Dear students of GVSU,

Many of you are not happy that Michigan is cutting the availability of Bridge Cards for us students. I, however, think it is one of the best things the government has done in a long time. Beginning in April, only those who have children and are in school, those who are unable to work, or those who are in an unpaid internship or on-the-job training will be eligible. This is how it should have been in the first place because then so many college students would not be dependent on the Bridge cards and they would have found other means to make ends meet.

I’m sure a lot of you are saying “Well, I really need it.” Let me ask you these questions. Do you have a job? Are you able to get a job? How much do you pay for your cell phone bill? Do you need to pay that much? Is having Internet on your phone more important than eating? Did you need those $150 Uggs? Or those $100 Lucky brand jeans? And to those that it applies to: how do you pay for the alcohol you drink every weekend? Or those drugs you use? There are so many things that you could cut to start saving money for groceries. It may take away “fun” money, but you have to eat somehow. So stop complaining.

To help regulate the use of the Bridge Card, there should be a drug test when you apply for it and every three months to make sure you aren’t using drugs. If you don’t pass the drug test, then you should not be able to get the bridge card. The government should not be expected to pay for your food when you use your own cash to buy drugs. I strongly believe that those who are using illegal substances should not have access to help from the government.

To those who are complaining about getting their Bridge Cards taken away and do not have jobs, are you serious? Go out and get a job! I am from this area and I know many businesses around here that are very willing to hire college students and work around schedules. Yes, your precious weekend time might be taken up, but at least you can put food in your cupboards.

And to those who actually need the Bridge Card and do not abuse it, I am deeply sorry and I know it will be hard to make ends meet, but it is possible! You should not be mad at our state government for cutting the card. Instead, you should be upset at all of your peers who abused the card, because it is their irresponsibility that caused the state to do this.

Fellow student,

Emily Koeman