Members of the MHCC student government went to Salem Jan. 27 to lobby in support of the Oregon Opportunity Grant.

Six students, led by Director for State and Federal Affairs Laurel Lawson and armed with protest signs, went to the Capitol to encourage senators and representatives to uphold the proposed budged increase Governor Ted Kulongoski gave the Oregon Opportunity Grant in his draft of the ’05-’06 budget.

They were joined by students from other schools across the state to offer their support for the grant.

After a press conference with Kulongoski, the six were given an opportunity to meet with MHCC district representative and Speaker of the House Karen Minnis. “In the past there hasn’t been a lot of lobbying towards Karen Minnis,” said Lawson, “but she’s a very powerful figure, so we’re really going to be concentrating on making sure that she knows that we’re in her district and we’re her constituents and [that] we are struggling.”

There is also another trip planned Feb. 8. This time students will be lobbying for school funding in general and not only the Oregon Opportunity Grant. The MHCC students who will meet with Minnis and members of the Ways and Means Committee. “In total, we are going to be meeting with over 60 senators and representatives,” said Lawson.

Along with the trips to Salem, the student government is running a postcard campaign aimed at stopping “gratuitous tax breaks.”

“While you’re giving a person a tax break on a yacht, one student can’t go to college,” said Lawson. The postcards are being sent to representative Minnis and senators Metsger, Devlin and Schrader.

For those who can spare the time, there is an overnight lobby planned for Feb. 16-17 in lieu of the final budget hearings. ASG will be paying for housing and transportation, so participation is limited.

Anyone interested in joining the lobbyists on Feb. 8 can contact Lawson in the ASG offices in the College Center or by phone at (503) 491-7224. All students are welcome and transportation will be provided by the college.