Web exclusive: MSU College Democrats meet to discuss Michigan Promise Scholarship

State and city officials joined the MSU College Democrats for the group’s first meeting Thursday night to discuss topics such as the Michigan Promise Scholarship and tips on being a politician.

MSU College Democrats President Mitchell Rivard wanted to give students an informal opportunity to meet their local authorities. The MSU College Democrats are focusing on three things this year: health care for all Americans, higher education and lowering tuition costs and a green energy economy.

“We thought it would be in the students best interests so they could ask them questions one-on-one and get a chance to know their representatives,” Rivard said.

Some of the officials on the panel included State Reps. Mark Meadows, D-East Lansing, and Marty Griffin, D-Jackson, Ingham County Commissioner Mark Grebner, East Lansing City Councilmembers Nathan Triplett and Kevin Beard, and MSU Board of Trustee member Dianne Byrum.

Given the current economy and job market, some students raised their concerns about finding jobs following graduation. Job creation is a No. 1 priority, Meadows said.

Students also raised concerns about the of Michigan Promise Scholarship, which could be cut when the state finalizes its budget in the next month. Byrum is hopeful the scholarship will continue.

“We have a large number of MSU students who use it,” Byrum said. “It’s difficult to grapple with (the current issue) when one side is saying ‘no new taxes’ and sticking their head in the sand and not paying attention to what’s going on around them.”

In addition to local and national concerns, the officials answered questions about becoming a politician.

Triplett, an MSU and MSU College Democrat alumnus, addressed questions about obstacles he encountered while becoming a young politician. Some of the advice he offered was to become involved and not focus on setbacks.

“You encounter skepticism,” Triplett said. “You have to ignore it and establish your credibility.”

Horia Dijmarescu, political director for the MSU College Democrats, said that this opportunity was great for students.

“It shows (students) they care and want to here what they have to say,” Dijmarescu said.