2007 Pitt Day on the Hill

February 15, 2007 was an eventful year for Pitt Day on the Hill! This is our third annual Pitt Day on the Hill, and 10 Student Government members drove up to The Capital in Topeka, KS. The delegates that went started early, 7:00 A.M. to be exact, and represented Pittsburg State University. The members lobbied to senators and representatives alike. Some topics that were brought to attention, involved:

• Deferred Maintenance
• Tuition and Fee’s
• A Turnpike Toll Fee that would help higher education!
• Government funding for schools from endowment grants.

Student Government stationed a booth on the second floor of The Capital, and handed out everything from PSU Frisbees to Gorilla faced cookies. Senators and representatives appreciated the warm welcome and are hoping to see Pittsburg State University in the future!

2006 Pitt Day on the Hill

On February 2, 2006 Student Government Association talked to legislators about issues concerning Pittsburg State. Our second annual Pitt Day on the Hill was a very positive influence on Capital Hill in Topeka this year. The issues addressed included: Deferred maintenance on buildings that were slowly slipping, Interest Ownership on tuition and fees, as well as speaking up for increased/improved student health insurance. SGA representatives spoke with a variety of senators and legislators that held particular interest with Higher Education.

Additionally, a table was set up in the lobby of the state building. We used this to promote our university and to provide some refreshments to the representatives of the Kansas State Legislature.

"The event was incredibly fruitful. Before the end of the school year, two of the issues we lobbied for (Interest Ownership, and Better Student Health Insurance) ended up being put into resolutions, passed by the houses, and put into action due to the Pittsburg State University Student Government Association. Proof that even a small school can have a big voice!"
- SGA President Ginger Niemann -

Because of these lobbying efforts Pittsburg State University will receive an extra $580,000 every year. Other regents schools will receive additional funding as well.

2005 Pitt Day on the Hill

On February 22, 2005, fifteen SGA members traveled to Topeka, KS to participate in a program called Pitt Day on the Hill.  This is the first year for the program.  Members met with Senators and Representatives to discuss current Legislative issues facing Pittsburg State University, such as rising tuition costs and deferred maintenance.  As a whole, Legislators were very receptive of the students and agreed that the issues addressed were issues of importance.  Additionally, SGA set up tables in the lobby of the Capitol Building with information about PSU and SGA.  In addition to Legislators, others who visited the table included PSU Alumni, Lobbyists, and community business leaders. 

An exciting part of the day was the meeting with Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius.  The group discussed their purpose and the significance of their presence with the Governor.  She was very supportive of the program.  Senator Jim Barone of Pittsburg recognized the student delegation on the floor of the Senate during session.  Members were able to sit in the front viewing box during the session.  "The impact that our students were able to make at the Capitol is enormous as issues concerning higher education continue to arise." said Paul Cope, Legislative Affairs Director. Overall, the day was an enormous success.