Senator Rafferty meets with UC students

Standing in the center of Olin 107, Senator John C. Rafferty did not appear nervous or hesitant about speaking to an audience of college students and professors; instead, he seemed ready and enthusiastic to address the questions and concerns that the Ursinus College community had to ask him.

On Thursday, Oct. 22, a meeting with state representatives was held in Olin, giving students and faculty members the chance to explore issues at hand in Pennsylvania; the meeting also allowed students to openly interact with the officials who have input with Pennsylvania state laws.

While State Representative Mike Vereb was scheduled to speak alongside Sen. Rafferty, he was unable to join at last minute. State Sen. Rafferty seemed unfazed by Rep. Vereb’s absence and spoke honestly and directly to his audience, immediately creating a friendly, candid environment. Sen. Rafferty’s background was enough to put his audience at ease; beginning his government career in college – he dabbled in student government – Sen. Rafferty acts as Chairman of the Senate Law & Justice Committee, and is also involved in a variety of other committees including Appropriations, Banking and Insurance, Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, Judiciary, and Transportation committees. To learn more about Senator Rafferty, you can visit his webpage.

President Strassburger has long allowed government and business officials to hold meetings on the Ursinus College campus; Devin Henry, a sophomore, expressed her opinion regarding the mixing of politics with the school system: “I think that it’s a good idea to let government officials meet here,” she said. “That way, the government officials stay in touch with Ursinus College administrators and students.” Sen. Rafferty acknowledged that he planned on staying involved with Ursinus through meeting with students and faculty members once a year, answering questions.

Although Sen. Rafferty covered a wide variety of topics, he spent a great deal of time addressing the issues surrounding the budget, which has been scrutinized intensely as of late. According to Sen. Rafferty, the state senate spent 500 million dollars less this year than last year, and also increased state aid for K-12 education to 300 million dollars. “I’m glad the right amount of attention is being paid to elementary and middle school education,” said Olivia Minick, a sophomore. “With all of the controversies surrounding the budget this year, I’m happy that at least aid to schools is being considered.”

There have, indeed, been controversies swirling around passing the budget; many students had mixed opinions toward the concept that K-12 schools were lobbying for table gambling and video slots, as the revenue would be used as aid for schools. Greg Kristofor, a sophomore, spoke positively about utilizing this idea: “If the revenue would help fund school systems that are in need of financial help, then why shouldn’t this be an idea to look into and consider?” Other students, however, disagreed, feeling that utilizing the products of gambling would send children the wrong message: “While it may seem like a good idea on the surface, I think that using the money produced from legalizing gambling will only give younger students a negative understanding of the idea that the ends justifies the means,” said Chrissy Walsh, a junior. Sen. Rafferty explained that handling the budget issues and pushing the budget in the right direction is still currently a main focus of the senate, but realizes that he – and the senate – cannot make everyone happy: “The only way to get stuff done is work together,” Sen. Rafferty said. “[It’s] a constant battle back and forth.”

While it is clear that there are still a lot of questions surrounding the budget plans, Sen. Rafferty seems willing and dedicated to bearing Ursinus College students and faculty in mind while handling politics. The meeting ended with a brief, but admirable quote from Sen. Rafferty that will most likely inspire others’ faith in the state senate; when asked what he enjoyed most about working for the government, he smiled and replied, “I like knowing my efforts help somebody.”

For more information on Ursinus College student involvement with neighboring communities, check out articles for The Grizz.