University students are having more concerns regarding theelections than the war in Iraq and Social Security. Many studentsare concerned with the likelihood of employment awaiting them aftergraduation.
“Many students prefer to stay in Louisiana, but many of themneed to go out of state just to be employed,” said Mary Feduccia,director of Career Services.
This so-called “brain drain” effect is the perpetual cycle ofhighly-educated and successful college graduates having to lookoutside of Louisiana for jobs.
“I am going to Houston as soon as I graduate,” said CourtneyTruhe, an elementary education freshman. “Teacher pay is so muchbetter and we receive so many more benefits. If I go somewhereelse, I would be offered so much more.”
This “brain drain” is an issue many senatorial candidates aretackling in their platforms.
State Treasurer John Kennedy’s, D-Zachary, platform states plansto increase the minimum wage by more than $1 for workers.
Kennedy also plans to introduce a $10,000 tax exemption on tipincome, allowing workers to keep all of the tips they earn.
Sarah Mulhearn, press secretary for Kennedy, said he hopes thiswill help waiters, cab drivers and other employees to treat tips asgifts and not to be taxed on them like income.
Congressman Chris John, D-Crowley, plans to create a workforcethat attracts more businesses.
“He has been very aggressive in closing the loopholes that allowcompanies to invest overseas,” said Zac Wright, press secretary forJohn. “He wants to provide more manufacturing jobs and high-techjobs, jobs which require an education and a good salary.”
Wright said John is the only LSU alumnus in the senator race, anadvantage that helps him understand the workings of a stateschool.
State Legislator David Vitter, R-New Orleans, hopes to developexcellent research centers for universities to provide more jobsand opportunities for college graduates.
Matthew Abramm, press secretary for Vitter, was unavailable forcomment.
Mulhearn and Wright referred voters to the candidates’ Web sitesfor more information concerning economic development and otherissues.
Many students hope the candidates’ solutions will makeimprovements in Louisiana’s economic system. The choice as to whoseplatform meets graduates’ needs is up to the voter.
“We encourage our students to stay, but we have to provide themwith competitive opportunities for a competitive market,” Feducciasaid. “We have seen a different caliber of students graduating fromLSU and we hope they will consider Louisiana as a competitiveoption.”