We know most college students aren’t interested in politics because they don’t see the point, but it’s important now more than ever that we start caring. Our future is in the hands of those we elect, but right now they seem to care more about keeping their own jobs than ensuring we have jobs and a strong economy in the years to come.
Similar to how student loan debt will likely hold back some of us from saving or buying a house, the national debt is holding back economic growth and investments in our future. Interest on the debt will continue to account for a large portion of government spending. In 2017, we are projected to spend $331 billion on interest payments.
By 2025, interest and major retirement and health care programs are projected to account for 67% of federal spending. This means more money will go to financing today’s spending and yesterday’s promises, rather than toward the next generation. This leaves a decreasing portion of the federal budget for investments in our future in areas like education, research and development, and infrastructure.
This doesn’t seem right or fair, so we can’t stand by and watch as our elected officials promise us a future with a lower standard of living. It’s time to start demanding more, and with the 2016 election starting to ramp up, especially in our state, we plan to ask presidential candidates what they’re going to do to fix this problem.
That’s why we’ve come together across party lines to bring First Budget to campus –– a non-partisan initiative to ensure our next president makes dealing with our long-term debt a top priority by putting forward a real plan of how they will tackle it. I hope you will join us in learning more by attending our upcoming event on Monday, Apr. 20 in Forum Room 1. Nick Troiano will be speaking at 8 p.m. about the issues I have discussed in this article. This event is co-sponsored by Student Senate, BVU College Republicans, and BVU College Democrats. There will be cookies and juice at this event for all attendees.
Troiano ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014 for Pennsylvania’s 10th District. He was the youngest and most successful independent candidate in the cycle, earning over 22,000 votes. He co-founded The Can Kicks Back campaign to advocate for bipartisan polices and to reduce our nation’s debt. Currently he is working with First Budget and bringing our debt to the attention of college students across the nation.
Please come and join us at this special occasion that will be covering a very important issue. An issue that won’t only affect us but our kids and possibly our grandchildren. The national debt is a serious matter that we need to address today. Start by coming and listening to Troiano speak on Apr. 20th in Forum Room 1 at 8 p.m. You will not regret this!
Matt Meiners
President of College Republicans
Izaak Plunkett
President of College Democrats
Graphic courtesy of FirstBudget.org
