Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010
Two ¾¨Ó㴫ý sophomore political science majors participated in the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania's (AICUP) Student Lobby Day April 20 in Harrisburg.
Katelyn Moga is a daughter of Timothy and Pamela Moga of Ashtabula, Ohio, and a graduate of Edgewood High School.
Alex Scull is a son of Thomas and Stephanie Scull of DuBois and a graduate of DuBois Area High School.
Moga and Scull were among more than 200 students from across Pennsylvania who met with state legislators to express their concerns about the 28% state budget cuts to the Institutional Assistance Grants in the 2009-2010 budget and lobby the legislators for their support in restoring the grants to their 2008-2009 level for the upcoming fiscal year.
Moga and Scull met with Rep. Michele Brooks (R-17th District), Rep. Matt Gabler (R-75th District), ¾¨Ó㴫ý graduate Rep. Mark Longietti (D-7th District), and Rep. Chris Sainato (D-9th District).
According to Scull, the representatives were sympathetic to their cause and appreciated being able to put a student face on the educational funding issue.
"I found it interesting that party label didn't always reflect a legislator's perspective," Scull said. "There were Republicans who were more closely aligned with Gov. Rendell [a Democrat] and Democrats who disagreed with the governor's position."
"Katie and I appreciate the support for our trip from [¾¨Ó㴫ý] President [Dr. Richard H.] Dorman and [Vice President for Institutional Advancement] Gloria Cagigas," Scull added. "They made it possible for us to represent ¾¨Ó㴫ý and experience democracy in action."
Dr. Edward Cohen, associate professor and chair of ¾¨Ó㴫ý's Department of Political Science and Sociology, accompanied the students.
Contact Cohen at (724) 946-7304 or e-mail cohenes@westminster.edu for additional information.
