Cassidy Gardner
With the current economic downturn more Washington State University students are applying for scholarships and financial aid than in previous years.
WSU Scholarship Services are accepting scholarship applications until Jan. 31, but they are already experiencing an increase of 10 percent in scholarship applications compared to last year.
Patty Winder, the assistant director of WSU Scholarship Services, said there is a larger applicant pool this year, but the scholarship availability has not increased.
According to WSU Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarship Services there has also been an increase in the number of received FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) applications.
In the 2008-2009 school year there were 2,255 more FAFSA applications received at WSU than the previous school year. This is approximately a 9 percent increase. FAFSA applications for the 2009-2010 school year have just began to be filed.
Oscar Verduzco, client services coordinator of WSU Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships Services, said he is anticipating an increase in FAFSA applications for the 2009-2010 school year because of the state of the economy.
He also said he is hopeful financial aid funding for the 2009-2010 school year will be at least equal to that of the 2008-2009 school year.
“In this economic downturn there have been changes made in financial aid. For instance, the Stafford Loan has been increased by $2,000. And due to the outcry of parents the PLUS loan repayment has been deferred to post graduation,” Verduzco said.
“The financial aid department may lose a counselor or two and we are going to be
moving publications on-line to reduce costs, but funding for students should be the same,” Verduzco said.
He went on to say, “Institutional grants are supported by tuition funds. So as long as tuition stays up those funds should be there.”
Rachel McElwee, a junior at WSU, said she is feeling heightened pressure to get extra scholarships and funding so she can return in the fall to complete her degree.
“Even though President Floyd said he doesn’t want these budget cuts to be put on the backs of students, I still feel a lot of pressure because this economic crisis impacts families like my own. Now all of a sudden I have to come up with extra money and this is the worst economy to do it in,” McElwee said.
Verduzco said he has observed an increase in worry and questions from students about financial aid.
University Budget Committee Provost and Executive Vice President Warwick M. Bayly said in an e-mail, “One thing is for sure, neither the president nor I want students to be impacted at all if we can avoid it, and if it is unavoidable, then we want the impact to be as minor as possible. Clearly this is a tall task, especially as the situation seems to grow bleaker each week.”
Sources:
Provost Warwick Bayly:
509-335-5581
Patty Winder:
509-335-1004
Oscar Verduzco:
509-335-9722
Rachel McElwee:
360-509-3890
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Questions for Andrew Schneider
1. Do you think that there are enough people looking over large companies, such as W.R. Grace Co. and their exploitation of small communities both in and out of our country? Does it scare you that there are less journalists, will corporations be held less accountable?
2. When you were covering the asbestos tragedy in Libby, Montana were the families willing to talk to you? Did they feel that you gave them a voice?
3. When you are creating a series such as Presumed Guilty or Uncivil Action do you write one article and then decide if there is more to be reported on or do you go into it with the intention of writing a series?
4. What do you think the impact has been of your coverage of the tragedy of Libby, Montana and other environmental catastrophes? How has it impacted the way the people think about public health and air quality/environmental standards and regulations?
5. Do you feel a commitment to social justice and a commitment to representing those who have been wronged by powerful corporations/government?
6. What do you think are the most pressing environmental issues at this time?
2. When you were covering the asbestos tragedy in Libby, Montana were the families willing to talk to you? Did they feel that you gave them a voice?
3. When you are creating a series such as Presumed Guilty or Uncivil Action do you write one article and then decide if there is more to be reported on or do you go into it with the intention of writing a series?
4. What do you think the impact has been of your coverage of the tragedy of Libby, Montana and other environmental catastrophes? How has it impacted the way the people think about public health and air quality/environmental standards and regulations?
5. Do you feel a commitment to social justice and a commitment to representing those who have been wronged by powerful corporations/government?
6. What do you think are the most pressing environmental issues at this time?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Current Politcal News
"Senate OKs Geithner for Treasury
President Obama's pick survives failure to pay some taxes in 2001"
WASHINGTON - The Senate voted to confirm Timothy Geithner, President Barack Obama's pick for treasury secretary, Monday evening, after delaying a vote because Geithner failed to pay some of his federal taxes in 2001.
Under normal circumstances, failing to pay your taxes is a surefire way to torpedo your nomination to a Cabinet position.
But the race to halt the economic slide before the midterm elections in 2010 is so tight that President Barack Obama's choice for treasury secretary, New York Federal Reserve Bank chief Timothy Geithner, is got a pass on his tax troubles from the president and most senators, Democrats and Republicans.
Obama believes Geithner has made amends — he has paid the taxes and penalities — and possesses the talent the U.S. needs, his spokesman said.
"Secretary-designate Geithner ... admitted that he'd made honest mistakes that could and should have been avoided," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.
The Senate voted 60-34 to confirm Geithner.
Geithner, 47, served as undersecretary of the treasury for international affairs during the Clinton administration. As president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, he's been a key player in the government's response to collapsing financial institutions and the housing and credit markets since last summer.
Many Republicans were willing to overlook Geithner's failure to pay all his taxes on income received from the International Monetary Fund in 2001 and in three subsequent years.
"I'm prepared to back Obama on this issue," Sen. Arlen Specter, a Republican said Monday. "The economic situation is so tense right now and I don't want see us go back to square one and wait several weeks or longer for the process to bring in a new treasury secretary."
"People make mistakes and commit oversights," said Sen. Orrin Hatch, a Republican. "Even the most intelligent and gifted — two adjectives that certainly apply to Mr. Geithner — make errors in their financial dealings."
Even so, not everyone was convinced that the need for a speedy confirmation should trump concerns about the candidate. Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican did not buy Geithner's contention that he skipped paying some taxes because he was confused by the complexities of the tax code.
"They were described by the nominee himself as 'careless mistakes,'" Collins said in prepared remarks. "It has become clear to me that this is not merely a matter of complexity leading to mistakes, but of inexcusable negligence."
Sen. Mike Enzi, a Republican, agreed and noted that his is one of the few voices of dissent.
"Nominees for positions that do not oversee tax reporting and collection have been forced to withdraw their nomination for more minor offenses. They have been ridden out of town on a verbal rail," Enzi told the Senate. "The fact that we're in a global economic crisis is not a reason to overlook these errors."
"The Senate," he scolded, "is not supposed to be a group of 'yes' men."
The Senate Finance Committee approved Geithner's confirmation in an 18-5 vote last week. However ambivalent, some Senate Republicans were supporting him. Specter, for example, said he's not happy that Geithner did not pay up all of the $42,702 in back taxes and interest until after he was nominated to become treasury secretary.
As such, Geithner is being tasked with directing the U.S. economic recovery from the worst financial crisis in three generations, a task that could define the first two years of Obama's term. Specific duties include directing how $350 billion of already existing Wall Street bailout money is to be spent, then making the case to Congress and the public if more is needed.
In addition, Congress is working on an $825 billion economic recovery package that dedicates about two-thirds to new government spending and the rest to tax cuts. Geithner will be playing a big role in disbursing that money, too.
"Borger: Obama, GOP on their first date"
By Gloria Borger
CNN Senior Political Analyst
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- If there was one message that resonated loud and clear from the Obama campaign, it was this: Let's get past all of the partisanship and work together to get something done.
President Barack Obama has pledged to work with Republicans on his economic stimulus package.
Turns out, President Barack Obama actually meant it. He's been meeting with congressional Republicans (and will trek to the Hill again Tuesday).
He's been listening to their ideas, incorporating some tax-cut ideas. And, yes, he's also been turning some down. After all, as he told Republicans last week, he was the one who won the election.
So what we're watching now as the stimulus package takes shape is the legislative equivalent of the first date: Republicans meeting with the new president, sizing him up. Obama deciding whether the GOP is serious about working with him. Watch Obama discuss his stimulus plan »
"He [Obama] came to a conclusion early on in his political career that partisan polarization is a large part of the problem," says a senior Obama adviser. "Both in reality and in the minds of the American people."
Ah, but it's never that simple.
First, there's the House. It's the most polarized place in Washington, and the GOP leader, Rep. John Boehner, is making that very clear.
Too much spending, and too few tax cuts, he says. And, as icing on the cake, he cherry-picks some proposals bound to set off alarms with GOP constituencies -- all standard operating procedure from an opposition party. Watch a House Republican discuss his opposition to the plan »
But here's the problem: The GOP has to be careful about not being seen as the folks who simply want to obstruct the Obama agenda. Not just because the new president is popular, and not just because 58 percent of the public wants an economic stimulus plan. A majority of independent voters want one, too.
Don't Miss
Obama looks to cash in on some political capital
Borger: Do Congressional Democrats need an intervention?
Borger: An Obama team oops on CIA pick?
It's easy to say "no" for Republicans. That's because while they can vote against the plan, they understand they're not likely to kill the stimulus package. So they figure they can get the best of all political worlds: making their rhetorical points against something, knowing full well it will pass.
But in voting against something that might actually work, Republicans might want to remember this: They need the economy to improve just as much as the Democrats do. They should want to be a part of the fix.
In a way, by courting bipartisanship, Obama is actually giving the GOP leverage.
That's where the Senate comes in. The House bill isn't likely to be anything the GOP will support, but in the Senate there's more chance for GOP input. Why not try to work with the president, just to see how it feels? In the end, Obama could end up in fights with his own House Democrats to bring along some Republicans.
Why not test him to see if he has the mettle to do that?
And, by the way, if you're a Republican in a state in which the economy is truly hurting, it's risky to oppose a stimulus package.
The president's approval rating is near 80 percent. People want to change the way Washington does business. If Republicans become the nay-sayers this early, they give Obama a big stick to beat them with -- and tar them as business-as-usual, partisan politicos.
Of course, substance matters. And voting for the largest spending package in American history will make fiscal conservatives, both Democratic and Republican, nervous.
But what might make them more nervous is the prospect that the economy doesn't improve. Then it's their jobs that will be on the line
President Obama's pick survives failure to pay some taxes in 2001"
WASHINGTON - The Senate voted to confirm Timothy Geithner, President Barack Obama's pick for treasury secretary, Monday evening, after delaying a vote because Geithner failed to pay some of his federal taxes in 2001.
Under normal circumstances, failing to pay your taxes is a surefire way to torpedo your nomination to a Cabinet position.
But the race to halt the economic slide before the midterm elections in 2010 is so tight that President Barack Obama's choice for treasury secretary, New York Federal Reserve Bank chief Timothy Geithner, is got a pass on his tax troubles from the president and most senators, Democrats and Republicans.
Obama believes Geithner has made amends — he has paid the taxes and penalities — and possesses the talent the U.S. needs, his spokesman said.
"Secretary-designate Geithner ... admitted that he'd made honest mistakes that could and should have been avoided," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.
The Senate voted 60-34 to confirm Geithner.
Geithner, 47, served as undersecretary of the treasury for international affairs during the Clinton administration. As president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, he's been a key player in the government's response to collapsing financial institutions and the housing and credit markets since last summer.
Many Republicans were willing to overlook Geithner's failure to pay all his taxes on income received from the International Monetary Fund in 2001 and in three subsequent years.
"I'm prepared to back Obama on this issue," Sen. Arlen Specter, a Republican said Monday. "The economic situation is so tense right now and I don't want see us go back to square one and wait several weeks or longer for the process to bring in a new treasury secretary."
"People make mistakes and commit oversights," said Sen. Orrin Hatch, a Republican. "Even the most intelligent and gifted — two adjectives that certainly apply to Mr. Geithner — make errors in their financial dealings."
Even so, not everyone was convinced that the need for a speedy confirmation should trump concerns about the candidate. Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican did not buy Geithner's contention that he skipped paying some taxes because he was confused by the complexities of the tax code.
"They were described by the nominee himself as 'careless mistakes,'" Collins said in prepared remarks. "It has become clear to me that this is not merely a matter of complexity leading to mistakes, but of inexcusable negligence."
Sen. Mike Enzi, a Republican, agreed and noted that his is one of the few voices of dissent.
"Nominees for positions that do not oversee tax reporting and collection have been forced to withdraw their nomination for more minor offenses. They have been ridden out of town on a verbal rail," Enzi told the Senate. "The fact that we're in a global economic crisis is not a reason to overlook these errors."
"The Senate," he scolded, "is not supposed to be a group of 'yes' men."
The Senate Finance Committee approved Geithner's confirmation in an 18-5 vote last week. However ambivalent, some Senate Republicans were supporting him. Specter, for example, said he's not happy that Geithner did not pay up all of the $42,702 in back taxes and interest until after he was nominated to become treasury secretary.
As such, Geithner is being tasked with directing the U.S. economic recovery from the worst financial crisis in three generations, a task that could define the first two years of Obama's term. Specific duties include directing how $350 billion of already existing Wall Street bailout money is to be spent, then making the case to Congress and the public if more is needed.
In addition, Congress is working on an $825 billion economic recovery package that dedicates about two-thirds to new government spending and the rest to tax cuts. Geithner will be playing a big role in disbursing that money, too.
"Borger: Obama, GOP on their first date"
By Gloria Borger
CNN Senior Political Analyst
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- If there was one message that resonated loud and clear from the Obama campaign, it was this: Let's get past all of the partisanship and work together to get something done.
President Barack Obama has pledged to work with Republicans on his economic stimulus package.
Turns out, President Barack Obama actually meant it. He's been meeting with congressional Republicans (and will trek to the Hill again Tuesday).
He's been listening to their ideas, incorporating some tax-cut ideas. And, yes, he's also been turning some down. After all, as he told Republicans last week, he was the one who won the election.
So what we're watching now as the stimulus package takes shape is the legislative equivalent of the first date: Republicans meeting with the new president, sizing him up. Obama deciding whether the GOP is serious about working with him. Watch Obama discuss his stimulus plan »
"He [Obama] came to a conclusion early on in his political career that partisan polarization is a large part of the problem," says a senior Obama adviser. "Both in reality and in the minds of the American people."
Ah, but it's never that simple.
First, there's the House. It's the most polarized place in Washington, and the GOP leader, Rep. John Boehner, is making that very clear.
Too much spending, and too few tax cuts, he says. And, as icing on the cake, he cherry-picks some proposals bound to set off alarms with GOP constituencies -- all standard operating procedure from an opposition party. Watch a House Republican discuss his opposition to the plan »
But here's the problem: The GOP has to be careful about not being seen as the folks who simply want to obstruct the Obama agenda. Not just because the new president is popular, and not just because 58 percent of the public wants an economic stimulus plan. A majority of independent voters want one, too.
Don't Miss
Obama looks to cash in on some political capital
Borger: Do Congressional Democrats need an intervention?
Borger: An Obama team oops on CIA pick?
It's easy to say "no" for Republicans. That's because while they can vote against the plan, they understand they're not likely to kill the stimulus package. So they figure they can get the best of all political worlds: making their rhetorical points against something, knowing full well it will pass.
But in voting against something that might actually work, Republicans might want to remember this: They need the economy to improve just as much as the Democrats do. They should want to be a part of the fix.
In a way, by courting bipartisanship, Obama is actually giving the GOP leverage.
That's where the Senate comes in. The House bill isn't likely to be anything the GOP will support, but in the Senate there's more chance for GOP input. Why not try to work with the president, just to see how it feels? In the end, Obama could end up in fights with his own House Democrats to bring along some Republicans.
Why not test him to see if he has the mettle to do that?
And, by the way, if you're a Republican in a state in which the economy is truly hurting, it's risky to oppose a stimulus package.
The president's approval rating is near 80 percent. People want to change the way Washington does business. If Republicans become the nay-sayers this early, they give Obama a big stick to beat them with -- and tar them as business-as-usual, partisan politicos.
Of course, substance matters. And voting for the largest spending package in American history will make fiscal conservatives, both Democratic and Republican, nervous.
But what might make them more nervous is the prospect that the economy doesn't improve. Then it's their jobs that will be on the line
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Story Ideas
How American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will Impact Pullman:
On Thursday January 15 the House Democratic leadership proposed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This stimulus package includes $5 billion for rural development. The bill is expected to be in the House on January 28th and signed by the President in mid-February. The Rural Community Facilities will be receiving $200 million to support $1.2 billion in grants and loans. How will this impact the development on the Palouse? As the County Commission finalizes and tries to balance the budget, do they anticipate receiving federal funding? This story would deal with how this federal bailout will impact local projects and spending.
Public Safety Cutbacks
According to the Whitman County Commission 60-70 percent of their annual budget is allocated to public safety. As they attempt to stay afloat during difficult economic times they are looking for cost reductions in public safety. What will change and how will be cut back in public safety in Whitman County? The story would cover how they are going to reduce cost and the ideas being considered in order to make public safety efficient yet affordable.
How the Next Bailout will impact WSU:
Also under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act $49 billion will be allocated to states for local school districts and public colleges and universities. At a recent WSU Forum President Elson S. Floyd is struggling with the $31 million dollar budget cut he is anticipating. Would such a stimulus change WSUs’ current economic situation? This story would look at how the next bailout will impact WSU.
Finacial Aid and What the New Administration Means for You as a Student
How will the financial crisis WSU is facing affect student finances? Will financial aid be reduced? The cost of attending a public college has risen by 35 percent in the past five years. According to President Obama’s web-site, “The money spent on subsidies for guaranteed loans over the last few years would have been enough to provide every low-income college student an additional $4,000 in grant aid.” President Obama is expected and has pledged to use direct college loans and provide $3.5 billion for Pell Grants. What can you anticipate for next year in way of student aid? This would cover how financial aid will be impacted by the economic crisis and when more efficient loans will be introduced.
Sustainable Development at WSU
The Department of Energy (DOE) is providing $1 billion in grants for sustainable infrastructure and energy efficient technology projects for “institutional entities” including universities. Will WSU try to be a recipient of such grants and how will the university continue to create a more sustainable environment? Will construction be halted or will more Lead Certified buildings spring up on campus? This story would look at development plans for WSU. At the most recent Budget Forum President Floyd said he felt he needed to spend money in order to save money.
On Thursday January 15 the House Democratic leadership proposed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This stimulus package includes $5 billion for rural development. The bill is expected to be in the House on January 28th and signed by the President in mid-February. The Rural Community Facilities will be receiving $200 million to support $1.2 billion in grants and loans. How will this impact the development on the Palouse? As the County Commission finalizes and tries to balance the budget, do they anticipate receiving federal funding? This story would deal with how this federal bailout will impact local projects and spending.
Public Safety Cutbacks
According to the Whitman County Commission 60-70 percent of their annual budget is allocated to public safety. As they attempt to stay afloat during difficult economic times they are looking for cost reductions in public safety. What will change and how will be cut back in public safety in Whitman County? The story would cover how they are going to reduce cost and the ideas being considered in order to make public safety efficient yet affordable.
How the Next Bailout will impact WSU:
Also under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act $49 billion will be allocated to states for local school districts and public colleges and universities. At a recent WSU Forum President Elson S. Floyd is struggling with the $31 million dollar budget cut he is anticipating. Would such a stimulus change WSUs’ current economic situation? This story would look at how the next bailout will impact WSU.
Finacial Aid and What the New Administration Means for You as a Student
How will the financial crisis WSU is facing affect student finances? Will financial aid be reduced? The cost of attending a public college has risen by 35 percent in the past five years. According to President Obama’s web-site, “The money spent on subsidies for guaranteed loans over the last few years would have been enough to provide every low-income college student an additional $4,000 in grant aid.” President Obama is expected and has pledged to use direct college loans and provide $3.5 billion for Pell Grants. What can you anticipate for next year in way of student aid? This would cover how financial aid will be impacted by the economic crisis and when more efficient loans will be introduced.
Sustainable Development at WSU
The Department of Energy (DOE) is providing $1 billion in grants for sustainable infrastructure and energy efficient technology projects for “institutional entities” including universities. Will WSU try to be a recipient of such grants and how will the university continue to create a more sustainable environment? Will construction be halted or will more Lead Certified buildings spring up on campus? This story would look at development plans for WSU. At the most recent Budget Forum President Floyd said he felt he needed to spend money in order to save money.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Political Beat
I will be covering politics in Pullman, Whitman County, Washington State and at the national level, especially if it connects to Eastern Washington. I attended a Whitman County Commission meeting to gain knowledge about local issues. Currently the most pressing issue is budget cuts as Washington State faces a $5 billion deficit. Also, the cost of the criminal justice system and public safety in Whitman County is highly debated. Eastern Washington is putting forth legislation in regards to school equalization levees because schools on the West side of the state are receiving more funding due to higher population levels and tax dollars than those in Eastern Washington.
A new Representative of District 9 was elected and sworn in on Monday morning at the County Commission meeting. Don Cox is the new representative. His platform and experience is with higher education. It will be interesting to see how he works with the education system in Whitman County. The budget for 2009 for Whitman County is still being decided and union contracts are currently being settled. In regards to national news I would likely focus on how the economic crisis is impacting Whitman County. Some County Commissioners are also putting forth a bill to have the power to impose an increase in sales tax without a public vote.
In addition to county and city politics I would like to focus on the activities of the Young Democrats and Young Republicans of Washington State University. I will explore how the groups are staying engaged post election frenzy. Also I will look at how WSU students stay connected to both county and city politics and if there is active communication between the two groups. WSU students are undoubtedly impacted by the current economic crisis and it will be interesting to explore this issue. President Floyd is holding press conferences on the current budget cuts. I will not cover this as a one time event but rather focus on the ongoing changes in admissions, class offerings, and financial aid made available to students.
Whitman County recently elected a Democratic County Commissioner. This is monumental because the last Democratic County Commissioner was in office over sixteen years ago. Whitman County is traditionally conservative and I will observe if differences take place as local government works in conjunction with the new Obama Administration. To cover this beat I plan to attend City Council, County Commission, and Young Democrat/Young Republican meetings.
Three Proposed Story Ideas:
How the economic crisis and budget cuts are affecting students and WSU.
The equalization of education levee and how this legislation is handled at the state level.
The Obama Administrations’ bail out plan and how this will affect people at WSU and in the Pullman area.
A new Representative of District 9 was elected and sworn in on Monday morning at the County Commission meeting. Don Cox is the new representative. His platform and experience is with higher education. It will be interesting to see how he works with the education system in Whitman County. The budget for 2009 for Whitman County is still being decided and union contracts are currently being settled. In regards to national news I would likely focus on how the economic crisis is impacting Whitman County. Some County Commissioners are also putting forth a bill to have the power to impose an increase in sales tax without a public vote.
In addition to county and city politics I would like to focus on the activities of the Young Democrats and Young Republicans of Washington State University. I will explore how the groups are staying engaged post election frenzy. Also I will look at how WSU students stay connected to both county and city politics and if there is active communication between the two groups. WSU students are undoubtedly impacted by the current economic crisis and it will be interesting to explore this issue. President Floyd is holding press conferences on the current budget cuts. I will not cover this as a one time event but rather focus on the ongoing changes in admissions, class offerings, and financial aid made available to students.
Whitman County recently elected a Democratic County Commissioner. This is monumental because the last Democratic County Commissioner was in office over sixteen years ago. Whitman County is traditionally conservative and I will observe if differences take place as local government works in conjunction with the new Obama Administration. To cover this beat I plan to attend City Council, County Commission, and Young Democrat/Young Republican meetings.
Three Proposed Story Ideas:
How the economic crisis and budget cuts are affecting students and WSU.
The equalization of education levee and how this legislation is handled at the state level.
The Obama Administrations’ bail out plan and how this will affect people at WSU and in the Pullman area.
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