http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/school-kids-s5.jpgState drops from 2nd best to 9th worst in the nation. Drop in ACT scores is particularly concerning given Wisconsin’s ongoing economic challenges, workforce shortages and shrinking middle class.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/capitol-night-wisc-s5.jpgAs the Republican leadership in Madison rush to move complex and controversial bills through the legislative process, legislators and the public don’t have access to changes in proposals offered until just before committee hearings. Thoughtful and meaning dialog on the impact of complex legislation is compromised when speedy passage becomes more important than open debate.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/student-debt-college-s5.jpgWith student loan debt in Wisconsin at $19 billion and rising, we need a plan that allows loans to be refinanced at lower interest rates. Gov. Walker's rejection of refinancing leaves hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin residents at the mercy of Wall Street.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/pres-obama-townhall-guns-s5.jpgPresident Barack Obama, trying to do something about gun violence, and critics who believe he's determined to confiscate their weapons came face-to-face Thursday in a CNN town hall televised nationally. The President fielded tough questions from gun owners in a rare respectful and reasoned interlude in one of America's most poisoned political debates.