People were devastated when Gov. Chet Culver announced the 10 percent across-the-board budget cut last month. Nearly 200 state government positions have already been eliminated. Now, we’re beginning to see what impact the budget cut will have at Simpson.

We knew it was coming, but that doesn’t make the blow any easier to take.

News of cuts to the Iowa Tuition Grant affect some students more than others. The nearly 800 students who receive the Tuition Grant are left looking for other means to cover the loss. For some, a $300 loss in funds could be enough to make them transfer. For others it may be a missed spring break trip, or an extra loan to pay off after graduation.

The good news is that there is something all of us can do to help. As Director of Financial Aid Tracie Pavon told The Simpsonian, one of the most important things we can do is write to our legislators.

Pick up a pen and paper and let them know why you think it’s important that they fund the Iowa Tuition Grant. Remind them that nearly 40 percent of Iowa graduates come from private institutions. Explain to them the importance of your Simpson education.

It might seem like your one letter might not be able to make a difference, but when it’s combined with the letters from other Simpson students as well as students from other private colleges and universities across the state, it can be very influential.

Legislators like to hear from their constituents, and those who scream the loudest are more likely to get what they want.

Higher education was one of hundreds of programs cut, which means that people from hundreds of other programs will be writing to ask for support too. That’s why it’s up to us to make sure that our needs are heard.

The Iowa Tuition Grant has already received a ten percent cut, but it’s future isn’t secure either. If we don’t express the importance of the grant, it could see even deeper cuts in the years to come.

So take 10 minutes to perform your civic duty it could end up saving you hundreds of dollars.

Look up the contact information for your local senator or representative at http://www.legis.state.ia.us/FindLeg/. Or write to Simpson-area legislators:

Senator Staci Appel

Iowa Legislature

Second Floor, State Capitol

Des Moines, IA 50319

E-mail: [email protected]

Representative Kent Sorenson

Iowa Legislature

Second Floor, State Capitol

Des Moines, IA 50319

E-mail: [email protected]