University Star

The best choice to represent Texas State students in State House District 45 is candidate John Adams.

Students deserve a state representative who has the experience and the willpower that is necessary to fight for student interests. Adams, a trustee for Dripping Springs I.S.D. and a former school board member, will work to improve higher education while lowering tuition prices. As a father of three children, two of which attend public Texas universities, Adams understands the concerns of college students and their families. He is not beholden to partisan ideologies, and he is more concerned with the well-being of students and public education. Unlike his opponent, Adams is willing do what is best for Texas without compromising for politics. The best way for Texas State students to make their voices heard in the State House is to elect Adams to office.

Adams is a strong advocate for students in higher education.  He is aware that tuition prices have risen too much in the last few years. He knows that many students have to work long hours and take out loans to pay for college. According to a Sept. 20 New York Times article, conversely, Jason Isaac, the current District 45 representative, was one of the Republicans who voted for the current budget that cut $5.4 billion from education.

College students tend to bear the burden of the state’s budget cuts. Adams supports restoring funding to higher education and providing more financial resources to universities. The reinstatement of this funding along with additional financial support will help lower tuition rates, and help improve the quality of education. This is a win-win situation for both students and the state. Higher education is beneficial to students who are looking for careers. Also, an educated workforce is imperative for Texas to remain competitive in the global market.

According to Dwight Clark, Adams’ campaign manager, Adams supports giving students an additional tax credit for textbooks. Textbooks are already expensive, and broke students could do without the stress of added costs. Adams’ support of programs that help ease student financial concerns makes him the right candidate for Texas State students.

According to an Oct. 8 PolitiFact report, the budget cuts supported by Isaac mean there is currently $500 less for every student in public schools. As a result of the cuts to education, younger siblings of Texas State students may see more overcrowded classrooms and less available supplies in school. Public education cuts are unnecessary.

According to an Oct. 4 University Star article, Adams cares about protecting women’s access to health care and contraception. According to Clark, Isaac, however, supported a $12 million statewide budget cut to women’s healthcare services. The cut denied thousands of women access to preventative health care examinations, vital cancer screenings, and affordable contraception.

Reproductive care is a personal health issue, not a political one. Adams should work to restore funding for women’s healthcare services and should make sure contraception is easily available.
Adams is willing to hear out many differing opinions in order to make the best decision for the state. Adams’ support for higher education and women’s healthcare rights prove he is the correct choice for students in this election.

-—Christian Penichet-Paul is a history junior.