SpeakUp [Blog] - Minnesota Daily

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March 21, 2008, 6:45 pm
Creating a Stronger Presence at the Minnesota Legislature

By EmmaOlsonMSA

In the past, the Minnesota Student Association did not adequately represent the undergraduates at the Minnesota legislature. Usually, MSA would hold the “Support the U Day” event, once a session, and then do nothing more to influence our state legislators. This is not good enough. Student government should be advocating for students, especially where it could have such a huge impact.

Lobbying the legislature is especially important now that the legislature is considering the budget cuts made by the Governor Pawlenty to higher education, which includes the University of Minnesota. If legislators approve this cut to the budget, tuition could go up as much as 13%. This is not acceptable. Student government must do everything it can to stop tuition increases.

Currently MSA leadership is working to rectify this situation. Over the past two weeks, MSA members have testified at both Minnesota Senate and House hearings. Meetings have been scheduled with leaders of the Senate and House. MSA Leadership is working to contact every representative and senator, either through meetings or through mail.

Additionally, MSA will be considering a bylaw change on Tuesday to make the Representatives to Regents the permanent and primary liaisons to the Minnesota legislature. This will give the students designated representatives, create a stronger presence, and hopefully influence the legislature in a positive way.

As usual, I want to hear your thoughts on this….

Cheers,

Emma

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