While real estate agents are hopeful the extension of federal tax credits for homebuyers will help improve home sales in Kenosha County, a University of Wisconsin economist is calling the program a waste of taxpayer money.

The Senate voted this week to extend an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers until May. The program, launched in January, had been set to expire Nov. 30. In addition, Congress approved a new tax credit for homeowners who purchase a new primary residence. That credit will provide a $6,500 tax refund to buyers who purchase a new home if they have owned their previous house for at least five years....More

“How will we embrace our future with courage?” she asked the audience in the campus cinema. “We must collaborate, communicate and cooperate.”

Ford was formally inducted by UW Board of Regents President Kevin Reilly as the school’s sixth chancellor since the campus opened in fall 1969. Her first working day here was Aug. 3. She came from the University of West Florida, where she was vice president of student affairs....More