The Lantern recently editorialized that the Undergraduate Student Government had put up a “lackluster effort” in advocating for improvements in the state budget, and went on to suggest a Statehouse rally as a better course of action. I would like to explain why I disagree.

USG President Aftab Pureval has very quickly become the most vocal, recognized and respected voice for college students down at the Statehouse. He is carrying the banner not only for Ohio State students, but indirectly for all college students in Ohio, and he is doing it very effectively according to almost every legislator with whom I speak. He has quickly put together a very sophisticated plan aimed at influencing members of the Legislature directly. Some might propose a flashier and more public campaign, but my contention is that it would be far less effective.

While many people think rallies are an effective way of influencing the state Legislature, this is really a myth, and in reality, rallies have quickly become one of the least effective methods.

The world of lobbying the state Legislature has evolved into a much more sophisticated process. As the time demands on our legislators increase, short and targeted messages have become the standard. Taking the time to write letters, testify before committees or set up personal meetings to present a reasonable set of facts arguing your case, is far more effective. And OSU students should be happy to know that USG has done all of these.

Given that, I would encourage any student who hasn’t yet gotten involved, to quickly contact USG and find a way to participate. Signing your name to a letter asking your legislator to support funding for higher education will not take much time at all, and can make a real difference in the context of a very difficult budget.

Jack HersheyAssistant Vice PresidentOSU Office of Government Relations