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ALBANY, GA. -- Four local state legislators came to Albany State University Tuesday as part of the school's faculty and staff conference.

Two lawmakers, Republican Ed Rynders and Democrat Winfred Dukes, got into it over taxes and the budget while answering a question about funding cuts to schools and universities.

“We have given away so much money and created a policy that is not in the best interest of this state, to a point to where we can no longer pay our own bills. We can't educate our children, take care of the elderly and we're actually now taxing poor people,” said Dukes.

“It's easy to say let's not cut this and let's not cut that, but if you're going to do that you need to say how you're going to pay for it. We do have to have a balanced budget and if you're not going to make the necessary cuts then you need to tell us what taxes you are interested in raising,” said Rynders.

While Dukes took a stance on the left and Rynders on the right, in the middle was Democrat Carol Fullerton.

“We’re still going to have a republican majority in the house, so we have to work with each other to do the best things. It is sometimes a very painful process,” said Fullerton.

While Dukes and Rynders disagreed there was still a mutual respect between the two. 

The staff that watched the debate said the university is a welcome home to the exchange of ideas.

“Our role as faculty, administrators and certainly as students, it's nice to have the open dialogue so people understand where we are, where we've been and certainly where we're going,” said Dr. Kathaleena Edward Monds of the university’s College of Business.

State Senator Freddie Powell-Sims also attended, but did not comment to FOX 31 News.