UCD clubs to debate on universal health care, illegal immigration
By: WENDY WANG
Issue date: 1/17/08 Section:
Campus News




The Davis College Democrats and the Davis College Republicans will be holding a debate today at 6:30 p.m. in Kleiber Hall. The two clubs will cover the topics of illegal immigration and universal health coverage.

"We chose these two issues because they affect government policy. We both can get good runs out of these two topics," said junior political science and economics major and president of DCD Max Mikalonis.

DCR is not taking any formal stances on the issues and will instead pose hypothetical questions. "There is no official stance because there are varying viewpoints on the larger issues. Because we are an offshoot of the Republican Party, we represent their viewpoints," said chair of DCR and junior political science and international relations major Allison Daley.

On the issue of illegal immigration, DCD will be endorsing the California Dream Act.

"The California Dream Act is about people who came here as children and who went through the K-12 system and want to go to college, are not able to apply for financial aid," Mikalonis explained. "They have worked through the school system but can't apply for the FAFSA. It is very difficult for them; they got to America to achieve the American dream and this is the only home they know."

DCR will be answering the hypothetical question; "What will happen to illegal immigrants if the borders were closed?"

Pete Markevich, internal vice-chair of DCR and junior political science and economics major said, "We have to do something about our borders. It's unfair [that] people come into this country illegally and enjoy the benefits, when people who came legally wait outside embassies for such a long time. It is an issue of fairness and national security."

On the issue of universal health coverage, DCD is for the extension of the State Children's Health Insurance Plan. The plan helps sponsor children in families who are not wealthy enough to afford health care. Authorized in 1997, the SCHIP is trying to expand coverage with the passing of a bill to tax cigarettes, said sophomore biotechnology major Don Gibson, who will be leading the debate's subtopic.
"The main thing on health insurance is that we have to rely on the market and private enterprises to provide for it," Markevich said. "When it comes to universal health care, it gets so bureaucratic - one size fits all. If we can let the markets work, there will be much more efficiency than if the government runs it."

Mikalonis said the debate was initially due to take place later this month, but it was pushed forward to give students a chance to see what both parties believe in before they register to vote in the state elections. Both clubs agree the importance of the debate lies in informing the public what each party stands for.

"First and foremost we would like to spread political awareness across campus. This is a very big year for politics and these issues will be extremely relevant in the outcome of this election. We hope that students will become more involved and take interest in issues that affect them," Daley said in an e-mail interview.

The debate itself will run for 40 minutes. After a short break there will be a moderated question and answer session involving the audience. Free pizza will be available.

DCR meets Wednesdays at 8 p.m. in Hart 1150 and DCD meets Wednesdays from 6:10 to 7 p.m. in Wellman 230.


WENDY WANG can be reached at campus@californiaaggie.com.

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