The Student Government Association's Government Affairs Committee and several members of the Executive Committee traveled to Nashville Monday to discuss student issues with legislators.  The students also attended Gov. Phil Bredesen's State of the State Address to learn about budget cuts affecting higher education.

The students first met with Anthony Hayes, associate vice president and director of state relations for UT's system, who informed students of the future shift of political power in the state from West Tennessee to Middle Tennessee.  He emphasized the importance of having good relations with alumni so that the UT system may remain one of the strongest higher education institutions in the state of Tennessee.

     I thought that it was boldly apparent that they had a passion about the UT system, and I'm glad we have such passionate people lobbying for UT in issues of higher education.
Ross Rowland, sophomore in public administration

"I thought that it was boldly apparent that they had a passion about the UT system, and I'm glad we have such passionate people lobbying for UT in issues of higher education," said Ross Rowland, sophomore in public administration.

The students also met with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, State Sen. and Knox County Mayoral candidate Tim Burchett, Lt. Gov. and Gubernatorial candidate Ron Ramsey and State Rep. Ryan Haynes.  Each presented the students with goals for the UT system in the future.  One major goal was for UT to partner with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to become one of the nation's top-25 public research universities.  

The students also asked the legislators about the possibility of extending the HOPE Scholarship to summer terms so students are able to graduate on time and accumulate less loans.  The legislators said it is important for students to continue to lobby about this issue so legislation may be passed.

All of the legislators informed the students that although money is scarce, the state has been spending stimulus money wisely and because of this, Tennessee is not facing as much of a deficit as other states.

Bredesen announced that there will be a 6 percent cut in higher education during his State of the State Address.  This will directly affect UT and college students across the state and each school will be receiving an equal percentage cut.  Legislators assured students that although there would be budget cuts, students' tuition will not be significantly increased to make up for the difference.

"Although most legislatures we met recognized the budget deficit, most remained positive. However, I have to wonder if they are just providing false hope to students across the state," said Meredith Walkup, senior in communication studies.

Students who want to lobby for student issues are encouraged to contact their local legislators in order to have their voices heard.