There is no doubt the past fall was rough for anyone who decided to turn on the news or even simply log onto Facebook. It is easy to shut yourself off from the world of politics completely after such a tumultuous election.
Deleting all social media and never watching TV again might seem tempting, but it is far from whatever candidate you so passionately supported would encourage. It is now more important than ever for students to remain engaged in the political process, at all levels of government: local, state and national.
College Democrats will be working hard this semester to encourage our elected leaders to consider the progressive values so many of their constituents share.
Even though we just got through an election cycle, there are more elections right around the corner. Spring races for local officials are critical in electing leaders who effect tangible change right in our own backyard.
Last spring, College Democrats helped elect Hayley Young to the Dane County Board of Supervisors. Young was a tireless advocate for students during her campaign and has continued to work for solutions to issues on our campus during her time in office.
This semester, College Democrats will be working to ensure that those elected to City Council, Madison School Board and other local offices have strong progressive values to strengthen our community.
Elections aren’t the only way of affecting change this semester. Issue advocacy is more important than ever, and this semester is critical for all University of Wisconsin students — the Wisconsin Legislature will pass the biennial budget.
The budget has a tremendous effect on what resources will be available to students on campus, based on how much funding the state Legislature decides to provide for our university. The last round of budget cuts the state imposed on the UW system slashed many programs throughout the state and limited the ability of our esteemed professors to continue groundbreaking research.
We cannot allow UW to lose its world-class reputation because our officials decide it isn’t worth funding. Republican legislators have discussed deeply troubling proposals, such as tying state funding to teaching or not teaching certain courses and requiring certain speakers to come to campus. These types of proposals slash the heart of the Wisconsin Idea and the academic freedom of our university.
The College Democrats have the organizing power to work with legislators who are fighting for students from inside the Capitol and put pressure on those who favor more cuts. The College Democrats can effectively show lawmakers student voices matter, especially when the decisions made in the Capitol directly affect our future.
This election cycle was tough — Democratic losses were even tougher — but the most important thing to gain from 2016 was the determination exemplified in so many of our candidates. We must take the energy we had during the campaign, the fierce commitment to fighting for what is right, and keep going.
Politics certainly does not stop after the last ballots is cast, and the steps toward progress have only begun. Join College Democrats, make your voice heard and keep fighting for progressive change.