A story on the front page is about several members of the state Legislature’s Universities and Colleges Committee skipping a meeting that was to be held at MSU. Many students were looking forward to interacting with legislators who served on a committee that has so much to do with MSU. The legislators’ absence is a slap in the face, not only to those students in attendance and all the students who set up the meeting, but the MSU community at large.
Two of the legislators have legitimate excuses. Rep. Jim Barnett (D-Brookhaven) was sick. Rep. Andrew Ketchings (R-Natchez) said he never received a follow-up to the initial invitation.
A possibility exists that the Student Association might have dropped the ball on some of the logistics. However, co-directors of the SA’s Governmental Affairs Committee Kell Smith and Timothy Jackson say they confirmed invitations with the legislators.
Sens. Terry Burton (D-Newton) and Edwin Hamilton (R-Maben) have yet to explain their absence to the SA. Both were also unavailable for comment to The Reflector. Sen. Hamilton’s absence is especially noteworthy, considering that he represents Oktibbeha County.
Burton probably has many current MSU students and alumni living in his district. Hamilton undoubtedly does. We hope voters remember their absence at this meeting next time these lawmakers are up for re-election.
Their actions are especially insulting, considering the event was supposed to help combat the problem of voter apathy among college students. These lawmakers’ actions helped contribute to voter cynicism about politicians instead.
Their actions leave us to wonder if this lackadaisical style is representative of how lawmaking is done in Jackson.
If MSU isn’t important to these lawmakers, then what is?