Last week, students had the opportunity to voice their opinions, suggestions and concerns about campus issues at the state level.

On Nov. 10, during a brown bag lunch, Senator Dale Schultz made his first visit to the campus to discuss the Senate’s current issues. Schultz talked about furlough days, education and budget plans.

“I just want to make it clear that you can blow off steam and make statements here,” Schultz said.

During discussion of the long term funding crisis and balancing the budget, many suggestions to cut spending arose. Schultz said, “We have too much government to handle.”

He raised the question of getting rid of programs people can live without. Furlough days came up after this question. Schultz said that furlough days do not impact the budget a great deal.

Students spoke about parents working for the state dealing with furlough days.

In response, Schultz said, “We have considered taking pay back from people instead of instating furlough days.”

Regarding education, Schultz brought up several points of view. “Change will help keep costs low and some people suggest that we should drop 12th grade and focus more on 4-year-old kindergarten,” Schultz said. “This is different from the norm but it’s something that we may have to consider.”

Schultz would like to find ways to help the economy grow. He asked for opinions regarding the economy and how to gain funding. Schultz suggested raising taxes or cutting programs and services for the people. Some students agreed, saying that while many people don’t like paying taxes, they often don’t realize the way the taxes come back to help them by funding schools or roads.

The senator stated that it is hard to raise taxes because people do not like what the government does with their tax money, and they may think that money could be used more effectively elsewhere.

Rosalyn Broussard, a political science professor teaching current issues said, “The meeting was very informative. Students should attend these whenever the occasion arises. Students should ask legislators questions and find out about public policy.”

Mike Hruby, a sophomore Spanish major, said, “The senator came in to talk to our current issues in democracy class. We have mainly talked about health care and other issues. The meeting went well. Schultz was surprisingly polite on every issue.”