Students lobbying for USU during the Utah state legislative session this year plan to try a more positive approach than in previous years with the politicians who decide how much money higher education receive and what projects do and do not get a stamp of approval.
USU will ask the legislature this year for $60 million to build a new biological sciences building and renovate labs in the Biology and Natural Resources building, as well as seek approval to bond money to build a student recreation center, said Neil Abercrombie, director of government relations. The university also has plans for a $20 million instructional building at USU Eastern.
Public colleges and universities around the state, including USU, send student-staffed lobbyist groups like the GRC to the state capitol every year to lobby for funding and projects. These schools use events like the annual Research On Capitol Hill Day, where student research projects go on display in the state capitol rotunda to persuade legislators their projects are worth funding.
Wilson said the GRC’s approach to legislators will be more positive this year, explaining the great things USU does rather than why it needs more money. Utah Statesman
