By Sarah Mcsparin
The Student Government Association’s newly created student lobbyist group is intent on not only fulfilling its campaign promises, but also fighting rising tuition, according to Executive Vice President Kate Brueggemann.
“The idea came up during elections,” Brueggemann, a senior political science major, said. “I heard from a lot of students that they were upset about tuition. I thought that the student lobbyist group would be a good way to address that issue.”
The group, which will be comprised of 10 to 15 students, will make weekly trips to Frankfort in the spring during Kentucky’s upcoming budget session. During this time, group members will individually meet with legislators to discuss providing more funding for U of L.
“We want to give a face to the students of U of L,” Brueggemann said. “I want us to have a constant presence in Frankfort.”
Although SGA offered two legislative events last year including “Listen up Legislators” and chartering to the Rally for Higher Education in Frankfort, Brueggemann said these opportunities did not adequately provide an effective voice for U of L students.
With a group of student lobbyists, Brueggemann believes that legislators will have a better grasp on the wants and needs of U of L students.
“This is our attempt to make our presence known throughout the state,” Brueggemann said.
In addition to the creation of this group, SGA plans to once again transport students to the Rally for Higher Education and hold “Listen up Legislators” four times during the school year.
Despite the new group garnering attention from students interested in lowering tuition, some students said rising tuition is an unfortunate but necessary consequence of progress.
“I think the student lobbyist group will be unsuccessful because the costs of providing quality education must be reflected in higher tuition,” junior biochemistry major Wes Badger said.
Students interested in becoming a member of the lobbyists should be in good academic standing and have an interest in government.
“There will be a lot of prestige associated with this group,” Brueggemann said. “Hopefully it will be a legacy for the next generation to carry on.”
Training for the group will begin in February and students can expect to be reimbursed for travel costs.
Applications for the group are available outside the SGA office in the Student Activities Center and should be turned in no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19.
