CER Response to  State of the Union Address

Statement by CEO & Founder Jeanne Allen

“It’s a significant milestone when a president singles out a major education issue in the State of the Union address. Every year we wait in anticipation for the potential to bring much needed national attention to the most important domestic issue of our time – education.

“We are grateful for the recognition that education opportunity is a vital link to economic success for all Americans.

"Concerned citizens of every political stripe understand that the best hope for learners at all levels is expanded opportunity to access the very best education and training that meets their needs, fulfills their aspirations, and secures them a positive path to participate in the future.

“At a time when barely 30 percent of students nationally are proficient in core subjects, and fewer than a third of high school graduates complete any postsecondary credential, a major reboot in federal education priorities is long overdue. We are hopeful that numerous Congressional proposals that we have worked to accelerate to provide hope and expanded opportunity for our most vulnerable students will soon see the light with the aggressive support of the Administration.”

 

 

 

Founded in 1993, the Center for Education Reform aims to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans — particularly our youth — ensuring that conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom and flexibility throughout U.S. education.

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Spring Planting is Near: Join the Arbor Day Foundation in February and Receive 10 Free Trees

 

 

Joining the Arbor Day Foundation is an ideal way to get in the mood for spring planting. Anyone who joins the Foundation in February 2019 will receive 10 free Colorado blue spruce trees or 10 free redbud trees to plant when the weather turns warm.  

The free trees are part of the Foundation’s Trees for America campaign.

“These trees will help beautify your home for many years to come,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees will also add to the proud heritage of your state’s existing Tree City USA communities.”

The Tree City USA program has supported community forestry throughout the country for the past 40 years.

The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between March 1 and May 31, with enclosed planting instructions. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow, or they will be replaced free of charge.

Members also receive a subscription to the Foundation’s colorful bimonthly publication, Arbor Day, and The Tree Book, which contains information about planting and care.

To become a member of the Foundation and receive the free trees, visit arborday.org/February or send a $10 contribution by February 28, 2019 to:

Ten Free Colorado Blue Spruce Trees

or Ten Free Eastern Redbud Trees
Arbor Day Foundation
100 Arbor Avenue
Nebraska City, NE 68410

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A new study from financial technology company SmartAsset ranks the most affordable places to live in Utah. This is SmartAsset’s fifth annual study on the Most Affordable Places in America. These communities are ranked on an Affordability Index weighing property taxes, homeowners’ insurance fees and mortgage payments relative to income.

Check out the table below for a more detailed look at the statewide leaders:

1

Sunset, UT

$2,576

$1,080

$410

$6,371

$56,864

50.14

2

Roy, UT

$2,733

$1,362

$485

$7,535

$66,333

49.22

3

Harrisville, UT

$2,837

$1,530

$535

$8,302

$70,849

47.50

4

Clinton, UT

$2,821

$1,491

$610

$9,465

$76,378

45.92

5

Stansbury Park, UT

$2,990

$1,851

$709

$11,010

$88,133

45.28

6

West Point, UT

$2,904

$1,734

$659

$10,224

$81,750

45.05

7

Hyrum, UT

$2,733

$1,035

$485

$7,535

$59,453

45.03

8

Nibley, UT

$2,921

$1,354

$669

$10,380

$80,125

44.84

9

Plain City, UT

$3,000

$1,707

$715

$11,093

$85,290

43.75

10

South Ogden, UT

$2,800

$1,433

$517

$8,031

$63,055

43.23

Rank

City

Avg. Closing Costs

Annual Property Tax

Annual Homeowner's Insurance

Avg. Annual Mortgage Payment

Median Income

Affordability Index

 

Additional study details including the methodology and interactive map can be found here: https://smartasset.com/mortgage/how-much-house-can-i-afford#Utah