It seems these days every form of news media is not complete without some clip or article on the state’s “budget crisis” and what the General Assembly is doing to fix it.

The news is filled to the brim with political figures from Jefferson City bad mouthing each other and contradicting themselves. So, why should I care what these legislators are doing?

I mean, I’m a regular college student and my world is absorbed with everything but politics; so, why should I make a point to keep up with the happenings of the distant Capitol?

Does state government really have the power to directly affect the lives of people in Joplin?

It sure does! After becoming state news editor this semester, I learned a vital lesson. Not only did I quickly realize the people in Jefferson City were not referred to as Congress (I know, it’s sad), but I also got an insight to the weight these elected officials hold on almost everything in Missouri.

These legislators have the power to create the law in the whole state, and, being citizens of the state, each and every one of us would have to abide by those laws. If the public, especially college-age Missourians, don’t take an active role as “watchdogs” over these people, they will have the ability to change our lives in a dramatic way, at their discretion.

Not only is the Assembly currently voting on the next fiscal year’s budget and deciding what the governor should cut from our lives, they are creating several new laws that affect the regular “Joe” on the street.

I’m not saying people should drop everything and run straight to Jeff City, I just think people, especially those involved in the education system, need to take an active role in our government.

Besides voting, there are several things average, too-busy and too-tired, college students can do to let their local legislators know what’s on their mind. The Joplin-area representatives are very accessible and friendly. Just give them a call.

If that doesn’t sound appealing, next time you see something on the news or in the paper, take the time to comprehend it. Most of the time, you’ll find you have an opinion on the topic, and guess what, it’s your state and your government, so don’t pass up the opportunity to say what you think.