Two Wisconsin state legislators visited with the Associated Students of Madison Legislative Affairs Committee Monday to discuss ongoing collaboration between student and state government leaders.
State Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, and state Rep. Melissa Sargent, D-Madison, spoke with committee members about Gov. Scott Walker’s budget proposal, focusing on recent Joint Committee on Finance hearings where students lobbied to place a tuition cap back into the state budget.
However, Risser said he is “not too confident” the hearings mean much, adding he is disappointed the JFC chairman has not permitted committee members to ask questions during hearings and limited speaking time.
Risser said he believes the legislature may leave a decision on the issue of a tuition cap to the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and encouraged students to shift their focus to the board if that is the case.
According to Risser, the current goal should be to give anyone the opportunity to afford a college education.
The legislators also spoke about the Responsible Action and Student Regent campaigns that have been drafted into bills and are beginning to circulate for co-sponsorship. Both campaigns were spearheaded by members of the Legislative Affairs Committee this semester.
Risser said he has “great hopes” for both, especially the Responsible Action bill, which has gained bipartisan support from state Rep. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan, as well as the endorsement of the Tavern League of Wisconsin.
Sargent agreed, saying it is “exciting” to see agreement in the legislature on these issues. She also stressed the continued importance of the “youth voice” in the state.
