ASUNM senators and representatives outlined their lobbying goals, including full formula funding and year-round tax-free textbooks, in a meeting to plan for "UNM Day at the State Legislature."
UNM students will converge on the Round House, in Santa Fe on Monday, Feb. 10, for "UNM Day at the State Legislature." About 20 departments, as well as various campus organizations will gather in the east rotunda of the capitol building to showcase the University's programs.
The Associated Students of UNM will use the day as an opportunity to let state legislators know what the students' priorities are.
ASUNM Lobbying Director Duff Lill said that full formula funding and year-round tax-free textbooks will be the main issues.
"We're really hoping we can keep the tuition credit low by showing our concerns with the issue," Lill said.
Full formula funding would mean no reduction in the amount of funding that the University receives from the state, Lill said. He added that tuition credits are increases in the tuition by the state mandated percentage -- so if the legislature passes a three percent tuition increase, which is the expected amount to be passed, a student's tuition would go up by three percent.
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"Tuition credit sounds like a good thing, but it's not," Lill said. "Our goal is to keep it as low as possible."
ASUNM is also asking students attending the legislature Monday to lobby for year around tax-free textbooks. The UNM Bookstore currently shuts its doors to the general public for two weeks out of the year, allowing only students with a valid Lobo identification card to enter and purchase books. Lill said that if the bill passes, it would save UNM students about $1 million per year.
"If the tax-free textbooks bill is passed it would reduce the cost of books and educational materials by about five percent," Lill said.
ASUNM is also asking students to thank legislators for creating the Lottery Scholarship.
"We want to make sure the legislature know that we are thankful and appreciative," said Assistant Lobbying Director Ed Mazel. "It's important to tell them what an impact it has had."
Lill added that all students are invited and are encouraged to speak to legislators concerning any concerns they may have.
"The legislators aren't going to go out of their way to talk to us," Lill said. "It's up to us to take the initiative. Try to introduce yourself and represent the University."
He said students should plan to arrive in Santa Fe between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. At noon, ASUNM President Jennifer Onuska and GPSA President Lorena Olmos will take part in a ceremony with Gov. Bill Richardson. Other events will also be held throughout the afternoon.
