Capital outlay financing, state appropriations and two-tiered
budgeting are just some of the issues that students, alumni,
faculty and staff will be discussing with state legislators
as part of the Second Annual EMU Day in Lansing Wednesday,
May 9.
Approximately 100 representatives from EMU will travel
to the state capitol and spend the morning talking to politicians
about key issues affecting EMU and answering any questions
legislators may have.
"The participation from the students, alumni, faculty
and staff make this event a very personal way to solidify
Eastern Michigan University's identity with those in the
best position to help us move forward," said John Fallon,
president of EMU. "It is only by working collaboratively
like this that we will be able to distinguish ourselves
and EMU."
"EMU Day in Lansing seeks to energize and mobilize our
university community at every level to assist in advancing
our state legislative agenda," said Freman Hendrix, EMU's
chief government relations officer. "This day is a rare
opportunity to impress upon lawmakers how vital it is that
the state once again becomes a dependable and sustainable
partner in funding higher education."
"We need to make a positive impression in the minds of
the legislators," said Greg Jones, a senior from Allen
Park and the incoming student government president. "I
think last year went really well and it will be better
this year."
The EMU contingent will be divided into teams of four
or five, and will start the day with a breakfast with legislators
in the Capitol Rotunda at 9 a.m. At 10 a.m., EMU representatives
will attend the opening session of the Senate and be introduced
by Senator Liz Brater.
From 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., EMU teams will meet with
designated representatives from both the Senate and the
state house.
The day concludes with State Representative Alma Wheeler
Smith introducing EMU's volunteers to the state house.
