USUSA and GRC student lobbyists at Higher Education Day

The Utah State Capitol was bustling with activity on Feb. 20. It was Higher Education Day at the Utah State Capitol, and college student lobbyists from universities all over Utah gathered to pitch their initiatives to senators and representatives.

The stone corridors were filled with people. Elementary school kids walked together to and fro in lines. Conversations echoed off the high domed ceiling of the Capitol building.

Included in the lobbyists were students from Utah State University, including USUSA and Government Relations Council student leaders.

“Whenever you walk around, you get to see your representatives,” said Matthew Clewett, assistant director of the Government Relations Council. “I think that’s one of the coolest things about any state legislator. They’re not distant figures. They’re individuals who have everyday jobs just like you and me.”

Among the senators and representatives who met with USU student leaders were Sen. Pete Knudson, (R, Brigham City); Sen. Lyle Hillyard, (R, Logan); and Rep. Steve Eliason (R), Rep. Keith Grover (R), and Rep. Keith Dunnigan (R), to name a few.

“They really want to know about us. They don’t just want to talk to us just because they have to. They’re genuinely interested in knowing more about us,” Clewett said, a sophomore majoring in law and constitutional studies. “It’s a fun opportunity to actually get your voice across.”

One of the primary initiatives was increasing science capacity at Utah State. Due to USU’s growing science education and STEM-educated workforce, the student lobbyists pitched the investment of a new biological science building for Utah State. Current undergraduate science labs haven’t seen renovations since 1958.

Another initiative concerned developing graduate education at Utah State. During the years 2014-2015, USU closed the fiscal year with its “second record-breaking research funding year” in a row, according to the USU lobbying pamphlets given to representatives and senators at the Capitol. Increased investment in graduate students would continue to push externally funded research forward.

As students from Utah universities listened to representatives speak to them and answer their questions, a main subject of dialog was a mental health resolution. The resolution draws attention to the need of students suffering from depression, mental illness, stress, anxiety and suicide. Headed by Trevor Olsen, Utah Student Association President, the resolution was complimented by Rep. Eliason and Rep. Shiozawa.

“The timing of your resolution couldn’t be better,” Rep. Eliason said to the group of gathered students.

Students also had the opportunity to listen to debate in the House and Senate Chambers of the Capitol. One bill of particular importance being debated in the Senate that day were Senate Bills 89 and 73 concerning medical marijuana. If passed, the bill would allow for more marijuana to be used to treat ailments.

Many senators and audience members became emotional during the debate, discussing family members and friends who struggled with chronic and terminal illnesses.

“I really did enjoy hearing listening on the floor and hearing about different topics and discussion. There’s such a variety of things, like the SB73 about medical marijuana,” said Ashley Waddoups, current USUSA Student Advocate VP. “I also love the sense of community that we have with other universities throughout our state. Even though we’re all lobbying for different specific things for our institutions we’re all unified in the sense we want the best for higher education.”

Peter Gilbert, a student majoring in engineering who interned at the capitol two years ago, appreciates how much effort and time senators and representatives put into researching their bills.

“I love how the state legislature works,” Gilbert said. “And I love how much everyone loves Utah State.”

— ashley.ruth.stilson@aggiemail.usu.edu