Which one's the terrorist?

Obamacare good enough for us, but not Obama and Congress

Several amendments were rejected that would have included the President, Supreme Court and Congress in the proposed government health care plan. Guess what's good for the geese isn't good for the gander?

Broke!

Stole it from GOC

111 ways the health care bill expands government

Bureaucracy run amok! #4 is my personal favorite.

The House Republican Conference has compiled a list of all the new boards, bureaucracies, commissions, and programs created in H.R. 3962, Speaker Pelosi's government takeover of health care:

1. Retiree Reserve Trust Fund (Section 111(d), p. 61)
2. Grant program for wellness programs to small employers (Section 112, p. 62)
3. Grant program for State health access programs (Section 114, p. 72)
4. Program of administrative simplification (Section 115, p. 76)
5. Health Benefits Advisory Committee (Section 223, p. 111)
6. Health Choices Administration (Section 241, p. 131)
7. Qualified Health Benefits Plan Ombudsman (Section 244, p. 138)
8. Health Insurance Exchange (Section 201, p. 155)
9. Program for technical assistance to employees of small businesses buying Exchange coverage (Section 305(h), p. 191)
10. Mechanism for insurance risk pooling to be established by Health Choices Commissioner (Section 306(b), p. 194)
11. Health Insurance Exchange Trust Fund (Section 307, p. 195)
12. State-based Health Insurance Exchanges (Section 308, p. 197)
13. Grant program for health insurance cooperatives (Section 310, p. 206)
14. "Public Health Insurance Option" (Section 321, p. 211)
15. Ombudsman for "Public Health Insurance Option" (Section 321(d), p. 213)
16. Account for receipts and disbursements for "Public Health Insurance Option" (Section 322(b), p. 215)
17. Telehealth Advisory Committee (Section 1191 (b), p. 589)
18. Demonstration program providing reimbursement for "culturally and linguistically appropriate services" (Section 1222, p. 617)
19. Demonstration program for shared decision making using patient decision aids (Section 1236, p. 648)
20. Accountable Care Organization pilot program under Medicare (Section 1301, p. 653)
21. Independent patient-centered medical home pilot program under Medicare (Section 1302, p. 672)
22. Community-based medical home pilot program under Medicare (Section 1302(d), p. 681)
23. Independence at home demonstration program (Section 1312, p. 718)
24. Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research (Section 1401(a), p. 734)
25. Comparative Effectiveness Research Commission (Section 1401(a), p. 738)
26. Patient ombudsman for comparative effectiveness research (Section 1401(a), p. 753)
27. Quality assurance and performance improvement program for skilled nursing facilities (Section 1412(b)(1), p. 784)
28. Quality assurance and performance improvement program for nursing facilities (Section 1412 (b)(2), p. 786)
29. Special focus facility program for skilled nursing facilities (Section 1413(a)(3), p. 796)
30. Special focus facility program for nursing facilities (Section 1413(b)(3), p. 804)
31. National independent monitor pilot program for skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities (Section 1422, p. 859)
32. Demonstration program for approved teaching health centers with respect to Medicare GME (Section 1502(d), p. 933)
33. Pilot program to develop anti-fraud compliance systems for Medicare providers (Section 1635, p. 978)
34. Special Inspector General for the Health Insurance Exchange (Section 1647, p. 1000)
35. Medical home pilot program under Medicaid (Section 1722, p. 1058)
36. Accountable Care Organization pilot program under Medicaid (Section 1730A, p. 1073)
37. Nursing facility supplemental payment program (Section 1745, p. 1106)
38. Demonstration program for Medicaid coverage to stabilize emergency medical conditions in institutions for mental diseases (Section 1787, p. 1149)
39. Comparative Effectiveness Research Trust Fund (Section 1802, p. 1162)
40. "Identifiable office or program" within CMS to "provide for improved coordination between Medicare and Medicaid in the case of dual eligibles" (Section 1905, p. 1191)
41. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (Section 1907, p. 1198)
42. Public Health Investment Fund (Section 2002, p. 1214)
43. Scholarships for service in health professional needs areas (Section 2211, p. 1224)
Continue reading here.

The Village Board's sniper attack UPDATED

The following e-mail was sent to our Village Administrator and Village Trustees. As such, it becomes public record. Since Ms. McCalvy has requested this be posted to the web, and I have not seen it any of the usual places, I thought I'd oblige.

From: Wendy McCalvy [mailto:wmccalvy@wi.net]
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 07:44 AM
To: Tom LeBak; Randall Arendt; Chip Brewer; 'kevin wanggaard'; 'ron coutts'; gale morgan; Bob Bradley; lee Wishau; kathyburton08@yahoo.com
Subject: bus service

A more outrageous solution would have been to take the money from police and firemen's salaries to support parks--which we did not want to do. With a budget deficit of $440,000 very difficult decisions need to be made. I shop at Pick and Save all the time and have never seen more than two riders on the bus. The number of children and families being served by putting the money in parks will simply be larger than the very few people who used the bus. The same trustees that are horrified about the bus service being suspended do not support KRM which would do much more to help business in the Douglas Ave. corridor of Caledonia. If KRM is approved, then it would be time to find a way to have coordinating bus service. Thank you for your comment.

Tom LeBak, I don't know how to get my comment on the web. I would appreciate it if you could post it for me. Thanks.

Wendy McCalvy

Thanks for your comments, Ms. McCalvy. Though I find your decision to cut buses for parks (without substantiating information to do so and without directly applying those funds to the deficit) outrageous, I do agree, your scenario is even more outrageous. But I have to ask: Was there ever really discussion of cutting police/fire and/or salaries to fund the parks? You state you did not want to do it, which to me implies, it was a consideration? From what I've heard, it was NEVER an option which is why Parks were (correctly so under the circumstances) given a $0 budget...If I'm mistaken, please let's have names.

You are facing a $440,000 deficit. ANY additional revenue gained through any salary or staff reductions needs to offset that deficit first. Anyone even considering putting those resources to the parks in light of the deficit, is just freakin' nuts and not fit to serve in office...no other way to describe it!

Oh, and Ms. McCalvy, in case you need a refresher course on our Land Use Plan, the bulk of substantial commercial development that will most likely attract commuters will be at the freeway or the Franksville Industrial park - no where near the KRM line. Douglas Avenue development is now, and most likely will be in the future, of the type that will attract local workers - more appropriately serviced by a bus.
---------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted 10-28-09

Yeah, sorry, still haven't made it to meetings so I'm hesitant to get into the real nuts and bolts of the 2010 budget. However, based on news reports and conversations with village officials, I feel compelled to comment on this latest move by four of our Village Trustees.

If you don't regularly read the J-T, the Village Board voted last night (4 in favor, 3 opposed) to completely defund any bus service in Caledonia in deference to funding the park system.

Although I was hoping some money could be fund for at least minimal maintenance of the parks, I find this particular action problematic on a number of levels:

1) Without real numbers for analysis on usage of the bus system vs. usage of the park system, you'd think it would have been difficult for any trustee to take an informed vote on this issue - apparently not. The trustees voting to eliminate the buses appear to have used anecdotal evidence only to justify their vote. A cost/benefit analysis may well prove that bus service in Caledonia, indeed, is not warranted, but that analysis was not provided prior to last night's vote.

2) President Coutts makes the very relevant statement in the J-T article that (thankfully) commercial development is being examined along the Douglas Avenue corridor and this vote certainly isn't going to help those efforts. Not to mention chopping off at the knees some of the existing businesses/medical facilities that were served by the bus. This vote could have an even further chilling effect on prospective business - exactly at a time when the board needs to do all it can to mitigate our image of being anti-business. It would seem obvious the most likely development along Douglas Avenue would be retail, yet how many retail outlets will be willing to even look at Caledonia if there is no bus service along our major thoroughfare?

3) But probably the most troubling aspect of this vote....where was the open and transparent government process last night? This appears to have been, figuratively speaking, a sniper attack by the "save don't pave" coalition that holds a majority on the board (other board members didn't even know of this proposal) WITHOUT ANY PRE WARNING TO ALLOW CITIZENS DEPENDENT ON THE BUS A PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD TO PLEAD THEIR CASE TO THEIR REPRESENTATIVES. A stunning example of how government should NOT be run.

It's also been brought to my attention that three of the four "anti-bus" trustees have been absent for a number of the board's budget meetings that dealt with our huge deficit. In fact I've done some research and have provided a chart below of actual attendance at the recent budget meetings. Makes you wonder if other options to fund the parks might not have been available that these trustees hadn't even discussed?

This vote also makes me wonder if we citizens are just being given lip service when Trustees Bradley, Morgan, Wishau or McCalvy are heard to say they support commercial development, or if they just did not consider (or chose to ignore) the possible ramifications of this vote? The phrase "actions really do speak louder than words" keeps scrolling through my head!

Oh, and Ms. McCalvy, just for future reference, you may want to turn off that cell phone while paid consultants are making their presentations to the village board.

The Government Can

As The House of Representatives prepares to vote on a $1.5 trillion government health care takeover bill, I thought this video was appropriate!



HT Mr. W

State Senate Candidate comments on Bank of Elmwood closing

County Supervisor and State Senate Candidate Van Wanggaard has released the statement below regarding the recent closing of the Bank of Elmwood.

The Village of Caledonia does have accounts with the bank (now part of Tri City National Bank) to manage certain payables, but that money has always been safe and guaranteed.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2009
Contact: Van Wanggaard
262-930-6503
vwanggaard@wi.net

Wanggaard Statement on Bank of Elmwood closing
[Racine, Wisc…]

State Senate candidate Van Wanggaard issued the following statement regarding the announcement that the Bank of Elmwood has been shut down and turned over to the FDIC:

“Today’s news that the Bank of Elmwood is closing is unfortunate. The institution has been a pillar in Racine for decades, and the positive contributions that it has made to the community will be sorely missed. I have the utmost respect for the community-minded organization and appreciate the positive impact it has had on the Racine area.

Although the national economic downturn played a role in the bank’s failure, anti-business legislation at the state level also contributed to the Racine institution’s hardships.

My opponent, John Lehman, has supported numerous job-killing policies that are taking a toll on Wisconsin’s financial strength and business climate. Billions of dollars in new taxes have been levied on Wisconsin businesses at a time when they are already struggling to retain workers and meet their loan obligations.

Lehman also authored a bill (SB-2) that would make it harder for businesses to obtain credit from their lending institutions. This credit is essential to many companies that are struggling to stay afloat. Taking financial resources away from a company and then hammering it with new taxes is not the right approach, especially when Racine is enduring a 14.5% unemployment rate.

I encourage the Department of Workforce Development to respond quickly to ensure that any affected Bank of Elmwood employees’ needs are being met. I also encourage the Department of Financial Institutions to expend the resources necessary to ensure a fluid transition so bank customers do not see an interruption in their banking services.”

Bank of Elmwood customers who have questions can call the FDIC at (800) 234-9027 between 9am-6pm on Saturday, and noon-6pm on Sunday.

###

Caledonia Trustee to be featured guest at local GOP meeting

Caledonia Trustee Kevin Wanggaard and Lt. Governor Candidate Ben Collins will be the featured guests at this month's Racine County GOP "Pints & Politics".

Wanggaard is expected to discuss Caledonia's current budget process and Collins will likely discuss his qualifications for Lieutenant Governor.

Thursday, October 22, 2009 6:30 pm

Spokes Restaurant & Bar

Hwy. 20 & I-94

14001 Washington Avenue ~ Yorkville

This is a very informal and free event; food and beverages will not be provided and there is no obligation.

Hey Caledonians, award winning parks are just next door

Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker announced Wednesday that the Milwaukee County Park System has been awarded the 2009 National Gold Medal for Excellence in the Park and Recreation Management Program. Full story here.

Given our proximity to Milwaukee, maybe Caledonians will be able to find a Milwaukee park to fit our recreational plans if budget woes do indeed necessitate the closing of our parks next year.

Locations, as well as a map, of all Milwaukee's parks can be found on their website.

To watch the video submitted for this award, click here

Pay attention Caledonia!

Given Caledonia's recurring budget deficits, and now reports the parks could be closing, I'm hoping our Village Board, CDA and Plan Commission will start getting behind some of the initiatives Rep. Vos mentions below. Small business creation could be a great jumpstart to help Caledonia grow itself into a more financially sustainable community. But let's face it - it won't be easy with the current anti-business climate in this state.

Perhaps if more local elected officials and commissions would apply some needed public pressure on the state legislators that are more concerned with chasing away business, something would improve? How about it Caledonia Village Board - couldn't hurt?

Small Business Startups Key to Economic Recovery... So Where are They?

Over the past few weeks, I've seen an increase in headlines stating that America's economy is close to working its way out of recession, and starting to show signs of recovery. The story today in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporting consumer spending is up is definitely an illustration of this point. If recovery is truly just around the corner, this is great news.

But a component of a strong economy is a low unemployment rate, and there seem to be no signs of recovery where job creation is concerned. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 16.8% of Americans are unemployed or underemployed, including those who have simply stopped looking for work. Since the recession started, this country has lost 7 million jobs. Still, the Obama administration and Democrats in Congress continue to point to the economic stimulus package as the panacea that will save all jobs.

But what about creating more jobs to counteract the ones we've already lost? The answer to that lies in small business startups. Unfortunately, little is being done to stimulate small business growth.

While "too big to fail" companies are the ones that have benefitted the most from the stimulus, small businesses (who employ 50% of America's workforce, contribute 38% of GDP and create 80% of all new jobs) have effectively been hamstrung from even getting off the ground. Since we're in a recession, no one can be surprised that small business starts have declined. But we should be concerned that the decline is the steepest of any recession in recent history.

Of course, the decline can be attributed to the credit crunch. Credit card lines, which most small businesses rely on, have been cut by over $1.25 trillion in the past two years. Some predict that because of the recently passed federal Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act, that it's possible another $1.5 trillion could be cut in 2010. Additional factors of this decline include risk-averse investors deterred by the scary economic climate and also less access to cash as the tax burden continues to rise out of control.

Candidate Obama was right-on when he proposed offering a one-time capital gains tax holiday for investors in new companies and making capital gains taxable on a sliding scale. But, predictably, I haven't seen or heard of those proposals since he's been elected.

At the state level, there are also proposals that aim to ease the tax burden on small businesses. One is to increase the amount of losses that can be deducted off of other income for capital purchases. Currently, the state only allows a business to write off $500 a year. Increasing the limit to $3,000 would ensure businesses have more cash in hand to reinvest and ultimately grow.

Another proposal would repeal the huge business tax just passed in the budget, known as combined reporting. Repealing this provision would have an enormously positive impact on small business startups. The combined reporting tax will collect over $100 million from banks alone. Using federal lending ratios, this higher-than $100 million tax increase on lending institutions means that there will be $1 billion less to lend to small businesses and entrepreneurs hoping to start a business and create jobs.

Unfortunately, because both of these proposals aim to create jobs in the private sector, it's doubtful Democrats will bring them forward since their entire emphasis to this point has been on retaining and creating government jobs. However, there is a bipartisan bill, of which I am a cosponsor, to scale back the capital gains tax increases passed in the budget. Hopefully, the willingness of some Democrats to support this bill is an indication that at least some Democrats think their own budget will have dire consequences for Wisconsin taxpayers and small business owners.

Realistically, since Democrats unanimously supported a budget that contained these tax increases, it's unlikely this bipartisan bill will move forward - but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try.

Small businesses are vitally important to the health of our economy and encouraging their growth is a good way to get the economy back on track. Instead of throwing trillions of dollars at programs that can save a few jobs, or even at nationalized health care, we should first spend time figuring out ways to promote innovation in small business so Americans can once again find good family-supporting jobs that eliminate the need to rely on the government for livelihood and necessities.

So when you read the newspaper or hear commentators on TV telling you the economic recovery is just around the corner, remember to first look at your local main street to see if the empty storefronts are no longer empty. If they're filling up, it means small businesses are once again leading us out of the recession. If not, it's simply more talk from economists rooted in Wall Street theory rather than Main Street reality.

State Representative Robin Vos
State Capitol - Room 105 West - Post Office Box 8953 - Madison, Wisconsin 53708
Phone: (608) 266-9171 - Toll Free: (888) 534-0063 - Fax (608) 282-3663
Email: Rep.Vos@legis.wisconsin.gov
On the Internet: Representative Vos' Web Site

Caledonia School District UPDATE

Passersby stop to sign the CSD petitions or pick up CSD yard signs on 9-26-09 at the corner of 4 Mile and Erie Streets.

The Caledonia School District Steering Committee has released updated figures following their September 26, 2009 petition drive.

The group received an additional 278 signatures over that weekend, bringing the total to 3367 of the signatures that have so far been turned in. This puts the petition drive past the 1/3 mark for the 9800 signatures needed before July of next year.

The Committee reports residents from Caledonia, Wind Point, Sturtevant, Racine and Mt. Pleasant were among those signing the petitions and their volunteer ranks have expanded to over 300.

"We got a lot of positive responses from people throughout the weekend, and some people came with very good questions" according to steering committee secretary Austin Moore. Moore also mentioned there is still a surprising amount of disinformation circulating about the proposed district, i.e., Caledonia would have to buy the schools from Unified or taxpayers would be taxed from both RUSD and a CSD - both statements are not true.

Yard signs are in very low supply and an order has been placed with delivery anticipated very soon. If you'd like a sign, you can reserve yours today by sending an email to coordinator@caledoniaschooldist.org. The group is asking for a $6.00 donation per sign to defray costs.

The next Caledonia School District Steering Committee meeting will be on Monday, October 12th at 7:00pm at the Caledonia Eastside Community Center (6156 Douglas Ave). The meeting is open and the public is welcome.

Enough with Brett Favre already!

H/T Dave W

A congressman, two candidates for governor, a candidate for senate and the RNC Chairman

Interested in meeting (and bending the ears of) candidates for national and statewide office...all under one tent?

The First District Republican Party is holding their annual Fall Fest this Saturday.

Keynote Speaker:
Republican National Committee Chairman, Michael Steele

Emcee:
Jay Weber

Confirmed Guests
Congressman Paul Ryan
Candidates for Governor Mark Neumann & Scott Walker
State Party Chairman Reince Priebus
Candidates for Lt. Governor Ben Collins, Dave Ross, & Brett Davis
Candidate for US Senate Dave Westlake
Candidate WI Secretary of State David King
Candidate WI State Treasurer Jason Punzel

Saturday, October 3nd
1pm to 4pm
Brighton Woods Orchard.
1072 288th Avenue Burlington, WI map
Cost $30 single, $50 couple, $10 Students
Admission includes refreshments and hors d'oeuvres

Silent Auction including:
Lunch with Paul Ryan
Lunch with Reince Priebus
Breakfast with Scott Walker

For more information please contact
Bob Geason 262-763-8503

$657,274 budget deficit !!!

The Village Board and staff recently began public discussion for the 2010 budget process with the daunting task of erasing the largest deficit I believe Caledonia has ever experienced.

Let me apologize before continuing...because of some medical issues I've not been attending meetings and am reluctant to comment without having heard, firsthand, the actual numbers and budget discussion. However, I'm confident our Village Clerk's minutes accurately reflect the situation and it's time taxpayers start realizing there's a continuing pattern of escalating deficits year after year - beginning before the recession.

The deficit heading into 2010 is estimated at $657,274 - approximately 5.5% of the overall levy. It appears the village will be raising the levy the maximum allowed by the state - 3%. A hotel tax for Yogi Bear Campground was discussed as a possible revenue source - of course that leaves me wondering not only where is the hotel at the campground; exactly how low are we stooping if we're considering an excise tax on recreation; and why is there no proposal for a hoof tax - is that not recreational as well?

Layoffs appear possible from both the village staff and police/fire. Policy has recently been working its way through committees to tax citizens for certain engineering services - yes, they may claim it's a fee, but it's a tax!

Yet, where are the economic development initiatives? We have a CDA (Community Development Authority) that meets only on a sporadic basis and seems only able to take their lead from the Racine County Economic Development Corporation, while showing no signs of independently working to attract development.

We have a Planning Commission that is, for the most part, anti-development. We have a Land Use Plan (a plan that was intended to be used as a guideline, not a "set-in-stone Bible") that over regulates land use and buildings and discourages (actually chases away) just about every kind of development - beneficial development that could greatly increase the Village's tax base and stave off tax increases on citizens.

Yeap, I apologize. Could be not feeling well is contributing to the doom and gloom outlook I have for Caledonia's financial future, or it could be that queasy feeling comes from knowing even more of my taxes will be increasing...again, and in Caledonia's instance, unnecessarily.

Those rascally "extremists"

In response to last Saturday's tea party rally in Milwaukee, Mike Tate, the chairman of the Democrat Party of Wisconsin, released a statement referring to those attending the rally as "extremist elements pulling together, distinct vocal minorities that frankly don't believe in this country..." He also labeled them as racists, and compared them to the KKK and McCarthyites. Fred at Real Debate has the full story.

Though I had hoped to attend the rally, was not able to. However, Mr. CU, one of the most hardworking, mild-mannered, mainstream individuals you'll ever meet, did attend and brought me back digital documentation.

Thought you might like to see the faces of some of those "extremists!" Seriously, Mr. Tate, get a grip on reality, would you?

Click on any image to enlarge

Yeap, looks like a group of "extremists" to me

Guessing Tate would think these women are members of the KKK?

Are these the citizens Tate believes are the "vocal minority that doesn't believe in America"

These must be the citizens that certainly "don't understand American government, the economy or capitalism"

Must be some of those "racists" talking with radio talk show James T Harris (far left)

More "extremists" meeting radio talk show host Vicki McKenna (center)

This was Mr. CU's favorite sign from the rally - can you get any more extreme than this?

Badger Blogger has posted videos of all the speakers from the rally here (scroll through comments for videos.)

Never, never forget!

In case you missed it...

The giant sunset on September 7th

New Park Commission member appointed

John Leiber was voted in last night as the newest member of Caledonia's Park Commission. Leiber frequently attends both Village Board and Park Commission meetings, ran for RUSD board last year and continues to follow the school board as well as the Caledonia School District Steering Committee to analyze the financial impact on Caledonia taxpayers.

Recently, Trustee Burton had requested commission/committee openings be posted to allow others a chance to help their community - this Park Commission position being the first posted. According to President Coutts, seven citizens in total applied, which Coutts noted is good to see so many wanting to be involved.

Of the seven applicants, Leiber appeared to be the only one in attendance at last night's meeting.

Paul Ryan's health care listening session in Racine moved... UPDATED WITH AUDIO

UPDATED 9-1-09
The Caledonia Professional Firefighters have posted a link to the complete audio from Congressman Ryan's listening session at Roma Lodge here.

_________________________________________________
Just in case you haven't seen this anywhere else:

The health care town hall meeting originally scheduled to be at Gateway has been moved to Roma Lodge.

Congressman Paul Ryan's Town Hall meeting
Thursday, August 27, 2009
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Roma Lodge
7130 Spring Street
Racine

High Speed Rail or High Speed Fail?

Interesting analysis by Randal O'Toole at the CATO Institute of the overwhelming costs vs. benefits of high speed rail.

High Speed Fail

Vos and Lehman in Caledonia to discuss state budget

State Rep. Robin Vos and State Sen. John Lehman will be at the Caledonia Finance Committee meeting this Monday to discuss the recently adopted Wisconsin State Budget, its impact on Caledonia and answer questions from the public.

Caledonia Finance Committee
Monday, August 24, 2009
5:30 p.m.
Eastside Community Center
6156 Douglas Ave

This meeting is free and open to the public.

Marine Corps vet at Congressman Baird Town Hall meeting

"...stay away from my kids!"



Huge H/T David Hedrick

Caledonia School District Steering Committee Updates

Dear Friends of a Caledonia School District,

1) PETITION SIGNATURE CANVASSING EVENT THIS SATURDAY @ NOON

Come help collect petition signatures this Saturday by walking around with other volunteers as a group to help collect petition signatures.

If you're interested in helping, meet at the Caledonia Eastside Community Center (6156 Douglas Ave.) at 12:00pm.

If you can help for any amount of time please RSVP by emailing the Steering Committee (coordinator@caledoniaschooldist.org).

---------------------------------------------

2) RUSD TAXES LIKELY TO RISE 12%

After this week's School Board Meeting, it's very likely that the property tax rate for RUSD will rise as much as 12%. This is on top of last year's 8% rate increase. The local coverage of the board meeting in the Journal Times made it seem like local residents weren't just okay with the increase, but were asking RUSD for higher property taxes. JT's article can be found by following this link.

---------------------------------------------

3) NEXT STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING - MONDAY, AUGUST 24th @ 7:00pm

The next Caledonia School District Steering Committee meeting will be on Monday, August 24th at 7:00pm at the Caledonia Eastside Community Center (6156 Douglas Ave).

---------------------------------------------

As always, you can find the CSDSC on Facebook and even request a Yard Sign for you or your friends & neighbors!

Thank you for your continued support of a Caledonia School District!


Regards,

The Caledonia School District Steering Committee

Budgetary shortfall could jeopardize necessary surgeries in Vancouver

Thousands of surgeries may be cut in Metro Vancouver due to government underfunding, leaked paper

The article also mentions about 1/3rd of operating rooms will be closed during the Olympics. Makes sense - hundreds of thousands of people visiting your community so decrease the available health care in the area. And remember, Canadians (not just the wealthy) already pay 50-60% of their income to the government - wonder how much more their taxes will increase to continue to fund their government health care with these huge shortfalls?

How I will forever (from this day forward) remember Brett Favre: Drama Viqueen

Ironically, this was posted last year by a blogger in the Minneapolis area.

H/T Twin Cities Minnesota Blog