A weak economy can mean many things. To some it may force downsizing their gas guzzling vehicle. For others it may mean switching to a generic brand of cookie similar to Oreos. Others have had more drastic changes occur in their lives thanks to the woes of Wall Street.
Janesville, Wis., was hit especially hard this summer. After generations of operation, the General Motors manufacturing plant is shutting its doors. The plant, which opened in 1919, employs nearly 2,600 workers. Even though some compensation offers have been made, hundreds of people in Southern Wisconsin will be left without a job or means of support as of 2010 at the very latest.
At the same time, SSM Health care, a company which owns St. Mary's Hospital as well as others, have decided to build a $140 million hospital in Janesville. The plan came from residents' requests for better health care closer to home. Construction will begin soon, and the building is expected to be open in 2010. Nearly 350 people will be employed there using the hospital's anticipated $40 million payroll.
This is a tragedy and a triumph in a constantly expanding town. But it might be possible to soften the blow of the former with assistance from the latter.
Also located in Janesville is the University of Wisconsin-Rock County, which offers two-year degrees including numerous health fields. It would make perfect sense to pay for some of the laid-off GM workers to go back to school to earn a two-year degree (or more) in a medical field such as nursing. Then, when the area hospital is completed in two years, it can be staffed by local individuals with proper training. In addition to decreasing unemployment, this plan would keep part of the $40 million payroll in the area, thereby stimulating the economy in southern Wisconsin. It makes perfect sense.
However, the question of money remains. These new students would, unfortunately, have ample time to attend classes. But who should be responsible for paying for their college educations? Given the deficits and unresolved issues with state budgets across the country, the federal government would be an excellent candidate. Of the millions of dollars gathered in public tax revenue every year, surely some of the money could be used to educate the future members of the health care field. There currently exists a mammoth shortage of health care professionals and assistants. Somewhere there must exist some extra federal cash that would employ as well as care for the people of this portion of the country.
Many problems exist in the world today. It may seem like wishful thinking to believe that leaders around the country could cooperate with one another to resolve these issues. But they would be ill-advised to ignore some solutions, such as this issue in Janesville, as this proposal will positively impact the economy for many years to come. A simple message to the leaders in Janesville, SSM Health care, General Motors, the federal government - and anyone else who cares about their fellow man: You have the opportunity to make life better for someone else. Why won't you take it?
Emily Houtler is a junior majoring in environmental studies and math. We welcome your feedback. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
