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Ariz. Students Association addresses state senator, requests additional funds

In another call for support from lawmakers, members of the Arizona Students Association and ASUA questioned an Arizona senator Tuesday about the proposed raises in tuition and potential decreases in financial aid.

Sen. George Cunningham, D-Tucson, said University of Arizona students could potentially reap the benefits of an unexpected budget surplus during the next two years.

"As you know, we approved the biennial budget for 2000 to 2001. There will be anywhere from $100 million to $200 million more revenue than anticipated," Cunnigham said. "It's up for grabs from all the different constituents and state agencies."

According to Associated Students President Cisco Aguilar, ASA hopes to tap into the state's budget surplus to improve the university and help reduce student financial burdens.

"There are two primary routes for funding," Aguilar said. "One is more money directed to the building renewal fund. Secondly, more funding could go to faculty salaries."

The UA building renewal fund collects money for the renovation and upkeep of university buildings.

For faculty salaries, Aguilar cited the difficulties with the MIS department, which must compete with other universities and corporations attempting to draw instructors away from the UA.

"It makes it difficult to compete with businesses who are offering more money," he said.

Cunnigham agreed that salaries of UA faculty members are not up to par with those of other universities. He said the state Legislature is unaware of the potential ramifications for instructor retention at the UA.

"Members of the Legislature don't understand that the market for faculty is a national market. Our (UA) faculty is always being recruited by other universities," Cunningham said.

Cunningham also responded to questions concerning the best way to lobby for funding from the Legislature.

"The best approach for students is to be prepared to talk not only about how they gain from higher learning, but how society benefits," Cunningham said. "Also, consider how publicly-funded, higher-learning facilities contribute to society."

Cunningham said the state views the students of Arizona's three public universities as investments for the future.

"We feel that the economic return on this investment is very good," he said. "Not only in the economic realm, but the cultural and artistic as well."