What a tough day for our class!  After about a month of participating in our classroom economy, the IRS finally came to town to audit the books.  Each student has been recording income and expenses for the last month on their own spread sheet.  When the IRS came to audit, they noticed a few discrepancies.  Some students were reporting more or less income than they actually had, which in Wisconsin is a financial crime.  Those students responsible for financial crimes have been penalized: they earned a financial penalty, as well as jail time (which is just a silent lunch in my room, but there is a chance of early release).

In addition to financial crimes being discovered, some students had a negative balance in their bank account.  They have since become unable to pay their rent at their desks and chairs.  Those students were handed an eviction notice and have but a few days to either pay their overdue balance or to find alternative housing (likely in less desirable areas).

Additionally, we made headway into our next area of focus as it relates to poverty: health and food.  We began reading about health ailments that predominately afflict people living in low income situations; such as hypertension and Type II diabetes (that is not to say people with wealth do not experience these health issues, but research has shown low income populations struggle with these health issues at a higher rate).

Lastly, one of our students faced termination from their employment today.  They had been under-performing their job and were let go from their place of employment.  They are going to receive a small, but fair severance package; giving them some time until they hopefully land on their feet.

Life in class today was tough.  Hopefully we can survive and get past the difficulties.