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Bring UMass into the House:

Contact your Representative now!

As the Massachusetts House of Representatives considers the Commonwealth’s FY 2001 budget, Ambassadors have the opportunity to shape the debate! How can you make a difference? Get involved!

How the process works

This month, the Governor’s budget is reviewed by the House Ways and Means Committee, which reports out its own version of the budget as an appropriations bill. The full House debates and often amends the bill. In April-May, the Senate reviews and amends the bill. In May-June, if the House and Senate versions are different (and they usually are), the final spending plan is worked out in a Conference Committee.

Right now is the critical time to get in touch with your House representative.

(Look for upcoming issues of Ambassadors Actions for further information on when the time is right to speak with your Senator).

How to address your legislators

It’s easy to get in touch with your legislator to let them know you support UMass. Whether by telephone, letter, email, or personal visit—share your opinion about higher education and your support for UMass.

Follow these three simple steps for any contact:

• Tell the legislator that you live and vote in his or her district.
• Share your story—describe your personal connection to UMass and why it’s important to you.
• State your support for UMass and suggest some action for the legislator to take.

An effective message which follows proper written etiquette begins like this:

A listing of House members’ email addresses (where available) is enclosed. To reach them by phone call the State House receptionist at (617) 722-2000.

To find out which legislators represent your district, visit the official homepage of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at http://www.magnet.state.ma.us/. Follow the "Search databases" link to the option "Where do I vote? Who are my elected officials?" Or call the Ambassadors Network at 800-772-6155.

Campus facilities

In addition to the UMass budget request, you may want to discuss campus facilities with your Representative. According to our Capital Plan, the Amherst campus faces three categories of needs:

Deferred maintenance—When repairs aren’t addressed promptly, it often results in more costly damage. Chronic under-funding of the capital budget has resulted in the deterioration of campus facilities.

Modernization—Older facilities must incorporate new technology and meet current codes. Examples include: wiring classrooms and dorms to the Internet; removing asbestos and lead; and complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title IX—the federal law requiring equity between men’s and women’s athletics.

New construction—The Amherst campus needs new instructional, laboratory and athletic spaces, and a new heating plant.

There’s No Time Like the Present…

Right now is an excellent time to bring up these issues with your representative. When you visit or contact your legislators, ask them to support:

Facilities funding for UMass—through the University’s operating budget and/or additional appropriations.

Minor changes to public construction laws— Under current laws a new building can take more than a decade to complete. Red tape on renovation projects limits the University's ability to care for existing facilities. UMass and the taxpayers both will benefit if construction on campus becomes more efficient.

Close the loop

Whatever you do to help build a stronger UMass—let us know! We encourage all feedback from our Ambassadors. Together we can shape the debate!