The Retort

A Word from Your ASMSUB President

November 19th, 2010 by Kayla Miller For The Retort

All of the media coverage of one of the most highly publicized and most expensive legislative races in State history, the race for State Senate District 25 right here in Billings, illustrated just how much each individual vote matters. At midnight on November 2, Kendall Van Dyk was leading incumbent Roy Brown by ONE vote! After late absentee votes were counted and provisional votes were verified, Kendall Van Dyk led by eight votes. Another recount will take place soon. Montana’s State House District 62 was won by only nine votes after provisional ballots were tallied. Events like this are not uncommon in Montana and remind each of us how important it is to make it to the polls! Although elections are finally over, we are just beginning a very important process.

Before the Montana Legislature beings its 2011 session you will have opportunities to meet local legislators. Each Monday from now until December 20 constituents can meet with Yellowstone area legislators from 7-8:30 am at the MSU Billings Downtown Campus, 208 N. Broadway. Student Government will also host a lunch with area legislators prior to the session. Keep your eyes open for updates on that event!

As we enter the 2011 Montana Legislature, students will play a very important role. I am asking that each student, administrator, staff member, and faculty member at MSUB pledge to be engaged in this important legislative session. Student Government will keep you updated on bills that may impact education. In addition, we will have a lobbyist in Helena working for the students of MSUB. We will also offer opportunities for students to travel to Helena to speak to the Legislature. If traveling to Helena doesn’t interest you, write an email to a legislator or submit a letter to the editor of the Gazette when an important bill comes up. If you’re not sure where to begin, stop by our office, SUB 213, and we will help you!

An issue that will be of great concern to all students in Montana is the budget. Projected declining state revenue means less money will be available to everyone, including the Montana University System (MUS). I encourage you to visit the Montana University System website for more information on the system; when we begin the session, there will also be updates on bills related to higher education on that site. Reduced state support for higher education could greatly impact the tuition of all Montana students. While the legislature doesn’t determine tuition rates (Board of Regents has that authority), reduced funding for higher education may lead the Board of Regents to increase tuition to make up for the loss.

Again, I ask each of you to make a commitment to get involved and encourage your peers to be involved! This session will determine many important things for the future of higher education, and we are fortunate to have incredible access to our legislators in Montana. Student Senate has a number of ways you can stay in the loop. Like our Facebook page, MSUB Student Senate. Visit the ASMSUB website. Stop by our office, SUB 213, or call 657-2365. Also, look for promotion for our events around campus.