PHOENIX - When students converged in front of the state capitol building last week to speak directly to their legislators, it turned into the largest gathering of students ever, Arizona Students Association officials said.

About 300 students from Arizona's three state universities attended the Ninth Annual Legislative Conference Thursday afternoon.

"It's important students have an opportunity to voice their opinions, especially on the budget," said Melissa Hornberg, University of Arizona history and political science junior.

And speak up they did - on the budget, affirmative action, student loans, work study and financial aid.

Paul Allvin, executive director of ASA, which sponsored the conference, said he was amazed how many students came.

"We wanted to stun our legislators and we did - with the great numbers," Allvin said.

During the first half of the day, students ate lunch with their state representatives and discussed issues the state House is voting on.

Table talk included everything from state budget issues to the Republican candidates debating later that night in Tempe.

Rep. Carolyn Allen, R-Scottsdale, said, "Fewer than half the legislators down here care about the budget."

Some students were frustrated with this statement and asked what kind of influence they could really have over the representatives.

Rep. Laura Knaperek, R-Tempe, said "We'll support you. You guys have got to get out and support us."

She said she is worried about the apathy of students. Students, she said, are concerned with the budget, but they do not get involved.

Christine Thompson, ASA co-director at the UA, said students should be very concerned with the budget because with funding to universities so low, legislators are going to have to cut programs and services.

During the second half of the conference, students were directed to the Old House Chambers in the State Capitol Museum to hear legislators speak. They also took part in workshops on the lobbying and legislative process.

Mark Killian, R-Mesa and speaker of the House, told students, "Essentially, the House and the Senate belong to you. The more active you are the better your government will be."

He also said, "People in Washington have got problems, that's why many people in this country believe the power should be back in the states."

Sen. John Wettaw, R-Flagstaff, said he thinks legislators will not go with Gov. Fife Symington's budget plan but will probably go with the joint legislative budget committee's recommendations.

He encouraged students to talk to their legislators and ask them what they have done.

As a professor at Northern Arizona University, Wettaw said he constantly talks to legislators about the importance of higher education.

"You can never guarantee success in this world, but the opportunities you can guarantee," Wettaw said.

Assistant Secretary of State Anne Lynch spoke at length about voter registration. "Your voice is your vote," she told students.