ASUM: Associated Students of the University of Montana

Montana is in a complex point in its history. With a slow economy, low-paying jobs, rising tuition that forces graduates to look for employment out of state, and a mystifying tax structure, Montana is in need of change. The Montana Legislature has some very tough decisions to make. Some will benefit students, some won’t, but in the end we must ensure that our voice is heard.

The Associated Students of The University of Montana (ASUM) acknowledge the Montana Legislature as a key source for funding for Higher Education. To better funding for higher education (lower tuition), the ASUM works on a number of ways to project the student voice in Helena.

This web-site is designed by students to make voicing your opinion easy. If you have any suggestions, please contact the web-master.

As you can see on the LAWS web-site, you can set-up a preference list that will track the progress of bills for which you are interested. The Office of the Commissioner or Higher Education follows a number of bills that they feel is important to education. You can logon as OCHE, with the password of OCHE4ME.

Does the student voice really matter in the Montana Legislature?
-Yes!!! Legislators love to hear your story. They often complain that they do not have the chance to see where their money is going. However, by talking to you about your experience and your plans after college they can see directly the benefits to funding higher education.

What is the LAWS Page?
-The LAWS Page is a sight that allows you to search for bills, legislators, and other MT government information. You can search by the bill number or by keywords. It is also easy find the schedule of hearings of bills. For information click http://leg.state.mt.us/css/sessions/58th/laws_help.asp

How can I find my Representative or Senator?
-There will be a table frequently set-up in the atrium of the UC by the ASUM that outlines who the elected officials are located. You can also click here http://leg.state.mt.us/css/sessions/58th/roster.asp?HouseID=0&SessionID=80 to search for your district. If you are still lost, call the SPA Director at 243-2039 for help.

What is the Education Preference List?
-As you can see on the LAWS web-site, you can set-up a preference list that will track the progress of bills for which you are interested. The Office of the Commissioner or Higher Education follows a number of bills that they feel is important to education. You can logon as OCHE, with the password of OCHE4ME.

I am interested in getting involved with the legislative process, but do not know how I would go about doing so?
-The ASUM offers a number of avenues for which to get students involved in Helena. First, we will be hosting a lobbyist training on February 23, 2003 to train students on how to effectively lobby in Helena. This will be a fun-filled day with visits from professional lobbyists, legislators, and past political candidates.

How can the ASUM help me get to Helena?
-Simply contact Matt Filer, the SPA Director, at 243-2039 and tell him the dates that you are interested in attending.

Are there any days that a large group of students will travel to Helena?
-Yes, please visit the important dates link in our web-site to obtain detailed information in when students will be grouping to go up to Helena.