Students take annual trip to lobby at Capitol

By Ryan Briscoe
Cardinal Staff

Yesterday, a group of Saint Mary’s University students went to Saint Paul to lobby at the Minnesota State Capitol in what has become an annual event.

Read more...

What is the cause they defended? Higher education.

The state of Minnesota is staring an unprecedented budget crisis straight in the face. Governor Pawlenty has, as of the submission of this article, yet to announce the official numbers, but the state is expected to be millions short. Therefore, it has become necessary to lobby legislators to defend the allocation of funds for certain state programs.

In the past, the ‘Day at the Capitol’ has included a briefing session on the situation, attendance at meetings with local legislators, tours of the Capitol and meals.

The focal point of the trip is the one-on-one meetings, according to past attendee, sophomore Ali Kremer. Kremer referred to the day as ‘a great opportunity’ and remarked several times on taking advantage of the chance to participate in government at work.

Originally attracted to the event because of her own personal interests, Kremer quickly realized that the outing provided her with an incomparable first-hand experience.

Perhaps it is most important to recognize that the State Grant (the program on behalf of which students lobbied) is not an issue of public education, but an issue concerning all higher education in the state.

Sixteen percent of all SMU undergraduates received monies from the State Grant in 2006-07, and the average grant awarded to a SMU student was $3,368. The State Grant program is one of education’s most valued efforts because it makes the cost of higher education more affordable. Bearing in mind that 80,000 students received aid monies from the State of Minnesota last year, the State Grant program is certainly an endeavor worth consideration.