Last week, the Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee invited student leaders from each of the state universities to discuss the effects that a seven 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, Senator 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 students, taxpayers, and citizens, we are disgusted by Senator Hamerlinck’s apathy toward those whom his vote will affect. His condescension toward students makes us question whether he has the same indifference towards those with concerns about roads, police, or even Medicaid (all funded in part by students’ tax dollars). While he may not want us to pay attention to what happens in Des Moines, 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 negotiation still locked in a stalemate and the July 1 deadline quickly approaching, every Iowan should be worried about what our elected officials are doing. Despite Senator Hamerlinck’s objections, we will continue to voice our opinion that education should be a priority for the state of Iowa. If you believe in educating our youth, in developing a strong economy and in investing in our future, please contact your legislators and ask them to make education a priority.