Augie History

Johnson visits Augustana,

addresses politics, NCAA

By Emily Schirmer

From the probability of impeaching President Bush (doubtful) to his favorite NCAA team (Duke), South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson took on a host of questions from students and community mem- bers Wednesday in Siverson Lounge.

The event started with remarks by Jack Billion, a Sioux Falls resident seeking the Democratic seat for governor, about his vision for the state and the reforms he sees necessary in minimum wage, the education budget and open meetings.

Bill Thompson, a retired teacher and the district's representative to the South Dakota legislature, also spoke. Senator Johnson was next to the podium to make prepared remarks about the current political atmosphere and what he believes are the chief issues, followed by a question and answer session.

"Now is the time for you to decide how useful you think the government should be," Johnson said. "Many people think it's like watching the NCAA. Interesting to watch, but it doesn't really matter." But it does matter.

"I believe that every student should be able to afford to go to college," Johnson said.

The budget for the Department of Education was cut this year, which affects the amount of money Augustana students can receive for loans and grants.

Johnson said that it is important for students to pay attention to politics, because they affect many aspects of their lives.

If he had one issue he would encourage every Augustana stu- dent to pay attention to, it would be the budget.

"It has exploded," Johnson said. "Do you Augustana students want to be paying for that a few years down the road? Government profoundly affects students' future prosperity."

He believes the federal government needs to reexamine their priorities and cut corruptive spending to help balance the budget instead of taking the money out of Social Security. According to Johnson, Social Security money is solid and there is no need for reform until 2052.

The Augustana Mirror, Vol. 94, No. 17, 2006