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Raise Your Voice for UMass

Background: These are perilous times for the state. The current UMass budget has been cut twice and declining state revenues continue to pose a threat. You know UMass adds value to the Commonwealth, and that education is the best investment the state can make for its future.

UMass needs you to raise your voice. Call, write, or visit your MA state Representative. Tell him or her why you value the University and why a strong UMass matters for Massachusetts. Your contact shows your state Representative that UMass is an issue within the district and across the Commonwealth.

Don't know who your MA state Representative is? You can call your local town or city clerk's office for the information or click here to find out.

Timing is important

Now is the time to write your state Representative. The House Ways and Means committee is crafting the House version of the FY 03 budget recommendation.

We need to concentrate our efforts in the House of Representatives to insure the best possible budget for the University.

Budget Timetable

According to House Speaker Thomas Finneran, the Ways and Means budget will be reported out to the House members on April 26, 2002. House debate will begin May 6, 2002.

Contact your Representative before March 31, 2002 and ask for full funding for the University's budget needs. Funding public higher education is an investment in Massachusetts's future.

Best Practices

Visits, letters, and telephone calls are the best methods for contacting your state Representative. These personal contacts reflect your time spent in considering the issue and crafting the message. Legislators tend to respond to these contacts.

Although e-mail is convenient, many legislators do not personally read their messages or respond as faithfully as they do to a letter, visit, or telephone call. Letters, telephone calls, and visits are the most effective ways to send your message.

PURPOSE FOR THE CONTACT: The House Ways and Means Committee is crafting the House version of the FY 03 budget recommendation.

• Registered voters voicing their concerns make a difference.

• Tell your Representative why UMass matters to you.

• Legislators expect to see and hear from you. Tell them why they should continue to invest in a strong state University.

• Raise UMass's profile in your home community.

TALKING POINTS: Funding education is the best investment the state can make.

• Thank your Representative for past support of the University.

• Acknowledge the difficult funding choices legislators face in this challenging economy.

• Ask your legislator to stop the cuts to the University and to protect the investment in quality education.

• Ask your legislator to fund the University's budget needs for FY 03.

• Note your interest in the continued health and well-being of the University.

• Note why you value UMass and how the University impacts your local community.

FOLLOW UP: Thank your Representative for his or her attention to this important matter.

DON'T FORGET TO CLOSE THE LOOP!

Make your actions count! Report your activities to Cheryl L. Dukes at 800-772-6155 or cdukes@urd.umass.edu. Updated February 28, 2002.