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- Owensboro, Kentucky 42301
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In This Issue
Prepared for college, prepared for life?
Remedial programs, higher expectations and creative partnerships key to education gains in Owensboro-Daviess County
As business leaders express dismay that the U.S. workforce is losing its competitive edge in technology and the sciences, increasing numbers of educators and concerned citizens point an accusing finger at American high schools. Scores on the federal government’s report card for public schools, the National Assessment of Educational Progress or NAEP, show that American students make rapid gains in elementary school, slow a bit in middle school and stall in senior high.
From my perspective:
A lot of people want me to stop smoking cigarettes. My mother would like for me to stop (although she says little about it) because, I suspect, she would like to think I will live at least as long as she has. She just turned 80, and never smoked cigarettes herself. She has been exposed over the long-term to secondhand smoke generated by my father, my grandfather, my step-father, and until recently, me. I don’t smoke in the house anymore.
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Framing the Issue: Local tax structure has many inequities There are differences in government services from one area to another, but most people do not notice the difference. Is such a disparity justified? Is this right? Is this fair? |
Helping the poor and ramifications of minimum wage mandates
The Kentucky General Assembly recently considered raising the state’s minimum wage from the current $5.15 to $6 this year and $6.50 next year, but some economists say that’s not the best way to help low-income families and individuals. Poverty should be attacked from various angles, they say, including higher wages, the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and support services.
Editor's Notes:
Public is largely uninformed about local governments and school systems
As the city-county government unification task force prepares its March 20 final report, some members are perplexed that the public has shown little interest in its work. Only a handful of non-members attended any of the bi-weekly open meetings since the group was named more than a year ago.
Citizens Speak: Leaders Respond
Forum participants share views about the state budget
About the Publication
The Public Life Advocate, published bi-monthly, is committed to be a trusted resource of information and analysis of public concerns and community issues. The Advocate is a community-driven publication, grounded in a commitment to be "of the people, by the people, and for the people."
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