Education should remain top priority

Last week, the Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee invited student leaders from the state universities to discuss the effects that a 7 percent cut in appropriations would have on students. After we finished outlining the negative effects further cuts would have on everything from educational quality to the state's economy, Sen. Shawn Hamerlinck told us that “I don't like it when students actually come here and lobby me for funds. … Actually spending your time worrying about what we're doing up here, I don't want you to do that. Go home.”

As a student, taxpayer and citizen, I am disgusted with Sen. Hamerlinck's apathy toward those whom his vote will affect. His condescension toward students makes me question whether he has the same indifference toward those with concerns about roads, police or Medicaid. The votes he casts will affect the quality of education received by students in our schools and the quality of our state for years to come.

With the budget still locked in a stalemate (as this is written) and the July 1 deadline approaching, every Iowan should be worried about what our elected officials are doing. Despite Sen. Hamerlinck's objections, we will continue to voice our opinion that education should be a priority for Iowa. If you believe in educating our youth, developing a strong economy, investing in our future, contact your legislators and ask them to make education a priority.

Jared Knight

Vice President, Student Body

Iowa State University