I'm always saddened when I hear about job layoffs and lack of money for programs because of the economy. What makes me even sadder is hearing about education cut backs. One program in particular that is being cut back is free preschool programs. This is horrible. Many people can not afford to pay for preschool and free education for this age group is great because then the children have (more of) an equal opportunity as those who can afford it. Children learn so much being in a preschool. This article explains more about it:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/nov/02/state-nurseries-funding-education

Even if this article is about another country, it shows that everywhere we are facing hard economic times.