UW-Madison students grilled Gov. Jim Doyle on a variety of topics following his lecture during Friday's political science 205 class.
In his opening lecture, Doyle spoke about the difficulties he faced with this year's budget.
\We really had to ask people in Wisconsin to do more with less,"" Doyle said, referring to the $1.5 billion he trimmed off the state's $3.2 billion deficit.
""I made more cuts than any governor has ever made in the history of the state of Wisconsin,"" he said.
Following his bleak but honest portrayal of the state's current financial situation, Doyle shifted gears and looked to what he considers a bright future. He said students are key to reversing Wisconsin's economic fortunes in coming years.
""It rests with those of you who are working to get the kind of education you're getting here,"" the governor said to the students. ""You are the ones that [will] really demonstrate to the world that Wisconsin is a place that really stands for quality.""
Doyle concluded with a revealing question-and-answer session. Asked whether he supports raising Madison's minimum wage, he responded that he preferred raising the minimum wage statewide only.
He also said he believes the answer to grounding skyrocketing prescription drug costs is buying in Canada, where prices are 40 percent lower.
""We could save the taxpayers tens of millions of dollars if Congress would let us go to Canada to buy the drugs,"" Doyle said. ""And my guess is... Just the threat of us going to Canada, you'd start seeing the price of these come down dramatically.""
When asked about manufacturers leaving Wisconsin due to over-regulation, Doyle attacked the regulation policy that he said needs reform.
""The Republicans are clamoring about how our regulatory climate in this state isn't very good. Well, who's been in charge of this place for 16 years?"" Doyle said, alluding to previous Republican Governors Tommy Thompson and Scott McCallum.
Political science Professor Dennis Dresang said he was impressed by how Doyle handled the students' questions.
""I thought he was very responsive and didn't duck questions,"" Dresang said.
UW-Madison sophomore Krystal Bartlett said she liked how Doyle tailored his lecture to the student audience, while UW-Madison sophomore Erik Larson said, ""It's great that he's able to take time to speak to the class.""'''''?
""I like being on campus,"" Doyle said after his lecture. ""The students are always interested and follow the issues.""
