AZ State Rep. to Students Complaining About Tuition: 'Welcome to Life

Michelle Ugenti has a message for Arizona college students complaining about a new proposed bill that would force them to pay for more of their college tuition: "Welcome to life."

Ugenti is an Arizona state GOP Rep. During a recent hearing about HB 2675, which requires all students at three state universities to pay at least $2,000 per year for their education, she didn't mince words when reacting to those who were complaining about the new measure. The Arizona Republic explains:

About 100 students signed in to oppose the bill, and a handful spoke out against it. James Allen, UA student-body president, told legislators that by passing the bill, legislators would make it harder to achieve a higher-education degree.

Rep. Michelle Ugenti, R-Scottsdale, replied, "Welcome to life."

A few minutes later, Rep. Matt Heinz, D-Tucson, admonished his colleagues for their comments.

"I feel these students are being greeted with open hostility," said Heinz, who later voted against the bill.

The bill is the work of state Rep. John Kavanagh. He believes that in such tough economic times, the state can't afford to be giving out so many free educations (the number of free educations is in dispute, but ranges from 25-50 percent). He also believes students need to have a stake in their education.

"Not everyone, but some people take things they get for free less seriously," he said, according to the Republic. Kvanagh, however, is open to exemptions to the law for some students such as military veterans.

The bill was approved by committee and now goes to the full House for a vote.