Legislators hear pleas for help

State Senators Rob Cowles (R-Allouez) and Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) joined Assembly members Jim Soletski (D-Green Bay) and Ted Zigmunt (D-Francis Creek) in an hour-long question and session Monday (Nov. 23) at the Christie Theatre in the University Union. Attending at the invitation of the Student Government Association, the four lawmakers fielded questions from SGA members, students and faculty, most of which focused upon the state’s glum economic outlook and how it is affecting the University. The panel was moderated by SGA representative Megan Loritz. All four lawmakers said they understand the hardships facing the UW-Green Bay community, but were frank in acknowledging that there is no certain solution. The magnitude of the state’s fiscal challenges make any new spending for higher education a tough proposition, and fiscal conservatives in the legislature vow to fight proposals that would further raise taxes, on the grounds that such a path would only prolong the current economic slump. The legislators encouraged those in the audience to share their views in the next gubernatorial election.