Three of the following statements are fused sentences. Choose the one correctly punctuated statement that is not a fused sentence.

• a) The average 2016 university graduate has almost $40,000 in student loan debt consequently lawmakers are discussing how to make higher education more affordable.

•b) The average 2016 university graduate has almost $40,000 in student loan debt as a result lawmakers are discussing how to make higher education more affordable.

• c) The average 2016 university graduate has almost $40,000 in student loan debt lawmakers
are discussing how to make higher education more affordable.

• d) The average 2016 university graduate has almost $40,000 in student loan debt;
consequently, lawmakers are discussing how to make higher education more affordable.