Student Council members traveled to Richmond Monday to seek funding from legislators for University renovations and construction.
Legislative Committee Co-Chairman James Johnson said the committee picked five projects to take to the General Assembly.
The projects include funding for the renovation of Fayerweather Hall, construction of a new studio art building and reducing the maintenance backlog.
Before traveling to Richmond, the Legislative Affairs Committee consulted Nancy Rivers - executive assistant to Collette Sheehy, vice president for management and budget - to discuss what areas of the University need more funding.
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Committee members paired off at the General Assembly offices before setting out to speak with the senators and delegates from their home districts.
They talked to many legislators, including Sen. Emily Couric (D-Charlottesville), Del. Harry J. Parrish (R-Manassas) and Sen. Dick Saslaw, the Senate democratic leader.
Council members said they are pleased with the outcome of the trip. "Saslaw was really receptive to us, as were most of the legislators we spoke with," Johnson said.
He said he doesn't believe the committee's trip to Richmond will convince legislators to give more money, but it will show how much University students care.
Council President Taz Turner said Council plays an important role in promoting the University's interests to legislators in Richmond.
"It is imperative for Student Council to send representatives to discuss these issues because a lot of the policies we debate involve decisions and opinions of the state legislature," Turner said.
Student Council College Rep. Carrie Altman said the committee wanted to stress the importance of higher education to the General Assembly by pointing out the University's slip in national rankings. The committee also pointed out that Virginia universities receive less government funding than most state universities in the nation.
"It is important to make face to face connections with as many legislators as possible," Altman said. "These are the men and women who are making decisions about funding that will have a direct impact on student programs and buildings on Grounds. They need to know students are aware of, care about and are affected by these decisions."
College Rep. Nicholas Jabbour said he agreed. "It is important for the General Assembly to hear directly from the students that we care when the arts are neglected and building renovations are far behind schedule," Jabbour said.
The trip to the General Assembly is one of the Legislative Committee's main projects. The Legislative Committee also participates in voter registration drives and aids Council's Elections Committee.
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