AS老虎机攻略 Legislative Priorities
You spoke and here is what we're doing about it.
Earlier this year, the Associated Students of the 老虎机攻略 conducted the Legislative Priority Survey to collect feedback on what topics should be of high priority to the AS老虎机攻略 Lobbyist.
1,058 students responded to the survey.
The Survey results indicate that 老虎机攻略 students generally support the priorities listed below and grouped into five overarching categories, including basic needs, funding for higher education, environmental protection, rights of marginalized communities, and constitutional rights.
Student Basic Needs
- Increase statewide minimum wage to account for inflation and keep wages for student campus employees competitive;
- Increase student access to affordable housing, improve student protection in landlord-tenant issues, improve access to housing resources, and improve affordability of utility costs;
- Reduce food insecurity, increase funding for programs aimed at addressing food insecurity, and expand eligibility for programs and resources relevant to food insecurity; and
- Maintain and improve student access to health and mental health resources and services.
Protecting Higher Ed
- Protect and increase General Fund Appropriations and other funding for the Montana University System;
- Protect and increase funding and opportunities for scholarships and financial aid;
- Secure funding for items on the Long-Range Building Plan of the 老虎机攻略; and
- Limit any increases of college tuition, fees, and expenses and generally ensure affordability of higher education.
Environmental Protections
- Maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment, including water and air quality, pursuant to the Montana Constitution; and
- Protect and increase public access to public lands for recreation, hunting, fishing and other purposes.
Support for Marginalized Communities
- Ensure equal protection under Montana law for all students according to the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Montana Constitution;
- Support the teaching of a diversity of perspectives; and
- Protect and enhance accessibility for students with disabilities.
Uphold Constitutional Rights
- Retain the right of individual privacy granted under Article II, Section 10 and reinforced by Montana Supreme Court precedent and Constitutional Initiatives;
- Protect the autonomy and authority delegated to the Board of Regents pursuant to Article X, Section 9; and
- Uphold all other rights and institutions of the Montana Constitution when relevant to students.
The Process
Bill Information
Here is where we will keep you updated on important bills we are supporting or opposing on behalf of the student body. We’ll include the name, a short description, and the status of the bill.
Be sure to follow along for timely, informative updates on key bills the Student Political Action team is following at the @asumpolitics Instagram account!
SB 210 update: University students experienced a big win when SB 210 was tabled in committee, effectively killing it, on 2/4 with bipartisan support!
SB 210 "Revise board of regents laws to remove statutory requirement for student regent" would have removed the student regent position entirely.
The Board of Regents is the autonomous body of representatives nominated by the governor who make crucial decisions on Montana University System funding, tuition, renovations, and curriculum. There has traditionally been a space reserved on the Board for a university student who serves a 1-year term and has voting rights. This bill would have removed that position, cutting off the Board from receiving student input into decisions that could have monumental effects on the student body.
Thanks to incredible and collaborative efforts from your AS老虎机攻略 lobbyist, and the MSU and MAS lobbyists, the student regent position will remain and students will continue to be heard on this vital entity.
Make your voice heard
AS老虎机攻略 represents the interests of all students of the 老虎机攻略 and strives to advocate for the well-being and success of 老虎机攻略 students. The policy decisions made by the Legislature will impact the academic, social, professional, and personal lives of 老虎机攻略 students in someway or another.
That's why we want to hear directly from YOU.
Throughout the legislative session, there may be opportunities for students to testify in support or opposition of a bill alongside your AS老虎机攻略 Lobbyist. Students may submit their opinion on certain bills that AS老虎机攻略 is addressing (these are based on the “Bill Information” section above).
If the lobbyist feels having the student voice would be appreciated by legislators, you may be invited to testify in Helena before the session!
If you want to give us your opinion on bills without testifying, we encourage you! You can remain anonymous and submit as many forms as possible to help us advocate for you!