Students Lobby for Higher Education and Nursing Program at Capitol

A group of Longwood University students ventured to Richmond on Feb. 18 in an effort to lobby members of the Virginia General Assembly to stifle cuts to higher education and fund the university's nursing program. The group went as part of Virginia21, a student-run higher-education advocacy group out of Richmond. Thursday was Lobbying Day for the organization, meaning that the Virginia State Capitol was packed with college lobbyists from all across the state.

Cam Patterson, three-time participant in the event, said the program is important for his fellow Student Government Association (SGA) members in order to "become involved in the government process." As SGA president, Patterson recently visited the Capitol to testify before the Senate Finance Committee along with The College of William and Mary Student Body President Sarah Rojas, as part of another Virginia21 event.

As of now, higher education may have escaped the brink of the major cuts, but K-12 education has been hit hard with a proposed $731 million dollar slash. The Commonwealth is trying to figure out a way to plug an overall $4 billion shortfall. Patterson said, "It is so important for students to be aware of what is going on with their local, state, and national government. " He explained that one of the SGA's points is to raise awareness of legislative issues amongst the student body.

Patterson added how important it is to let legislators know how much the students care about their university. "It is also important for us as students to communicate the positive experience that we have had here at Longwood. When they hear of the great things that we are doing here at Longwood, then they are more receptive to lending their support. As an SGA we are looking to strengthen our involvement with the legislative process," he said.

Junior Kyle Pemberton said that he attended the trip to the meet delegates and senators who make the decisions for Commonwealth. "The history that has gone on [At the Capitol] has made many decisions to how we have developed as a country," he said. "I think it's important for students to be proactive in government like this because you will then have a better understanding of how money and budgets are distributed and cut, which affects us all."

Pemberton said his experience with his legislators went well. He met with Sen. Walter Stosch, a Republican from the 12th District who he was quite familiar with. "I have actually used Sen. Stosch's transfer grant, which enables students of community colleges a better opportunity to get into four-year Virginia colleges." He commented that the lobbying program is a way for students to find out how what happens on the state level affects them.

Patterson said that the appeal to fund Longwood's nursing program might have been heard best by Del. Scott Garrett, a Republican representing Lynchburg and part of Amherst County. "As a practicing general surgeon, he was very excited to hear about Longwood's new nursing program and gave some indication that he would be supportive," said Patterson. According to Patterson, Del. Ben Cline also expressed interest in the program and seemed to show "some level of confidence" that student fee increases would not be included in the final budget. Freshman Gina DeMarco said she felt like the program was necessary for state legislators to "keep funding flowing to the school." Even though she was a bit nervous speaking to her legislators for the first time, she said, "It was really great to communicate with the officials from my home district and the ones from here at school to convey the message from Longwood."

DeMarco added that it is very important for college students to be "proactive in government." She said, "We, as students, took the time to miss classes and travel to Richmond to fight for our education. It means a lot coming from students because the things we are fighting for impact us directly."

She explained that her discussion with Sen. Frank Wagner was very inviting. "It was a very positive conversation and he related to us by telling us about his children in Virginia colleges and how important it is to keep tuition prices and fees from rising."

The students also met with Prince Edward County legislators, Del. James Edmunds, 60th District Republican and Sen. Frank Ruff, 15th District Republican. The students also met with Prince Edward County legislators, Del. James Edmunds, 60th District Republican and Sen. Frank Ruff, 15th District Republican. Ruff recognized the students in session on the Senate Chamber floor.

Both Edmunds and Ruff were happy to hear of Longwood's new nursing program and the university's success. They acknowledged Longwood's effort in lobbying for higher education, saying they were on the university's side but admitted cuts are hard to any institution they affect.

Anyone interested in the lobbying program or Virginia21, contact Longwood's program coordinator Patrick Crute at patrick.crute@live.longwood.edu for more information. the students were recognized in the Senate chambers by Sen. Ruff