The train is coming to Wisconsin...but are these really the right times?

This article was published in the Cardinal last week. Although the money may go to another state if we don't take it, the costs associated with a rail line are much more than just the initial development.

The government needs to do more research before just launching this project. Are people even going to use the line?  Perhaps need to do some statistical evidence before taxing citizens

Additionally, as Walker has noted other times when addressing this issues, cost for a project like this often runs 2 to 3 times higher than they are initially proposed - are these the right economic times for such a proposal? As Walker has pointed out, often times no rail line (or any other form of public transportation) can run without "substantial subsidy for operations." This is reflected in the proposed ticket prices. A $20 to $33 for ticket from Milwaukee to Madison will not cover operations, and will cost the state $7.5 million to run the rail, says the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Finally, will the funding for this transportation be siphoned from the already raided transportation fund which services our heavily used roads?

All are important things to think about before we rush into another very costly government funded program. Please comment if you wish.

The Cardinal article: http://www.dailycardinal.com/news/republicans-say-rail-line-may-cost-taxpayers-in-future-1.1159954

Health Care Forum a Success

The health care forum held by UWCRs was a huge success last night. Great discussion was generated by our panel and by questions from the audience.

The links are here:
Badger Herald - Panel debate health care reforms
Daily Cardinal - Panel addresses setback with health-care bill

For those of you who attended, what did you find interesting? Surprising? Confusing? Clearly, there are a lot of moving parts in the health care industry. It will be interesting to see if Congress can take all parties into consideration and make a decision that is in the best interest of the majority of Americans.

--Stephen D.