USAC referenda endorsements

Where student life and student wallets are concerned, any time
is opportune for UCLA undergraduates to strengthen their support
for the lobbying organizations that represent us.

The UC Students Association and United States Student
Association referendum would serve that purpose, at a minimal cost
to students. The proposal adds a $2 per quarter charge to mandatory
student fees to be earmarked for membership and participation in
the only lobbying groups that represent the interests of UCLA
students. These organizations lobby on behalf of students at the
federal and state levels. They have tackled issues such as
increasing grants and removing federal taxes from textbook
purchases.

Unfortunately, UCSA and USSA are understaffed and thus, have
limited lobbying power. But they do have the potential to grow and
wield a formidable political influence. By voting to fund
UCLA’s participation in these groups, students are supporting
attempts to increase state and federal financial aid and decrease
student fees. For example, the efforts of UCSA helped lead to the
recent 5 percent fee rollback for undergraduates.

Currently, USAC funds participation in UCSA and USSA with
surplus money that would otherwise be reserved for student
programming. But due to inflation, these funds are becoming
insufficient for the organizations to operate effectively. Students
at many other universities around the country and in the UC system
are being asked to consider similar fees to ensure the viability of
our lobbying groups. At UCLA, passing the referendum would also
free up more than $30,000 for student group activities.

A provision of the referendum requires that the fee be
reaffirmed every four years, so passing the proposal now does not
necessarily mean the fee will be around forever. Ultimately,
students will decide whether to keep paying it or not.

We have every reason to the support this referendum, which is
designed to increase student power. All UC campuses should make the
same effort as well, so that students will have a say in the
policies that affect us.