State Senator Michael J. Rubio made an appearance at the Fresno State Free Speech Area Thursday at 3 p.m. to discuss issues affecting students.

“Seeing we are an institution of higher education and it is election season, it is very important for us to be bringing our state and local representatives to campus to connect and engage with students,” said Sean Kiernan, Associated Students, Inc. vice president of external affairs.

Roughly 40 to 50 students were present in the Free Speech Area, with others passing by between classes.

Rubio is the youngest serving California State Senator and was elected to the 16th State Senate District in 2012. He represents areas of Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare Counties.­ Rubio serves on several committees including: Agriculture Committee; Energy, Utilities and Communications; Health; Transportation and Housing; Veterans Affairs and Legislative Audit.

The event was sponsored by Fresno State’s University Student Union Productions and co-sponsored by the Fresno State Democrats and lasted roughly a half-hour. Rubio asked students to voice their concerns and tell him about things they were worried about in the school system.

Rubio made three main points while he spoke: addressing the increase in tuition; SB 960, which prevents university presidents from using student approved fee increases from being redirected without the issue coming back to students for approval; and the introduction of a California Constitutional amendment that puts a cap on the amount of out-of-state students a university can accept, opening more seats for California residents. He also spoke of his feelings about the amount of money that is put into the prison system in relation to the amount of money invested in higher education.

Rubio spoke on Proposition 30 and the impact he feels it would have on the higher education system.

“Prop. 30 is not the savior of everything, but it is certainly the step in the right direction so we can get a designated revenue stream that’s going to help with education here in the state of California,” Rubio said.

The senator also spoke on the importance of voting in the upcoming election and registering to vote, saying politics is far too important to leave up to politicians.

One student responded that he was not registered to vote because he didn’t have time. Rubio pointed the gentleman to someone on site who was registering students to vote.

Rubio advised that if students want to see change with their current situation in the school system, they need to vote every election season. Too many students don’t vote, Rubio said.

“Regarding some state races and especially the ballot initiatives, your vote really does count,” Kiernan said. “These items, specifically Prop. 30 and 38, will have a direct impact on higher education and it will be very, very close.”

Students interested in registering to vote online can do so at registertovote.ca.gov.