A current endeavor of the Government of the Student Body is to lobby the state Legislature in support of a higher cigarette tax.

The GSB executive’s interest in the issue stems from the Regents’ resolution supporting the measure. To suck up to the Regents, the executive branch pushed its own resolution through the GSB Senate.

I don’t believe it is the responsibility of GSB to devote energy and time to implementing a higher cigarette tax. There has not been any polling of the issue on campus, but because it passed the Senate, the executives believe they have wide student support. If polling were done, I would not be surprised to see mixed results.

It is disappointing to see a body of students representing Iowa State working so devotedly on a cause unrelated to student interests. I did not see the GSB executive branch fight over the $15 billion cuts to federal student aid, so why are they suddenly so concerned about money that could potentially go to health care?

GSB needs to keep its focus on education and off party politics. A resolution like this makes it seem as though GSB’s sole role is to kiss the butt of the Board of Regents, a role that can only prompt negative attention.

Katherine Lundberg

Richardson Court Association senator

Government of the Student Body