Student leaders from Utah colleges and universities lobbied the state Legislature for more need-based financial aid on Jan. 18.
The presentation was made by members of the Utah Student Association, a coalition made up of student body leaders from all of the major institutions of higher learning in the state. The students recommended a budget increase of more than $1.4 million in ongoing financial aid funding.
Ali Hasnain, president of the Associated Students of the University of Utah, was among the Utah Student Association representatives presenting information to the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee.
“Federal grant programs continue to weaken,” Hasnain said, emphasizing students’ need for greater help from the state government.
The students provided the lawmakers with the results of a survey conducted by the Utah Centennial Opportunity Program for Education. These statistics indicate that Utah lags behind its neighbors in the amount of financial aid provided to students.
“Our need-based financial aid in Utah is not keeping pace with our tuition increases,” said Taylor Morgan, lobbyist for the Utah Student Association. He emphasized that the high cost of college creates a debt burden for many students.
Ryan Starks, student body president of Weber State University, told the committee of his personal experiences with financial aid.
“Without financial aid, I don’t think it would be possible for (my wife and me) both to attend school, and I probably wouldn’t be here today,” Starks said.
Rep. Kory Holdaway, R-Taylorsville, said the student leaders’ presentation made an impact on the committee.
“It is something the committee needs to be aware of. This is hitting my kids’ pocketbook,” Holdaway said. “I hope they stay vigilant in keeping the issue in the forefront of legislators’ minds.”
Student leaders were not lobbying for any particular bill but were encouraging committee members to make need-based financial aid a high priority when they finalize this year’s budget for higher education.
Hasnain said that the coalition is concerned that Utah is not keeping pace with other states in the amount of financial assistance it gives to college students. In order to ensure continued attention to the issue, he and other Utah Student Association members intend to make future appearances before the committee.
“I think Wednesday’s presentation was effective. I think that it’s helpful for state representatives to hear from students about possible solutions we can come up with together,” Hasnain said.