The Iowa State Capitol hosted the Bulldog Breakfast this morning to give students the opportunity to chat with Iowa legislators. Drake students also had discussions with Drake alumni serving as Iowa legislators from 7-9 a.m.  As a private institution, Drake isn’t impacted in the same ways state schools might be, but students at Drake might be impacted by issues that the legislators discussed, such as high-speed rail, economic development and tax policy.

Sam Pritchard, chair of the Community Outreach Committee of Student Senate, came up with the idea for the Bulldog Breakfast as part of his election platform last spring. The sophomore marketing and politics major Pritchard said that the Bulldog Breakfast reiterated Drake’s image as an exceptional school, and that it will give students the opportunity to speak with legislators.

“The Brocal Chords will be performing in the rotunda (of the state capitol) at 7:15, which helps announce that there is something big going on in the rotunda and will likely attract a lot of attention,” Pritchard said. He also said the performance will start off as a flash mob.

There was a lot of planning that went into the Bulldog Breakfast, starting with the Community Outreach Committee.  This committee reserved the space in the capitol building, contacted the legislators and ordered the food for the breakfast.

The Bulldog Breakfast was open to all students.  If you were not able to make it, Pritchard said that students can still take a trip to the state capitol on their own time, and they can take a tour and meet with our “state decision-makers.”

“It is the people’s house, so students should know that it is always open to them,” Pritchard said.

The Iowa State Capitol is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The number to call for tour times is (515) 281-5591. There is no admission fee.