Dear editor,
Before you put this letter down and roll your eyes at another politically motivated letter, I am asking how much you value education.
This election has been predominately motivated by the economy. Unemployment, national debt, and taxes seem to rule the political stratosphere. While the economy is an extremely important issue in this state, education seems to be saved for another day.
I want students to understand why the Democratic candidate Joe Donnelly should be elected to the U.S. Senate, and why his opponent, Republican Richard Mourdock, will hurt the future of education in the Hoosier state.
Much of Ball State's student body relies on the federal government to make college possible. In his time in congress, Joe Donnelly cut interest rates for student loans in HALF. He also increased the maximum Pell Grant award by 37%. Nine out of 10 recipients of the Pell Grant have a household income lower than $40,000, which means that grants and loans are those families' only truly viable option for a higher education. Richard Mourdock has been campaigning on the promise to CUT $72 million from Pell Grants in Indiana. That could keep 10,000 students out of school. As a recipient of Pell Grants, I CANNOT let this happen.
Mourdock isn't promising to attack higher education exclusively; Head Start will suffer greatly under Mourdock's plans for Indiana. Head Start offers children free medical and dental care, healthy meals and snacks, and a safe atmosphere to play outdoors. Mourdock will cut $25 million from Head Start, which will prevent 3,000 children from receiving the care and education they need. Mourdock does not seem to have the Hoosier common sense that Joe Donnelly possesses.
Joe Donnelly wants to make sure that every student in Indiana has the tools they need to compete. He believes that we must improve job-training programs to make more Hoosiers succeed. More businesses need to connect with community colleges to ensure that students are learning real, competitive skills.
I want students to vote above all else. But when you walk into your voting booth on November 4, please remember that your vote could significantly change education in this state. Please keep the future leaders of Indiana in your mind as you decide what path you want for Indiana.
Vote Joe Donnelly for U.S. Senate.
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