SGA President visits Washington D.C.

I must say, this year my Valentine's Day was definitely one to remember; because on this day, I spent Valentine's Day in Washington DC, meeting with Congress in regards to the upcoming, proposed financial aid budget cuts. Traditionally, the President of Student Government accompanies the Board of Trustee Members during the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Conference. For more information about the AACC, visit www.aacc.nche.edu.

First and foremost, I must give credit to the Board of Trustees of Austin Community College. I did not realize, until having the opportunity to work this closely with them, how much work they do in the background on our behalf. I was amazed. In short, I would like to take this moment to publicly thank the Board of Trustees for the volunteerism and ongoing support of the student body; specifically Vice Chair Allen Kaplan, and Trustees Tim Mahoney, Nan McRaven and Dr. Victor Villarreal who attended the conference this year. I urge you to visit the Board of Trustee page to learn more about those who serve you. Visit www.austincc.edu/board.

During the conference there were multiple opportunities to network with other community colleges, but most importantly, there was the opportunity to meet with congressional leader to plead for reconsideration for cuts such as the ones currently being proposed. At first, my thoughts were how can one small voice make a big difference? My second thought was that I am just a pre-school teacher, will they really care about what I have to say? The answer to both questions was one small voice can be heard very clearly. Not only is it what you say, it's how you say it. Secondly, Yes, they did care about what I had to say! I spoke, they listened. They spoke, I listened. It was a two way conversation.

Monday, February 14th, we visited Congressman Conway's office. We were unable to speak with Mr. Conway; however, his staff was there to graciously listen to our position in regards to the budget cuts that affect the Pell Grant, Perkins Grant and WIA (Workforce) Funding. We also visited the office of Lamar Smith. We spoke with his staff as well. Each Congressional Office was given a package of information about our college, in addition to listening to my personal testimony about how the WIA program and Pell funding were key to my success as a student of ACC.  

Tuesday, February 15th, we visited Senator John Cornyn, Congressman Michael McCaul, John Carter*, Lloyd Doggett, and Kay Bailey Hutchinson. I had the pleasure of meeting Senator Cornyn, Judge Carter* and Lloyd Doggett personally. During these sessions, we presented our case in regards to Pell, Perkins, WIA, Workstudy, and IH 35 Collaboration.

My understanding after all of these meetings were that the cuts are coming and there is little we can do about it. Everyone and everything is being cut and everyone has a ‘good reason' why they should not be the line item being cut. My rebuttal - the Proposed Change does not make ‘Cents'! Education leads to more jobs and a trained, job ready work force. A trained, job ready work force leads to more tax dollars or revenue. More revenue leads to the end of the recession. Maybe I am being naive about the situation or maybe I've missed something. If the educational piece is cut out due to lack of funding, well the ‘buck stops there'!

During the conference portion of my trip, I attended workshops that talked about the proposed job growth and high demand jobs to come. Most if not all of these jobs require job training, certification or a degree; which one would need to go to school to obtain. However, with the proposed cuts, how does one afford to go to school?

According to Judge Carter*, the proposed cuts to Pell would take us back to 2008 funding. Carter stated that people were able to attend college in 2008, so they would still be able to attend college if the Pell was decreased. OK, but for most institutions, tuition has increased considerably over the years, now also a concern here at ACC.  Less aid, higher tuition. Sounds like students being ‘short changed'!

Student Government has prepared resolutions addressing both the state and national level regarding the proposed cuts. We want to hear from you as well. Please email your thoughts about this to sga@austincc.edu.

While on Capitol Hill, they heard my small voice, it's time for them to hear yours. Speak up now or don't complain later. You do make a difference.

Respectfully,

Sophia Downing,

President, SGA

*John Carter, the Representative for House District 31 was previously a Judge in the 277th District Court of Williamson County, TX.