For the first time in Florida Blue Key's 86-year history, Gov. Charlie Crist opened up the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee for Florida Blue KeyÕs Legislative Day 2009.
More than 60 UF student leaders visited the capital Tuesday to speak with representatives, senators and legislators about the importance of higher education.
Crist encouraged a crowd of about 150 people, comprised of students, FBK alumni, legislators and UF President Bernie Machen, to continue their leadership in higher education.
In honor of FBK's political activism and involvement with the Florida Legislature, Crist signed a proclamation decreeing March 31, 2009, as Florida Blue Key Day.
Throughout the day, students met with several members of the Gator Caucus, a group of 54 members of the House and Senate that defend budget cuts and other issues affecting UF.
Rep. Seth McKeel told them the Gator Caucus makes up a big portion of the House with a strong Blue Key connection.
"Everyone wants to be a part of the caucus when we win two national championships," McKeel said. "But when we want to raise tuition, we lose some of our members."
The students questioned budget cuts and decreases in research dollars to UF's College of Medicine, addressing nearly every representative.
Many legislators commented about plans for making Florida Bright Futures more competitive and raising tuition through the Differential Tuition Plan so Florida colleges will reflect national averages in tuition prices.
"It's important to question your legislators now more than ever," said Rep. John Tobia.
"Bright Futures is about to explode with lottery funding down, and if we don't raise standards or water down benefits, we're going to lose the best and brightest in Florida."
Aron Weingard, president of FBK, said he wanted to show students the rich tradition Blue Key has and show them the importance of the investment in higher education.
"We wanted to bring together the facets of student leaders and interact with our state's most highest ranking officials," Weingard said. "I think we did that today."
