw the data that more 5,300 bills were introduced, and only 170 were agreed upon. This was also after we had discussed the partial government shutdown and how unnecessary that really way.
If you read all of the details in this article, you can maybe see why we had to have a partial shut down. Many of the bills are really not, or should not, be necessary for the government to discuss, in my opinion of course. The most ridiculous one I read was that "if you are a kid with an attitude problem, the state wants to set you straight. The new education law urges teachers to promote attentiveness, truthfulness, respect for authority, diligence, gratefulness and patience." So ... you're telling me that these are currently NOT being taught in the classroom (in addition to at home)? Well, that may explain some things going on in society.
And do we really need to know that if you are 'having a romantic interlude in a hot tub on your rental houseboat
As Clancy mentioned, it is fun the way the article itself is written, and of course makes for an easy read.
To read about, how a bill becomes a law in Minnesota, follow this link to the Minnesota State Legislature website: http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/howbill.asp
It shows some examples but also the specific steps needed to go from an idea to the Governor. Also on this website, you can see a list of the proposed bills which includes the body of government, status of the bill, a summary and a long description of each bill.
For your reading enjoyment ....
Category "Local News"
July 18, 2005
West Nile
Star Tribune, July 14
This article was about the first west nile case in Minnesota this year. It happened in Wadena County. This is the peak season for west nile, "from mid-July through mid-Septmeber." "Symptoms can include headache, high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and coma." So far this year there has been 25 cases of the west nile from all over the world and one person did pass away from the west nile. "To prevent infection, use mosquito repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants when outside at dawn and dusk, and elmininating potential mosquito breeding grounds, such as old tires or buckets that collect standing water."
I chose this article because I think that it is important to know the symptoms that could occur (even though headaches and things listed above could mean a variety of illnesses). I also think it is important to know how to eliminate risk from the west nile. I guess one way would be to never step outside for the next few months, but I highly doubt anyone is going to go to that extreme. Remember, empty your buckets and things in your yard that is gathering water.
Category "Local News"
July 15, 2005
Home alone data debatable
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/living/education/12089240.htm
Pioneer Press Sunday, July 10
What do your kids do after school? Do they play sports, or go to a youth program? Do they belong to scouts or 4H? Or do they sit in front of the television, or hang around at the mall with friends? Do they talk to strangers, or use drugs? Many Minnesota parents can’t honestly answer these questions. According to a report conducted by the Minnesota Commission on Out-of-School Time, half of Minnesota kids aren’t part of any structured after school program.
If you’re like most people, you would be in support of the $12 million public-private fund recommended by the commission to make sure our kids aren’t talking to strangers, using drugs or getting into trouble after school. But it seems the commission’s findings aren’t necessarily accurate, and they can’t support their numbers. This inaccurate reporting may jeopardize the funding necessary for the kids who are without structure and supervision after school.
Category "Local News"
Minnesotans for 15 years, they face deportation.
Andrew and Blanka Danecek both are natives of Czech Republic who have lived in the Twin cities for 15 years. The Daneceks came to the United States in 1990 on a humanitarian parole when their son, Chris was diagnosed as having Leukemia.
The Daneceks own a home in Maple Grove and have a 9-year-old daughter born in the Twin cities. Andrew has a good job as a child support officer with the Hennepin county while Blanka happen to be an employee at the TCF Bank. They have built a good life in Minnesota but come Wednesday they both will have to leave the United States. Immigration courts have said that their son Leukemia has been in remission for more than 10-years and therefore, it's time for them to face deportation. One immigration expert said that tougher immigration law passed in 1996, has made it difficult for judges to side with the Daneceks.
Like I said in class, it's a sad story for this family. This immigration law will definitely cause division in the Daneceks' family. What is going to become of their 9-year-old daughter born in the Twin cities? As we all know, the future of every child some how depend on the upbringing on the part of the parent(s). I'm also wondering if immigration will revisit this law some time in the future.
Source: Star Tribune
Category "Local News"
University's Solar Car Ready to Roll
The July 13 Minnesota Daily article announced the completion of Borealis III, the accomplishment of 46 undergraduate students and their sponsors for over a year's work. Borealis III will be participating in this year's North American Solar Challenge, a 2,500-mile race from Austin, Texas, to Calgary, Alberta. This 10-day race begins this Sunday.
Trevre Andrews, the solar car project manager, said that "on a very overcast day, the Borealis III could last for 250 miles at a cruising speed of 50 mph, fueled entirely by its battery. On a very sunny day, the Borealis III is capable of cruising at 60 mph from sunrise to sunset." Andrews also estimates the Borealis III could be capable of reaching up to 90 mph.
The team is confident that they will place high in the race.
This article delineates a perfect example of imagination and technology in fusion. I love scientific inventions. But I also have this guff about studying scientific or technological courses, because I think that we are following others' steps/theories/innovations most of the time. I got frustrated and switched major to arts! This solar car project inspired me, though. Most of the team members are undergraduates, and their passion is going to make a difference in their lives, or may be a huge difference in the world some day.
Category "Local News"
July 13, 2005
Muslims say their employer hasn't made room for prayer.
Celestica inc. is a film in Arden Hills that has been charged by 15 of its employees who happen to be muslims for not allowing them to pray five times a day. They said that the company has terminated them because of their prayer schedules. Muslims are required to pray five times a day at: sun rise, early and late in the afternoon, at sunset and at night. These employees have said that the company is saying that they should pray only during schedule work breaks. But the manager of Celestica inc. said the company has done every thing posible to embrace diversity and has also accomodated religious practics. The manager also said that company has even provided a special prayer room for Arden Hills employees. The manager went on to say that the company has not violated any laws.
Meanwhile, most of the employees who happen to be Somali are asking the company to change its policy to respect religious and also reinstate those that were fire.
What I don't comprehend is that Muslim countries do not make room for christians in a similar situations like this so why should they demand for one.
Source: Star Tribune.
Category "Local News"
July 12, 2005
Sports facilities might sell alcohol in club rooms
Before I read this rather short article, the title alone shocked me. Maybe it was because I thought that while on University property attending University events, there was a no alchohol ban - no drinking or serving alcohol on U. property.
Then I see from the article alcohol is already served -- free -- in the club room. University officials now want to start charging for the beer and wine since the budget is so tight. They need to make up some of the money shortage, and they see this as one way to make up some of the shortage.
The suggested change would have to require the Board of Regents and State Legislature approval, similar to what they had to do in Northrop in order to see wine during intermission during those events.
I'd say go ahead an start charging! Everywhere else the sports fans would go on campus would require them to pay for their liquor. Maybe it would slow down the heavy drinkers if they had to pay for the beverages.
I know our class also discussed whether or not liquor, or at least beer and wine, should be served in other University locations, such as Coffman Union. One of our classmates suggested that the Union isn't being utilized as fully as it could be and maybe this is one way to bring in more of the student population. Although the non-drinkers and religious conservatives would probably start petitions ...
Category "Local News"
Crookston campus
U will keep outstate campus
July 8, 2005 Star Tribune
This article talks about the a chance for the Crookston campus to close. President Robert Brunicks has stated that he will keep the campus open. Reasons for keeping this campus open is because of "heavy investment the university has made in the campus, historic duty to serve the entire stated, and because of it's important agricultural research station." He stated that they will have to "strengthen our presence."
Reasons for perhaps closing the campus are: smallest campus in the unviersity system, only 1,200 full time students, in the past 4 years the applications to attend this school have dropped by 30%, they have more part time students, on average only 37% of students get a degree in six years.
I decided on this article because I never realized this campus was so small. I also did not know that were talks about closing this university down. I just thought it was a very interesting article. I do not know how I feel about keeping it open or closing it because I still do not know enough about this topic to make an accurate decision. What are your thoughts??
Category "Local News"
July 2, 2005
Sex offenders fine anonymity in Minnesota state law
Since 1997, the Minnesota's sex offender notification law has been effective. According to this law, it means when sex offenders are release from a Minnesota's prison, the state assign a risk level and the public is immediately notify especially if the sex offender is level 3 which is consider dangerous.
Prior to this law, an estimate of 12,000 sex offenders have been released and with no risk level assigned. Some are consider dangerous to socity, but even as that they must remain anonymous under Minnesota law.
I think the state law should be revisited in order to notify the public about those anonymous sex offenders. It's dangerous to live side by side with these people with out any public notification.
According to the article, some residents are saying it's unfair to notify the public because housing will become a serious issue, nobody will want to live next to them. Besides, who's going to hire them if they are not given the opportunity to succeed.
source: www.mpr.org
Category "Local News"
June 30, 2005
Time for a Metrowide Police Force
This article discusses the fact that between downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America, it is possible for you to observe seven different policing agencies. Those seven agencies serve two cities with a total population of $467,790 (2000 Census). Compare that to one police agency serving the entire New York City area with a population of 8 million!
This means we are paying for seven top administrators, seven communications systems, seven procedures manuals, seven payroll departments, etc. etc. etc.
In addition, each suburb surround the Minnapolis area has its own policing agency and systems!
The article suggests, and I agree that we should at least consider this idea, that if we combined the seven agencies into one, or even two, we would save money and actually put more officers on the street protecting and serving the population.
Someone mentioned, I think it was Matt, that there are different laws in Minneapolis and Bloomington and it may be more costly to put one agency into affect and we should leave it as is. I am suggesting, that based on the fact the the MN state government can't figure out our budget and are making cuts left and right (no pun intended!) this idea should at least be considered. I wonder how much it costs to run each of the seven agencies? Couldn't we wiser about this?
I like how the article includes these examples: "do car vandals near 50th and France target cars parked only in the Edina side?" or "if I am a gang member selling drugs in Brooklyn Center do I refuse to sell drugs in Brooklyn Park?" In other words, crime doesn't obey the boundaries, why should the policing agencies?
What does everyone else think about this idea?
Category "Local News"
June 29, 2005
Budget problems aren't a walk in the park
Those of us who have been following the on going budget negotiation at the state capital know that it's not a walk in the park for the lawmakers and the governor (Pawlenty). If there is no resolution to the budget problem, it means that there will be no walk in the park beginning July 1. State parks fall into one of those categories of government that will be shutdown.
If there is a possible government shutdown, about 16,ooo state employees could lose their jobs. Hence, the workers are not the only ones who stand the chance of losing income, the state will also be losing more than $800,000 in revenues. Residents and visitors who use the park for camping and other recreations will also suffer a set back.
Like I said in class, politians are not to be trusted. They always allow their interest to exceed the interest of the very people who they claim they are working for.mpr
Category "Local News"
June 28, 2005
Profits and poodles: the story of a corporate tax loophole
On June 24, 2005, there was an article on the Minnesota Public Radio website entitled “Profits and poodles: the story of a corporate tax loophole.” The article talked about a Minnesota Supreme Court ruling this month that makes it easier for a business to protect income that have operations in foreign counties. This ruling is based on a law that passed in 1988, which said if a business has the bulk of your foreign operations overseas then the State would only tax the business 20 percent on the foreign income. The purpose of this law was to encourage business to broaden to overseas markets by making it cheaper to do so. The issue at hand with the recent court ruling is that it is even more lenient. Under the new ruling, a company could set up PICs or Passive Investment Corporations, which can set up just to avoid taxes and it is legal.
“The Minnesota Camber of Commerce supports a Pawlenty administration proposal to make sure subsidiaries don’t get the tax break unless they have a certain amount of property and payroll abroad.”
I feel that this article is a good example of ethics in business. This issue falls right between being illegal and free will to do what ever. In my opinion I don’t think that anyone with a business should be able to avoid State taxes by making up a fake company in another county. At the same time, though if I owned a business I am sure how I would feel.
Category "Local News"
Does Race Matter in Biomedical Research?
This is an old Forum piece, but I still wanted to post it: In Heart pill for blacks nears FDA approval, Glenn Howatt reports that the FDA is close to approving BiDil®, the first race-based drug for heart failure, which is actually a combination of two drugs, both of which are available in generic form. I attended a conference here at the U last spring, Proposals for the Responsible Use of Racial and Ethnic Categories in Biomedical Research, held at the Law School. I posted about the conference on my blog, and in that post, I describe the crux of the dilemma of whether or not to use racial and ethnic categories in biomedical research:
One thing that wasn't on the 'net when I first posted my notes from the conference but is up now: videos of the presentations! I think it's great that they are making these presentations publicly available. Score one for public understanding of science.Basically the conference's discussion centered on a specific dilemma: Race is, many scientists argue, a biologically meaningless category (though some, including those who have a stake in BiDil, would disagree); therefore, it shouldn't be used as a category in biomedical research. Using it brings associations with biological determinism and perhaps eugenics-tinged value judgments based on racist ideologies. Plus, attributing medical conditions to race ignores a host of other factors, including location; as Morris Foster argued in his talk, participants in studies are often aggregated by race in order to make statistically significant claims, but location plays a critical role in one's health. Isn't it possible, Foster asked, that the people living in one's same town -- whether they're the same race or not -- the people one interacts with on a daily basis, have more of an effect on one's health than people of the same race who live 1000 miles away? (Especially given environmental toxins, epidemics of infectious disease, etc.) Foster supports his arguments with data from a study he's doing on three rural African American communities in Oklahoma and three local tribal communities in Oklahoma.
However, in a racist society with clear disparities in wealth that are closely correlated with race, race can't be dismissed entirely. African Americans and whites do not have equal access to health care (this includes referrals to specialists, health insurance, expensive prescription drugs, etc.), and if you do look at health problems by race, the social context of health and disease is revealed, and as common sense would tell us, there's far more to health than genetics. As Dorothy Roberts argued, reducing health to genetics and looking for a solution in a pill (which not everyone could afford) lets the state off the hook. There are good reasons, from a social responsibility/public policy standpoint, to keep racial and ethnic categories in biomedical research.
Related: a three-part series in the Washington Post on racial and cultural diversity and mental health:
Registration required, but you should be able to use BugMeNot to bypass it.
Category "Local News"
June 27, 2005
Cities get more power to seize homes
Star Tribune Washington Bureau
This article was announcing a new, sharply divided Supreme Court ruling that extended the eminent domain powers and is considered a victory for city planners and local officals (5-4 ruling). Clancy mentioned this ruling has been around for some time, but now local governments can condem private property and convert it to a more profitable use -- however that is defined.
Ryan had read the article and had good input and knowledge abou the subject, as he readily knew it was a new Supreme Court ruling. The article further stated that now based on this ruling that every house in the U.S. is for sale, whether you know or want it.
A specific case mentioned in that properties can now be condemned by their local government for 'public purposes' or if the property promises a 'public benefit'. One side of the argument is that you can create better economic development by building racetracks, manufacturing plants, etc. thereby employing more persons in the local area. Again I see this ruling as a warning to working-class middle America as it seems to be focused on this particular group.
Another point made in the article is that those who will benefit most are again, citizens that already have the influence and power in the political arena -- including large corporations and development firms.
A local example included that in 2002 the Minneapolis Community Development Agency (MCDA) threatened to condem a 3-acre site so a privately owned housing development could be built. Rather than have his property condemn,ed the owner gave in and sold his property.
What do you think about this new ruling? And what about the previous ruling that suggested "promoting economic development is a traditional and long accepted function of the government?"
Category "Local News"
June 25, 2005
U, Belgium Form Stem Cell Partnership
Last Thursday, June 18, 2005, the University of Minnesota and the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium signed a ceremonial agreement to develop joint and collaborating stem cell institutes. The Minnesota Daily article briefly mentioned the general direction of stem cell research, which "will change the whole field of medicine because we're moving to regenerative medicine instead of transplanting new organs." Dr. Marc Boogaerts, vice dean of clinical affairs at the Universtiy of Leuven, commented on the collaboration of the two universities that "exchange of information is of the utmost importance in present day medicine...By talking to people you will gain time, without a doubt."
The group discussion concluded the article with a main concern, what is stem cell research? While this "medical" advancement comes under lots of media attention, how much do we know about it? We wondered if the term "stem cell" inclusively means all studies from to DNA mapping to human cloning.
Category "Local News"
Cold Weather Rule
Attorney General steps up for those left out in the cold
Attorney General Mike Hatch seeks to impose a five million dollar fine on Center Point Energy, accusing the power company of violating the state’s cold weather rule by leaving over two thousand of its customers without heat last winter. The cold weather rule is designed for those suffering financial hardships to apply for government funds to help them cover their utility bills. People applying for the aid must provide proof of income and/or disability. Once approved, the government covers all or a portion of the consumer’s utilities and the customer agrees to a payment plan. Hatch alleges that for thousands of these customers in need, Center Point took the money and ran.
The cold weather rule is an important law to have in place. For some of the elderly, disabled, or those who have children with medical needs, the peace of mind that comes with knowing that there will be heat or air conditioning, electricity and water is invaluable. One such person featured in this article is Rebekah miller. Rebekah applied and qualified for assistance under the cold weather rule in October of 2004 for her past due bills, but her heat wasn’t turned back on for two months. The pipes in Rebekah’s mobile home froze and she had no running water. She can’t afford to repair the damage, nor can she occupy her home or even sell it, but she still has to make the payments on it. Hatch wants Center Point to reimburse customers for damages caused by their delay in returning heat to cold weather rule customers.
Category "Local News"
June 24, 2005
Grant for Nursing Program
12 US nursing school received a grant from the department of labor. The grant is worth $ 12 million total, and 230 universities in the country applied for it, but the University of Minnesota was not one of the applicants. Each year, 1,1000 qualified nursing school applicants are turned away nationwide, because of a significant shortage in nusring school faculties since 2000. This trend would result in a 20 percent shortage in the number of nurses that is needed for the country's health system by 2010, according to the American Medical Association. Three factors contribute to the shortage in nursing faculty members, explained Joanne Disch, interim dean of the U's Nursing School and director of the leadership center. First of all, most nursing schools do not have enough teaching faculties to accomodate the explosion of people interested in pursuing the career; nurses make more money in a clinical setting than teaching; and finally, the average faculty members are in their 50's and will be retiring in the next 10 years. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, one of the recipients of the grant, plans to use the money to shorten the training period for nurse educators by 18 months to 24 months, and would also make it easier for people with associate degree in nursing or balchelor's degrees in other fields to get their master's in nursing.
This article caught my attention after hearing much about the brutal process of applying for nursing schools. After all, the reason of rejection is not that you are not good enough, but the schools simply cannot attract enough people into teaching. Our group talked about the social impact of nursing faculty shortage. The country has been generously investing in culturally expensive researches, such as the NASA, so as the U's attempt to becoming one of the most prestigious research insititute; yet, we are ignoring the basic need for the country's health system.
Category "Local News"
Get well soon.... That'll be 5 bucks
The decision by United Hospital to start charging 5 dollars fee for the delivery of flower is a serious issue not only for florists, but it should also be an issue of concern for everbody in the state.
United Hospital officials send letters out to florists requesting a $5 fee for the arrangements of flower deliver each month at the hospital. The hospital officials said the new fee will serve as a compensation for volunteers who supervise and deliver the flower to the patient room. According to the hospital, each month about 600 flowers are arrange and deliver to the patient room which is costly for them.
On the part of local florists, they said they will pass onto the customers the extra cost. Some local florists officials said that any thing that deter people from sending flower to love ones in hospital will be troubling because studies have shown positively that flowers can have an impact on people.
Another point that was brought forth by the hospital authority is that many of their paid employees do take responsibility in making sure that flowers are deliver by volunteers. One official said for many years they have absorbed the cost and now it's time for paid back in order to run that department. The official went on to say that when flowers get lost, they replace them and also they get to finish the job of local florists by making the final delivery to the patient room.
startribune
Category "Local News"
Identify theft is crossing state lines
Star Tribune
Published June 19, 2005
By: Chris Welsch
This article is about identity theft, not only the typical use to make fraudulent charges or withdrawals, but identity theft is now being associated with other crimes - from drug dealing or large scale fraud. The charges leave the innocent person's name on the arrest warrant and you can be stopped at any time, almost anywhere, finding you're in a position to prove your innocence. You are guilty of this crime until you can prove otherwise!
Currently there are at least one million people in this position. The article states that 9.9 million American s had been a victim of identity theft in 2002, four percent associated with more serious problems -- crimes had been commited in their names.... 400,000 people per year.
Ohio, Virginia and California have created a special program called the "passport" program for residents who are identity theft victims, able to prove their innocence readily. Minnesota does not have such a program.
In our group discussion, Shannon felt like this was like a lottery or a case of bad luck and didn't think we could do much about it until it happens to us. Ryan discussed how the thieves are now more like middle men -- selling the stolen information very quickly, thus making it almost impossible to find the thief.
Based on the increased sophistication of of these thieves and of the criminal databases, I think Minnesota should research the idea and programs other states have put into effect. How would you like to be detained by a customs agent finding yourself in a predicament where you would have to prove your innocence before being let go .....
Category "Local News"
June 22, 2005
Government shutdown: A dire picture
Government shutdown: A dire picture
This article explained services that would be shut downed if the government does not reach an agreement. One service they talked about was highway construction. The article stated that "175 major highway construction projects would be suspended." Also, thousands of employees could be laid off. The Stillwater lift bridge would have to left up so boats can still get through and that would leave 12,000 vehicles to find a new route because they could not use the bridge. They did say that they would work to maintain services in healthy and safety. Also, 88 rest areas would be closed and safety inspections on gas pipelines would be limited. Also, people would not be able to get new driver licenses and about 48,000 cards go through a month. These are just some of the things stated.
Our group had two different views going. One was that it is wrong to do this just to scare people. Like people who would be laid off, that is not a joking matter, ecspecially if you have a family to feed. The other view was that maybe it is necessary to scare people so then hopefully it will push for an agreement to happen. We also were wondering who was coming up with what would be closing and staying open because we thought that they should be spending their time on coming up with an agreement, rather than figuring out something that hasn't happened and can be prevented from happening as well.
Category "Local News"
Student loan rates set to make highest one-year increase
June 15, 2005 Issue of The Minnesota Daily
Student loan rates set to make highest one-year increase
In the recent issue of The Minnesota Daily, there was an interesting article that affects me and my of my fellow students that have financed their college educations. The article talked about how the Federal Government is going to raise interest rates on July 1st. This is not a new practice but the interest rate has never been raised so drastically. Currently the interest rate is 2.77 percent when you are in school and 3.37 percent once you are out of school and the six-month grace period is over. After July 1st the rate will jump to 4.7 percent when you are in school and to 5.3 percent when you get done. Just for an example say that you had $20,000 in student loans and you plan to pay the loan back in 10 years. With the increased interest rate, the loan would cost you $33,939 with monthly payments of $215 a month. At the current interest rate loan would cost you $31,971 with monthly payments of $210. By consolidating now, you could save yourself $2000. That is a pretty good deal.
I our group my fellow group members were either unaware that the interest rates were rising or did not know exactly how to go about getting their loans consolidated. If you follow this link, you can find out some more information but you better hurry up July 1st is rapidly approaching.
Category "Local News"
June 21, 2005
GOING GREEN
Article Title
"Housing developers looking for a competitive edge are going green"
Printed In
Star Tribune Sunday, June 20, 2005 Money and Business By Jim Buchta
Everyday at work I deal with Electronics and Appliances that are Energy Star Rated. Energy Star rated Electronics and Appliances are units that use under a specific amount of that is determined by the government. Recently I read the article cited above and it talked about how developers are using Energy Star rated appliances and other ecofriendly options to gain an edge over the competition. The article goes over several different ways that developers are accomplishing this. These include programmable thermostats, Energy Star appliances, recycled cabinets, low flow faucets, energy efficient lighting, steel countertops, bamboo flooring, and recycled sheetrock.
I found these new solutions interesting but at the same time became discouraged as I read the article further. The article said that many people are unwilling to pay any extra money to purchase the items mentioned and that in most cases buyers would rather spend the extra money on exotic wood floors, and larger living spaces than for less visible improvements.
It did note however that there are many more options as time progresses and that many of these options are being more reasonably priced. Lastly the article noted that there needs to a better way to measure how each builder is meeting the energy codes. The question is whether or not you are builiding an energy efficient home when you are barely meeting the energy guidline codes set forth by Minnesota. You would however be breaking the law if you didn't meet the code.
Best quote in article, Colleen Carey "It's like saying we want more fuel efficient cars, but we buy SUVs."
Category "Local News"
Shutdown talk picks up
Mark Brunswick and Conrad Defiebre
Star Tribune
Published June 16, 2005
This article appealed to me as a state government shutdown, in my opinion, should not be needed and the threat of a shutdown should not be used as a scare tactic. Also, it will effect the taxpayers, consumers, state employees (virtually everyone).
The article discusses what government services will be shut down as of July 1, what mandatory services would continue, and steps that some are taking to try and either extend the July 1 deadline or divert the partial shutdown. Attorney General Mike Hatch filed court papers asking a court to decide which functions are essential and the hearing is scheduled for June 29. The agencies that have not been funded and would be affected include human services and health, among others.
If the shutdown extends beyond July 14, 15,700 state employees would be defined as noncritical and laid off; if the state were forced to pay out sick leave, vacation time etc. it would cost the state an additional $380 million. Now that makes sense to me to add millions more of a payout to a budget that cannot even be approved or balanced.
Now all of this because a group of individuals cannot work together and come to compromises for the people of Minnesota? What do we pay the politicians to do? There are also individuals and political parties blaming each other and suggesting the possible shutdown is a good political strategy. I don't know what you (my classmates) think about this article and the idea there may be a partial government shutdown.
I worry about the human services and health sectors losing out even more, not to mention some aid to cities and counties and some school districts that would also be affected. What do you think about the possible shutdown?
Category "Local News"
June 20, 2005
Beef processors
Minnesota, Wisconsin beef processors to merge
This article is from the Star Tribune, June 16 paper. It explains how two beef processing companies are merging together to hopefully strengthen against their competition. The companies merging together are Rosen Meat Group (Minnesota) and American Foods Group, Inc. (Wisconsin). The new location will be located in Minnesota near Rosen's Long Prairie packing plant and will be called American Foods Group. One of the owners stated, "Together as one company, we can offer a wide variety of products and services to our customers and provide more growth opportunities for our employees and their communities." They are also hoping because the beef industry has been suffereing for a while that this will help prevent layoffs for their employees and hopefully create opportunities to move up in the company. They also want to do this before the Canadian border and international markets open up.
Our group discussed this and we thought that it was a good idea that they are combining and that it will help strengthen their market. We also talked about how we would rather buy from a market that is local or in the United States rather than in an international country. We also would prefer to buy locally because then you have a better chance to know how the animals are treated.
Category "Local News"
June 18, 2005
Wal-Mart Wants Your Job
On 03/17/04 the City Pages included an article entitled "Wal-Mart Wants Your Job." The article was written by Paul Demko and can be found by clicking on the link below.
Be prepared for the article to be a little bit lengthy. It is a full 7 pages long but you should find the article to be quite interesting and well worth your time. It may even give you a new perspective and thought on big business.
City Pages (Wal-Mart Wants Your Job)
I am simply going to give a brief overview of the article and cite a few specific examples contained in the article.
The article starts out by setting a rather happy picture of the grand opening of a new Wal-Mart store. It talks of the great deals available on Chips Ahoy cookies and Angel Soft toilet paper. Paul tells of the contributions Wal-Mart is making for the community in the amount $24,000. The article then takes a dramatic turn and talks of the not so glorious aspects of the retailer. Much of the article deals with the new urban expansion of the retailer and the negative aspects it may have on the surrounding businesses. Not only that, it also discusses whether or not Wal-Mart is treating its employees properly. Much of the information comes from talks with Labor unions. These unions feel that Wal-Mart offers low wages, and a union busting demeanor. It is an article that makes you think, and I believe that is what sets apart articles that are good and bad.
Here are a few quick excerpts taken from the article
“The contributions total $24,000-or roughly the amount Wal-Mart takes in every three seconds.”
“There are roughly 3,500 Wal-Mart stores across the country-more than twice as many as those of its closest competitor, Target Corporation-with new stores launching at a rate of nearly one per day.”
“Wal-Mart is now responsible for 2.3 percent of the country’s gross national product, a figure approaching the dominance of U.S. Steel during World War I and General Motors in the 1950’s.”
“It’s estimated that 80 percent of the company’s products are now manufactured in China, accounting for one-eighth of the U.S.’s trade with the country. In the last three years, the U.S. has lost more than 2.8 million manufacturing jobs.”
Now I am not one that thinks Wal-Mart is a retailer that is going to be the demise of the American people. I do however; feel that many of the tactics Wal-Mart is using are entirely unethical and uncalled for. It can be cited that mom and pop stores go out of business due to mismanagement and other such factors which many times I will totally agree with. However, it can also be cited that many mom and pop stores go out of business because they are not willing to pay there employees less than they are worth or treat others like dirt to turn a profit.
There was an excellent report on dateline on 06/17/05 on the garment market in Bangladesh. In the report one of the people interviewed made about 17 cents an hour. They brought the worker to the U.S. found the pants she sewed and they were about $12.50.
Where did they find the pants? Wal-Mart. Sounds fair doesn’t. What if the products you made somewhere else sold for that type of markup?
Non-Scientific Math
Say you make $10.00 per hour
The pants you make would sell for $735.29
NO Benefits/Healthcare
Category "Local News"
June 17, 2005
First Somali Med school grad from U of M
Unfortunately the article I chose isn’t about a controversial issue, but rather a human interest story, so it doesn’t invite a lot of discussion. However, there are some important points to be made about the University’s first Somali medical school graduate, not the least of which is to commend his tenacity.
Mohamed Ibrahim worked full time as an RN to support his wife and kids while he went to medical school. That sounds pretty tiring to me, but I speculate that to Ibrahim it was a piece of cake after surviving the violence in his homeland and the arduous journey to America.
I imagine another Somalian will soon graduate from the University’s medical school, after having endured an equally treacherous beginning. I was surprised to read that Ibrahim is the first Somali graduate from the U’s medical school. As stated in the article, “He was also attracted to the Twin Cities because of the large Somali population…” (MN Daily, June 8 2005). The Twin Cities does have one of the largest Somali populations in the country, which makes one wonder why only one Somalian has graduated from medical school here. Our group speculated that part of the reason could be because of the Somali culture itself. Somali women don’t traditionally earn college degrees, which excludes a large portion of the Twin Cities’ Somali population from attending college, let alone medical school.
There are, of course, other obstacles, but Mohamed Ibrahim seems to have found a way around them.
Category "Local News"
How Much is Too Much?
A giant development in sleepy Hiawatha sparks new debate on the city's rapid grows
This article addressed the issue of land development and the impact that it has on the neighborhoods that affected by it. The focus of this article is on Paul Klodt, who is a big real-estate developer in the Twin Cities area. Paul plans to turn a former factory at 44th and Snelling Avenue in the Hiawatha neighborhood into a 245-unit apartment building. The reason for selecting this site is that the proposed building will be within walking distance to the 46th Street LRT station.
People that live in the Hiawatha neighborhood are against the project because they feel that it will cause parking and traffic issues in their now quite neighborhood. Many residents feel that neighborhood planning has taken a backseat when it comes to new construction projects. Currently, as long and the developer gets proper permits and acquires the building site they can build whatever they want. Many residents feel that this is unfair and they should have some say in new developments.
In our group discussion, we all agreed that building a 245 unit building is going to cause parking and traffic problems. One possible solution that we came up with was to have Paul Klodt build a special parking ramp for the building. Since, the building is near the LTR and many people work Downtown traffic problems may not be as sever as the residents of the Hiawatha neighborhood fear. I feel that the people of the neighborhood should have some say in what happens to their neighborhood but at the same time, I do not think that they have the right to put up a bunch of bureaucracy just to block construction.
Category "Local News"
Local Somali man waits in limbo for deportation.
Keyse Jama is a local Somali man who was involved in a fought with three men from different clans in Somali. It all happen in June of 1999 in a parking lot in Waseca. According to police reports, he stabbed these men, one in the head, the others in the shoulder and arm. He pleaded guilty to third degree assault. He has been in jail for years. The U.S. government said his crime has qualify him for deportation. The government wants to deport him but his home country(Somali) wouldn't accept him. Right now there is no diplomatic relationship between the two countries because Somali lack a functioning government. Therefore, he remains in jail until his case can be decided.
Looking at the complexity of this case it was little more difficult for my group to come up with a thoughtful decisions. But there were questions asked as to why his home country couldn't accept him since infact he is not a U.S. citizen. www.mpr.com
Category "Local News"
Flag at Half-staff
State's Flags At Half-staff A Whole Lot
Flags flying at half-staff always catch people's eyes, especially when that had happened 17 times since the beginning of the year. The tradition of lowering the flag to honor the dead started at the 17th century on the British ships. In the US, the president and state governors are the only authorized personal to give official orders to lower the flag, according to the point person on flag etiquette Mike Buss. In recent years, the act was mostly used to honor presidents, high-ranking government officers, war dead, public figures, and world leaders. In August 2004, a new bill was passed that mandates lowering the flags at the Capitol complex any time a Minnesota service person or public safety officer dies in the line of duty. Since January, Gov. Pawlenty directed the lowering the flag to half mast 15 times, while President Bush ordered it for the tsunami victims and the pope.
I agree with my group members who have already posted that the discussion was great. Everyone has something to offer.
Lowering the flag to half-staff to show a nation in mourning seems appropriate, but I would like to know that is for. I am also a big fan of of the August bill. Since most people do not fight wars out of hatred to other countries but for their patriotism, i assume, it would be the government's obligation to acknowledge their sacrifice. I have no interest whatsoever in hearing news about the war, but seeing the flag being lowered week after week really do whet my anti-war ego.
The article also talked about the Packers flying the flag at half-staff for Reggie White's death, and a police department lowering its US flag for a police dog. Come on, does that require national attention?!
Category "Local News"
Higher-Education Bill Provision
The article I selected was from the June 8th, 2005 Daily.
When the higher-education bill was signed at the end of May, many deaf students had easier access to higer education at the University and other state colleges and universities. Deaf and hard-of-hearing students who receive state or federal Pell grants are entitled to full tuition and fees coverage at the University. The article also reported that blind students have been eligible for tuition waivers at the University since the 1930s.
We had a good start to our group discussion. Everyone went around and discussed his/her article. It was interesting that during the group discussion one of the first things Debbie asked was, “Did you select it because it made you mad?” It was interesting that the group could almost see how I felt about the article after I had just finished summarizing it. While on the outset I was initially upset about the article I thought about it more and realized after we were discussing the article in our group why I felt that way. I am not opposed in any way to equal access to higher education by anyone. If this was a blanket-coverage provision that offers free tuition to any deaf student it would be a different story but this applies only to students who are already in financial need. One of the things during our group discussion that I was extremely pleased with was that everyone contributed! We didn’t have anyone who sat back and was quiet and only offered a few words. Everyone had plenty to say!
Category "Local News"
June 16, 2005
Export process causes debate
A proposed law would require some students to apply for export licenses
This article focuses on a report issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce about current security measures related to the transferring of technology to foreign nations. A proposed law would require foreign students from certain countries to have to apply for perhaps hundreds of export licenses just to use the same equipment, computer software and any other technology used by both the military and civilians (read 'anything') while studying at a U.S. college or university.
The point that really got to me was the Minnesota State Department can put this law into effect without congressional approval at any time! The article also seems to focus negatively on one group -- foreign students -- who already have a tough time coming to the U.S. to study, not only the costs involved but many other roadblocks associate with travel and their culture.
Our small group was very interactive and we all agreed that this is a very extreme measure and is not fair. If there is a problem with one person, that person should be scrutinized, not an entire country or countries. We all thought the idea was ridiculous and would definitely decrease the number of international students enrolling at the University. All this at a time that the U of MN wants to be one of the top three research institutions. It would be to our competitive advantage to recruit and retain the best and brightest students regardless of their homeland. If foreign students are already allowed into the U.S. they should have the same rights as other college students related to the technology needed to pursue their education.
I wonder how well known this proposed law is to the general public and the university community at-large, or is a government unit trying to get the law passed quietly and quickly to then boast that further measures have been taken to keep the American citizens safe...
Category "Local News"
June 15, 2005
Speed limits enforced in Minnesota
“Metro area speed enforcement crackdown launched”
This article explained how agencies are going to become stricter with speed limits on the road. The article stated that most agencies allow motorists to go about 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. If they were over this, they usually pulled them over. They have decided to become stricter now with speeding because statistics shows that summer is the most dangerous time for accidents when it comes to speeding. “From 1999 to 2003, illegal or unsafe speed contributed to 875 deaths on Minnesota roads, costing the state an estimated $891 million, according to the department of public safety” (Associated Press). There is currently about 42 states that will not pull vehicles over if they are under 10 miles per hour that is posted.
Our group had a great discussion. We talked about how many of us go over the posted speed limit. We also discussed how it may upset some people about the stricter law, but those who have lost someone due to a speeding driver would feel different. One thing we talked about is how people speed up at stop light to make the light before it turns red. Now, at some lights they have signs posted and when the signs start to flash lights, then that means you will not have time to make it through the light.
Category "Local News"
June 13, 2005
Minnesota's Proposed Dream Act
According to a recent story in the Minnesota Daily, the state legislature proposed a bundle of higher education reforms. Not all the reform measures are covered in this article; instead, it focuses on the Dream Act, which would allow students who have lived in Minnesota for at least three years and who have graduated from a high school in Minnesota to attend public universities in Minnesota, pay the in-state rate on tuition, and be eligible for financial aid.
First off, I'm not sure just from this story in the Daily what exactly the law says; I tend to be a skeptical reader, so I'm not willing to say for sure whether or not the author's representation of it is accurate. If it is, though, apparently people who oppose the Dream Act do so on the grounds that it presents a conflict of interest with federal immigration law, which, as Pawlenty's press secretary said, "'prohibits states from treating noncitizens different from citizens of other states.'"
But State Senator Sandra Pappas disagrees that that the two are incompatible, and she says -- and this is why I brought the article to class -- “'These kids have played by the rules, they’ve studied hard, they’ve gotten good grades and they have a right to an education.'” It's a classic public ethics issue. One side argues that the students have a right to an education (and by implication, that the government should assist by making it easier on them financially). The other side argues that it's unfair to students from surrounding states who are U.S. citizens. One group's rights are in conflict with another group's. Also, notice the name of the act: the Dream Act. The authors of the proposed law chose it deliberately; it evokes "the American Dream," plus it sounds pretty bad to be anti-Dream, doesn't it?
In class, several people mentioned that there are reciprocity agreements that provide tuition breaks for students from some states, which surely ought to factor into any decision made about the Dream Act. Any other thoughts about the Dream Act? Please leave comments under this post if you have them!