The Whitewater Student Government (WSG) held a political panel with Republican and Democratic state legislators on Wednesday, Nov. 6 in Old Main Ballroom of the University Center. The visiting politicians included Rep. Don Vruwink (D) of the 43rd district, Rep. Cody Horlacher (R) of the 33rd district and Rep. Kalan Haywood of the 16th assembly district (D-Milwaukee).

The panel was held in order to discuss the upcoming 2020 election and stress the importance of voting, as well as discuss laws and any pending legislature, local or federal.

Haywood, the youngest representative in Wisconsin, spoke credibly on the issue of youth in politics by emphasizing the importance of the younger generations participating in the political processes.

“It’s super important for the younger generation to be involved because it’s our future, it’s about how we are going to operate for the next 40-50 years,” Haywood said. “Young lawmakers are energetic and can pound the pavement.”

Some of the questions had to do with the student debt in Wisconsin, which has reached $1.7 billion. With many people frustrated with the tuition freeze, lawmakers are looking to solve the buildup of debt.

“I want to keep tuition frozen, but have the government fund the difference,” said Vruwink. “Students should be able to start their professional careers without the weight of debt on their shoulders.”

Both Vruwink and Horlacher agreed that if the business side of Wisconsin continued to grow, more younger professionals would stay in Wisconsin and solve the population drought.

The event concluded with the topic of the 2020 election, and why Wisconsin is such an important factor.

“Everyone always claims it’s the most important election, and all hell will break loose if your candidate doesn’t win,’’ said Horlacher.

While not diminishing the importance of the 2020 election, Horlacher looks to defuse the tension between political parties.

“It’s those things we have in common that unite us,” he said.

Something all of the representatives could agree on was the importance of voting and being a part of your community.

“You can’t complain about what’s happening if you are not involved in the community or you are not voting,” said Haywood.