The current state of the economy has distracted the media from the ongoing war, but young people can't afford to forget about the war's role in worsening this crisis. In 2003, top Bush administration budget officials predicted that the war would cost anywhere between $50 billion and $60 billion. Five years later, estimates show that we've spent upwards of $560 billion. Despite all this spending, the federal government continues to overlook the mental and physical health of our veterans.... Read More

CLIMATE CHANGE UPDATES

Our current economic policy based on accumulating debt to be thrust on future generations to pay has finally collapsed, threatening to leave millions in poverty and without safe employment. The only solution that our government could come up with was to pay a random amount of money, 'a large number,' to the same corporations that got us into this mess while doing nothing to help everyday Americans. Does this remind you of something? If you are thinking about the climate crisis, you are correct.... Read More

COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY UPDATES

The big news this month is, of course, the global economic crisis. Unsurprisingly, neither colleges nor students are immune. While low housing and stock prices present some long-term opportunities for young people, fewer families will be able to help their kids pay their tuition and textbook bills. More and more students are applying for federal student aid and even utilizing food assistance programs as tuition costs rise and the economy falters, and those who have or will soon leave school face a harsh, unforgiving job market. Increased demand for federal aid is one of the factors that led to a $6 billion Pell Grant budget deficit.... Read More

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION UPDATES

With less than a month left until the election, tension is high in states with anti-affirmative action initiatives on their ballots. In Denver, the Coloradans for Equal Opportunity filed a lawsuit against the Colorado Secretary of State's office. The suit claims that more than 5,000 signatures were rejected unreasonably and thwarted the group's goal of getting Initiative 82 on the ballot this November. The initiative would have provided a counterpoint to Amendment 46 would which eliminate all of the state's equal opportunity programs in higher education and employment.... Read More

STUDENT PROFILE

Artair Rogers
University of Mississippi
Senior Biology Major

A former Campus Progress intern and now a Campus Progress student representative, Artair helped organize the student events during the first presidential debate at the University of Mississippi.

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