By Heather Houchin-Sidwell

Faced with an impending 12 percent tuition hike for the 2007-08 school year, the Student Government Association of the University of Louisville is launching the “Skip Class 2-7-07” initiative during the month of January.

The initiative encourages students to appeal to state legislators in a campaign for affordable tuition and full state funding for the university.

The campaign will culminate in the Rally for Higher Education in Frankfort, Ky. on Feb. 7, when the Kentucky General Assembly is in session.

SGA Executive Vice President Brian Hoffman said the rally will protest Gov. Ernie Fletcher’s vetoes against funding U of L projects including renovating Miller Hall, a U of L dorm, and adding a new parking lot at the Health Sciences Center. The rally will also seek to increase the university’s base funding to 100 percent and approve bonding authority as a means for U of L to fund new projects.

SGA President Darrell Messer, who committed the association to fighting for a single-digit percent increase, is sending students to the source to request funding. “Skip class, skip work, bring your children and come to Frankfort with us,” Messer urged. SGA hopes to provide transportation and lunch to students who attend the rally.

“The Student Government Association will not be afraid to peaceably assemble and rally behind what they feel is in the best interest of the student body,” said Messer, a senior engineering major.

Hoffman, a junior studying political science and economics, said the initiative is part of a two year plan aimed at influencing Frankfort when the budget is reevaluated in 2008.

Sophomore political science major Dani Smith, who plans on attending the rally, called the initiative a good idea. Smith said that changing rising costs of education “needs to start with the people that control the money”- state legislators.

Hoffman said he expects the rally to be a powerful event in years to come.

“This is the first time we’ve gone down with a Louisville-specific agenda, and our agenda is in line with the university’s goals,” said Hoffman. “This will make our voice stronger.”

Executive VP and University Provost Shirley Willihnganz said the university is pleased with the initiative. “We appreciate anything students can do to help with the rising costs of tuition,” Willihnganz said. She said the university is grateful for students willing to be spokespeople to the university.

Senior psychology major Alex Baldwin, who will not be able to attend the rally, said he feels that the upcoming Listen Up Legislators events during January are the perfect opportunity to voice his concerns over the rising cost of tuition.

For those unable to attend either the rally or the Listen Up Legislators events, SGA is encouraging students to contact their legislators weekly during the month of January with their concerns over funding and rising tuition. Students can contact their state legislator by going to www.lrc.ky.gove/whoswho/emaill.