From everyone’s favorite wealth of questionable information:

Labor Day is a United States federal holiday that takes place on the first Monday in September. The holiday began in 1882, originating from a desire by the Central Labor Union to create a day off for the “working man”. It is still celebrated mainly as a day of rest and marks the symbolic end of summer for many.

• Hours of Work in U.S. History
• Take Back Your Time
• U.S. Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics
• International Labour Organization
• and, my very favorite, State of the Economy Overview at whitehouse.gov

From the State of the Economy Overview:

College Tuition Remains An Affordable Investment.
College enrollment rates among 18 to 19-year-olds increased by 6 percentage points from 2000 to 2005. 2005 marks the first year in which enrollment rates for this group passed 50 percent. Average net tuition and fees (accounting for grants) at four-year public universities was $2,700 for the 2006-07 academic year, and represented just 8 percent of income for families in the lowest income quartile. (National Center For Education Statistics, Census Bureau, and College Board)

That’s great – and to make up for the affordable tuition, they just raise the interest rates on student loans! I was at about 3% when I graduated from college three years ago. Currently, my interest rate is over 8%. Thanks, George!

(Related: here’s an interesting look at President Decider Bush’s use of his veto power.)