Hey, Student Association: We have a task for you.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich seems to be taking notice of NIU’s need for more state-allocated funds. We at the Northern Star feel he needs more of a shove from the student body.

In his budget plan for the coming year, Blagojevich proposed $19 million for the Stevens Building, $2 million for NIU’s operating funds and an increase in the university’s general fund of 1.9 percent, or $105.9 million.

This proposal is excellent news for the university, but should there not be sufficient outcry from the constituents, it could already have reached the peak of its hype and never see execution.

With SA elections rapidly approaching, we feel it’s a perfect opportunity for representatives to use their position as the student government to speak on behalf of their constituents and advocate NIU’s support of the governor’s plan.

NIU President John Peters made the three-hour journey to Springfield as NIU’s advocate for more monetary aid from the state. Perhaps the SA could step up and work alongside President Peters, fulfilling the role of “student army” if you will – any authority figure typically has the namesake and credentials to back him/herself up. Having the people who will actually benefit from state appropriations – you guessed it: the students – visibly supporting he or she who speaks on their behalf is naturally that much more credible when those in public office see said authority figure isn’t simply speaking for themselves.

Facilitating petitions or group letters to send to Springfield, seasoned with the signatures of supporting students is a neat idea.

How about sending student body representatives, such as yourself, to Springfield to meet with the governor? Maybe even a phone call from a SA official could further the effort.

Just a suggestion.