Democratic state representatives addressed concerns of University of Wisconsin students Tuesday in a Q-and-A forum, emphasizing their optimism in the progress the country will make under President Barack Obama.
Hosted by College Democrats, the forum provided UW students the opportunity to discuss the direction of the UW budget and what changes will be made with democrats taking over the Assembly majority.
Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan, D-Janesville, said the UW System would continue to be one of the top priorities in the budget so students will continue to receive the best education they can as problems are addressed in legislation.
Rep. Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, added there are funds set aside specifically for the UW System, and members of the Legislature are looking for options to balance the budget.
“One of the things we are looking to do is to put more money in so middle-class students get a hold on tuition and are qualified for more grants,” Barca said.
But in the long term, there is not yet room in the budget to do so, he added, recommending regulations be loosened so there are more opportunities for private research between universities.
The Democrats also plan to move forward under the new president in what could be a successful health reform package, according to Rep. Donna Seidel, D-Wausau.
Concerning university-age students just starting out in the workforce, Democrats want to include a policy that provides coverage to unmarried adults until the age of 27 under their parents’ health insurance plan.
“We recognize that there is not an all or nothing approach,” Seidel said. “It is an enormous challenge, but we can partner with the Obama administration to help move forward.”
Representatives said they plan to work toward smoke-free laws and review drunken driving policies.
“Probably about 85 to 95 percent of those in county jails are there because of the use of drugs or alcohol or something they did under the influence,” Rep. Joe Parisi, D-Madison, said. “And for the culture in the state of Wisconsin, we have to really work to change how we perceive and think about those types of issues through drug and alcohol treatment programs.”
College Democrats Executive Board member Scott Resnick said hosting this event is important because it provides students with a direct opportunity to hear a spectrum of state leaders openly speak about issues.
“The economy is the hot-button issue for graduating seniors that are leaving college unemployed,” Resnick said. “Their ability to start discussing how we are going to keep jobs in the state is important.”
College Republicans Vice Chair Kristen Wall was in attendance and said she disagreed with the stances of some of the representatives.
“This country is facing incredibly hard times right now, and while we hope that we can recover, I think it is a little presumptuous to guarantee the success of President Obama’s administration,” Wall said.
She went on to say the College Republicans will also host an event with state politicians today where Republican representatives will be invited to speak on the state budget.
Correction: The print version of this article misidentified in the photo caption Rep. Thomas Nelson, D-Kaukauna. We regret the error.
