UNI Northern Iowan, IA
01-12-07
Regents lobby for more education spending
Tim McCue
NI News Writer
Will more democrats mean more dollars?
This is a question student leaders, administrators and members of the Board of
Regents have been asking themselves recently.
Lobbying at the State Capitol in Des Moines is an annual rite of spring for leaders
at all three state universities and they are hoping that a shift at the statehouse
that left democrats controlling both houses and the governor’s mansion following
the November election will pay off in the form of more funding for higher
education.
Grant Erwin, University of Northern Iowa student body president isn’t taking a
political approach to the situation.
“Our strategy and goals don’t change all that much based on whether Democrats
or Republicans are in power. Higher education is vital to students, families and
the state of Iowa; and therefore, should be a bipartisan issue that both sides fully
endorse. There is increased talk about commitment from Governor Culver and
legislators from both sides in support of higher education. We are very
appreciative they have come to view higher education as a public good and a
major asset as our state looks toward the future,” Erwin said
Despite Erwin’s optimism many leaders are aware of the political reality.
“This year it is essential that students have a voice at the Capitol. The state of
Iowa is facing a higher education crisis, and without the full funding of the
Regents request, our education system will suffer. The Democratic party has
emphasized the importance of education in the upcoming legislative session,”
said Emily Jensen, Iowa State University student body president.”
Keeping tuition increases to a minimum while also keeping them predictable and
stable for students is a priority of student leaders and administrators at all three
institutions and University of Northern Iowa Student Body President, Grant Erwin
knows how important it is to have a loud student voice in Des Moines and he
wants all students, not just those in leadership to speak up.
“We are very confident that if we are successful in getting more people to contact
their legislators, we will receive more sufficient funding support than we have
received the past seven years,” Erwin said.
State Sen. Jeff Danielson, a democrat represents District 10 that encompasses
UNI.
“My goal is to continue to the progress we’ve made towards making college more
affordable for working families,” Danielson said. The bottom line is we need fully
fund UNI so the next generation ofIowan’s can get a great education.”
Erwin said UNI students who are interested in lobbying should contact student
government to get contact information for their lawmakers as well as talking
points to address if students are unsure of what to say.
Student Regent and UNI student Jenny Connolly encouraged everyone
interested to get involved and especially to get parents involved advocating with
legislators.
“Parents are very important people,” Connolly said. “ Students can make a
difference in a variety of ways, including calling, writing or meeting with local
legislators. we need mass numbers of people to get involved and make a
difference
Having been meeting with legislators since he served as Student Affairs
Committee Chair for student government Erwin knows the value of connecting
with legislators.
“It’s important that students share with legislators about how they have been
personally affected by rising tuition costs,” Erwin said. “Sharing individual
experiences help show legislators that the cost of higher education is a real
problem, not something distant, theoretical and far removed.” Erwin said
Lobbying efforts are expanding this year to include students both past and
present.
Both ISU and UNI have teamed up with their respective alumni associations to
turn up the heat on legislators to support higher education. Both schools are in
the process of contacting alumni who have served in student government to
assist with alumni.
Connie Hansen, UNI’s director of young alums and campus programs sees value
in working with alumni to help keep tuition low for current students.
“We want alums to know they can still be involved and play a role on campus by
contacting legislators and reminding them to support higher education,” Hansen
said..
An important day for lobbying efforts if February 22. This is Regents’ Day at the
Capitol. This is a day when students have the opportunity to meet face to face
with legislators.
“It’s important that students take advantage of the opportunity of Feb. 22 to talk
with legislators regarding the value of higher education,” Jensen said.