Liberals, conservatives and empathy

A harmonic convergence in NY Times op-eds this morning.

There was Paul Krugman on Mitt Romney's call for young people to get an education, borrow money from their parents and start a business.

The first thing you notice here is, of course, the Romney touch — the distinctive lack of empathy for those who weren’t born into affluent families, who can’t rely on the Bank of Mom and Dad to finance their ambitions. But the rest of the remark is just as bad in its own way. FULL STORY

Federal Funding Cuts Deal Blow to Some State Child Welfare Programs

Federal funding cuts are dealing a blow to some state child welfare programs.

The cuts will require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to eliminate a child abuse prevention program that put workers in 27 school districts, eliminate funding for Family Resource Centers and reduce funding for the State Police Crimes Against Children Division (CACD) and some family support programs beginning July 1.

"We don't want to see these services reduced, but this is the reality of federal budget cuts," Governor Mike Beebe said. "Cutting federal programs has real consequences for real people, and we will continue providing the best services we can with fewer dollars." Full Story

UALR to buy Coleman Place

UALR plans to buy Coleman Place apartments for $14.7 million, according to a proposal approved March 30 by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees.

The apartments, which are located at 3200 Coleman Court along Asher Avenue south of the UALR campus, were built during the 2007-2008 academic year. The complex consists of 132 apartments with space for 420 residents. The purchase would include a 9.24 acre piece of land that borders the new UALR track and soccer complex. Full Story.