State legislators answer queries at WTIU forum

Reporters, Indiana state legislators and community members gathered for a WTIU televised legislative discussion Monday night.\nLegislators fielded questions from a panel of journalists, as well as audience members and callers during the station's broadcast of "3rd House: The People's Voice."\n"Our main goal is to try to get access to the legislators for the general public," said Producer Ron Prickel. "Because of distances and time commitments, it's difficult for them to make themselves available to people."\nThe studio has run similar shows since the late 1980s and typically features five or six legislators, Prickel said.\nState senators Becky Skillman, R-Bedford, and Richard Bray, R-Columbus, attended, along with state representatives Eric Koch, R-Bedford and Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington.\n"They recognize that (the show) is an opportunity to answer questions and to explain their own ideas about important issues," said Perry Metz, director of radio and television services. "Not every public appearance a politician makes is going to be moderated. Part of public television's mission is to encourage civil discussion. There may be hard questions but there won't be personal attacks."\nThe legislators addressed a broad spectrum of topics, including state funding for higher education and the possibility of a tuition cap.\nOne audience member wondered whether former Gov. Frank O'Bannon's pledge to fund full-day kindergarten without raising taxes would dip into other vital budget areas. Stillman said though she has not read the bill yet, she hopes it will open dialogue as to how to fund education more efficiently.\nAlthough topics like the tuition cap often affect students, participation from students is frequently low, Metz said.\n"I don't know that student's are aware they can come," he said. "It's not easy to get students active in political affairs until they're sure it's going to affect them personally."\nWhile Prickel said the show gets plenty of callers and e-mails, studio audience attendance can be sparce.\n"It's a really great opportunity for people to feel like their voice is being heard," Prickel said. "That's why we decided on the name, '3rd House: The People's Voice.' I just wish more people would take advantage of the opportunity that's provided for them here."\n-- Contact staff writer Mike McElroy at mmcelroy@indiana.edu.