Take Notice of the State of your AreaThe State of the Neighborhood

March 2005 (and the saddest thing of all is how little things have changed over the last eight years)

After sitting though the State of the Union address, the State of the State and reviewing some of the numerous budget recommendations, I think it’s time to report on the State of the Neighborhood.

In my neighborhood:

• Some families have no health insurance.  
• College graduates, after spending thousands and thousands of dollars on a bachelor degree, are unable to find full-time positions in their fields of study.  
• Our children are being left behind (despite government programs such as No Child Left Behind). 
• Social Security is in crisis.

Health insurance was one of the key points of discussion in the 2002 State of the Union Address. Isn’t it odd that after three years there’s no resolution?

Gov. Jennifer Granholm is stressing the importance of higher education, which I agree with, but higher education does little good when there are no jobs available for many of our college graduates.

Gone are the days when people had jobs lined up before graduation. Many graduates spend days, even months, on their job search and far too often end up with a job that has nothing to do with their degree. They have bills to pay and can’t search forever. 

School funding is a disaster with little relief in site. It’s clear that there isn’t equity in funding. It’s time our decision makers go back to school and do the math. 

Here’s how the funding breaks out for just a few local districts (class funding is based on twenty-five pupils):

·         River Rouge receives $8,616 per pupil or $215,400 per class.

·         Trenton receives $8,543 per pupil or $213,575 per class.

·         Detroit receives $7,034 per pupil or $175,850 per class.

·         Lincoln Park and Wyandotte receives $6,700 per pupil or $167,500 per class. 

To address the school-funding crisis the Michigan budget proposed an increase in funding per pupil. Public schools would receive an additional $175 for each pupil and an additional $50 for each high school student.  This equates to $4,375 more for a classroom of 25 elementary school pupils. 

Although, the schools would each benefit from the increase, does it make sense to give every district more? Doesn’t it make sense to make the funding equal across school districts and level the playing field?

As a parent, and as a taxpayer, I question why Lincoln Park and Wyandotte students aren’t worthy of the best education money can buy?

On the other hand, if I were a parent of a student attending a school in River Rouge or Trenton’s district I’d wonder how that extra $45,000+ per classroom is being invested in my child’s education and future. 

Ironically, I do agree with one thing. I strongly believe there will be a Social Security crisis in the near future.

Similar to President Bush, I see a train wreck coming. However, my concern is not associated with the growing number of retirees, but rather with Social Security Income (SSI) for individuals with disabilities. 

As an example, the number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is reaching epidemic proportions.

The U. S. Department of Education noted between 1993 and 2003 an increase of 628% for students with ASD and the numbers are still growing.

I’m not worried about my retirement; I’m worried about giving my child, with Fragile X syndrome and Autism, the opportunity to live as independently as possible, within my community.

What is the state of your neighborhood? Isn’t it time you let your elected officials know how you feel!