Student Association President Jim Fischer told the SA senate Sunday NIU students could help defeat future tuition increases by passing the Illinois Student Association referendum on Jan. 28.

“The referendum would provide $1 to the ISA from (each student’s) fees to help make (the ISA) strong. States with strong student governments and funding are much better organized. We had a $150 tuition hike last semester because we had a problem with organization,” Fischer said.

Students at the University of Illinois at Champaign and Chicago already have approved the $1 fee, Fischer said.

The New York state student association has defeated tuition increases for the past five years, Fischer said. “The ISA will be able to get (universities) adequate funding from the state. Because the budgets for campuses are based on a possible tax increase, we could have another significant tuition increase soon,” he said.

The ISA Board of Directors signed a lease last week for office space in Springfield, Fischer said. The office, four blocks from the state capitol, will cost the ISA $12,000 per year. The ISA is searching for an executive director, who will be paid $15,000 to $20,000 per year, and an administrative assistant, whose salary will be under $15,000.

“The executive director probably will not be an active student because the position is full-time. However, the ISA will choose someone who is concerned about student issues,” Fischer said.

SA Public Relations Adviser Paula Radtke said the ISA needs to have more influence with the legislature to fairly represent students. “Students will be getting a professional lobbyist for only $1. This lobbyist will work to decrease tuition and increase financial aid.”

Fischer said if students vote for the ISA referendum, the President’s Fee Study Committee will recommend the proposal to NIU President John LaTourette.

LaTourette will send his recommendation to the Board of Regents, and the Regents will vote on the proposal. Fischer said the referendum needs the Regents’ final approval.

Radtke said Sangamon State University and Illinois State University might present similar referendums to the Regents at about the same time as NIU. She said a group of referendums will “enhance the chance with the board.”

Another way students can voice their concerns to legislators is by registering to vote in state and federal elections, SA Vice President Cam Davis said. About 50 to 100 students were registered to vote during schedule completion last week.

The SA will start a new drive for registration on Feb. 1, SA Sen. Joe Annunzio said. “We’ll have tables in DuSable and the Pow Wow Room on certain days, but students can register in the SA office from 9:00 to 5:00 on Monday through Friday.”

DeKalb County Clerk Terry Desmond said in order to register, a resident must be 18 years old, a citizen of the United States and have resided in their precinct for 30 days.

Feb. 15 is the last day to register for the 1988 Illinois Primary Election.