Skyrocketing tuition, higher education budget cuts and legislators threatening to cut the president’s pay because he wants to continue to ban guns on campus?the state Legislature doesn’t hold the U in high regard. So why don’t we just change the membership of the Legislature?

The caucus meetings held last night kicked off a political season that will involve the election of many of the representatives and senators who will govern not only the U, but the state as a whole. It will also result in the election of Utah’s national representatives.

Our state representatives have continued to show that they don’t respect higher education and the role it plays in Utah. And because of this, we should get new representatives.

Students need to find out who is running for office in their district and see which candidates are friendly to higher education, the U and the needs of students.

They need to volunteer to hammer in yard signs, walk door to door and encourage their neighbors to vote. All students need to register and hit the polls.

The only way to get elected representatives to listen to the interests of students is to prove that we are a vital part of the political process, that we vote and that our votes matter.

This is not only the case on the state level, either.

Redistricting has altered the political landscape of the state on the local and national level.

Long-time representative Jim Hansen has vacated his 1st Congressional District and a score of newcomers will fight for his coveted spot. Hansen’s redrawn district includes some of Salt Lake City where students live and work.

Rep. Jim Matheson is vying for re-election against an equal number of challengers. The 2nd Congressional District includes the U, and that representative over the last decade has helped secure funding for light rail, among other U needs.

November’s election will directly impact students and the U in numerous and meaningful ways. Whether that is to the students’ detriment or not is yet to be seen, but if students get out and involve themselves in the political process, maybe legislators will be a little more lenient during next year’s budget cycle.