By
Eric Swedlund
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Annual conference draws about 350 college students from across Arizona
PHOENIX - About 350 university students from across Arizona turned out at the State Capitol yesterday to meet with legislators, learn about the state government process and support higher education legislation.
Paul Peterson, executive director of the Arizona Students Association, said the annual conference focuses on making students educated citizens and encouraging civic involvement.
"A lot of campus leaders who aspire to be involved are here," Peterson said. "But for a lot of the students, it's their first time at the Capitol."
Another goal of the conference is to start a dialogue with state legislators, in order to gain more support for higher education.
"Be registered to vote, know who your legislators are and contact them," Peterson told the students. "It's important that we hold them accountable."
Senate President Randall Gnant, R-Scottsdale, said it is encouraging to see the students come to the Capitol and engage legislators in constructive ways.
Sen. Andy Nichols, D-Tucson, said he thought it was "wonderful" to see so many students interested in learning more about state government.
"This is stimulating," Nichols said. "It is precisely what students and legislators should be doing together."
The top item on the ASA agenda is supporting bills going through the Senate and House of Representatives that would double the state's contribution to a financial-aid trust fund.
Currently, 1 percent of each student's tuition goes to the fund, which is matched by money from the state. The bills - SB 1384 and HB 2581 - would make the state's contribution 2 percent of tuition.
Half the money in the fund goes to need-based student financial aid each year, and half is retained so the fund can grow.
"Tuition is rising and we had to find a way to help students through financial aid," Peterson said.
ASA is also working with the Arizona Board of Regents to keep tuition as affordable as possible, Peterson said.
The governor's task force on higher education recently recommended a significant hike in tuition, which Peterson said makes this year's fight important.
Ben Graff, ASUA president, said about 80 University of Arizona students attended the conference, which is more than in previous years.
"It's an effective one-on-one lobbying effort," he said. "(ASA) is a viable student lobbying organization that the Legislature can work with."
