As spending cuts are being made while tuition rises, UTM needs a voice in the ear of those that make the important decisions in state government. Governmental Affairs in SGA is the best way UTM students can get involved in lobbying state government on behalf of UTM and its students, faculty, staff and interests.

Governmental Affairs seeks to impress the positive aspects of UTM and higher education and show the need for continued support from state government. UTM is a great college with a great faculty, staff and campus, and perhaps those in Nashville need to be shown how UTM must be supported. Governmental Affairs promotes a legislative agenda with government entities that serves the needs of the campus, advocating on behalf of a stronger UT budget and policy decisions that improve the learning environment of the campus. College students can have a political voice as long as government decision-makers are made aware that college students are politically aware and active. Also, higher education support is economically crucial to Tennessee as it provides a better-educated and better-qualified workforce. UTM and its students must have voice in Nashville to lobby for them.

Governmental Affairs has several methods to lobby: personal meetings with legislators and state officials, rallies at the State Capitol, and letter writing campaigns to name a few. UTM can coordinate with other campuses and collectively lobby state officials.

Any and all students that want to lobby those in state government for UTM and higher education are encouraged to join, as Governmental Affairs is open for all students. Those that join will be involved personally in lobbying important state officials, possibly all the way to the governor's office. Anyone wanting more information can contact Jeremy Elrod by phone at 587-1220 or by email at jerlelro@mars.utm.edu</A>.