Increases in student fees, which has promptedstudent-lobbying efforts in recent years, has now ledto the formation of a California State Universitypolitical action committee, Golden State Action, whichhas a campaign chest of over $25,000.

According to Corey Jackson, the interim president ofGolden State Action and student representative on theCSU Board of Trustees, he and the other 14 studentswho started the committee realized that theLegislature does not listen to requests of collegestudents unless the outcome benefits them.

Jackson said the committee is devoted to supportingany candidate whose philosophy is friendly tostudent-related issues, such as lowering student feesand facilitating academic growth.

“In order for us to get what (the students) need, wewould have to lobby,” Jackson said.

Jackson said every other large organization, such asthe California Faculty Association, lobbies theCapitol and is heard.

Even with the committee, another setback that studentsface is low voting numbers. According to a 2000Internet voting report by then California Secretary ofState Bill Jones, 18-24-year-olds are “low-propensityvoters.”

James Shoch, an assistant government professor atSacramento State, said there are two ways that aninterest group can influence the Legislature; eitherthrough the electoral process ?” which means with moneyor votes ?” or directly through the lobbying process.

Shoch said that the new Golden State Action will havedifficulty raising either money or votes.

He said thatbased on voter turnout among students during pastelections, they will continue to be unlikely to haveinfluence, even with the additional money.

“One would like to think that politicians would listento students,” Shoch said. “But they have to listen totheir constituents first.”

Angel Barajas, president of Sac State’s AssociatedStudents Inc., supports the committee.

“I encourage student issues that face highereducation,” Barajas said. “This PAC will give studentsmore spotlight.”

The CSU system is not the first university system inthe nation to adopt an action committee; theUniversity of Alabama system is among the risingnumber of university systems to create committees tosupport student-friendly candidates.

William Jones, the director of government relations atthe University of Alabama, said since the Alabamasystem adopted it six years ago, the action committee”has been very effective in opening the door with thepublic officials.”

Jones said that with the committee, the universitiesand the students have been receiving a more equalshare of the resources.

“It’s the American way,” said Cecil Canton, aprofessor in the criminal justice department and thepresident of the Sac State chapter of the CaliforniaFaculty Association. “People who have the money havethe influence.”

Canton said students have always been in the politicalgame, but it is unfortunate that students have tocreate such committees.

Sac State students do support the idea of a politicalaction committee that would endorse candidates whoadvocate no tuition fee increases.

“I like the idea because I am the one who pays for myeducation,” said junior digital media major ErinMusni.

Jerron Anderson, a senior business major, said, “Moststudents are struggling to get by, especially with gasprices. Education is one of the main issues thatpeople should focus on.”

According to Jackson, there are about 13 studentcontacts at several of the CSU 23 campuses, includingChico State; CSU, San Bernardino; San Diego State andCSU, Long Beach. There is currently no student contactat Sac State.

Jackson said if any students are interested inparticipating in Golden State Action, they can visitthe Web site, www.goldenstateaction.com, which will berunning in April.

Jamie Gonzales can be reached at [email protected]