UP: Unemployed. Wisconsin's dismal job-growth numbers brought a benefit for those already out of work. The U.S. Department of Labor notified the state last week that, after three months of growing unemployment here, Wisconsin now qualifies for extended unemployment benefits. Those out of work can now get 63 weeks of benefits, up from 54.
DOWN: Poor kids. The Wisconsin Council on Children and Families reports that Gov. Scott Walker, in his 2013-15 budget, proposes changes to BadgerCare that would leave 29,000 children without health care and reduce benefits for many more. The changes won't take effect until 2019.
