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Legislative Network Update

Take the governor's budget survey

Constituent
Meetings.

University supporters can still participate in Governor Pawlenty's budget survey. The stakes are high for the U in the upcoming legislative session. Let's show the governor that Minnesotans value higher education and want to make it a state priority. Encourage your friends to take the online budget survey and express their support for higher education at http://ga4.org/u_of_m_leg_net/join-forward.html?domain=u_of_m_leg_net&r=B7111111VQnU&.

Complete the governors survey.

Citizens League Study

Over a six-month period, a Citizens League task force examined the state of higher education in Minnesota. The report, "Trouble on the Horizon," warned that Minnesota could lose its competitive edge if current educational trends continue. Governor Pawlenty commissioned the study and has stated that he will refer to it as he develops his budget recommendations for higher education.

Feature Story

Finding Rest: Slowing the Pace of Life

Lord Frederic Leighton's Flaming June. Although our bodies hunger for adequate rest and relaxation, many Americans are caught up in a "cult of speed" that takes a tangible toll on our health and our families. U experts suggest some ideas for targeting the problem and consciously slowing down.

Web Highlight

Legislative Network blog

Do you want the most up-to-date information on what is going on at the Capitol? The Legislative Network blog on the Web is your best source for all things related to the University of Minnesota's requests this legislative session. Read U news coverage from the local media, get weekly updates from the Vice President of University Relations about what is happening at the Capitol, and post your own comments on the blog. You can access the blog from the Legislative Network homepage or you can subscribe to the blog and have new postings sent right to your e-mail box.

Visit the blog.

Did You Know?

Transitional Research Facility

Today, the human genome has been deciphered, opening the door to extraordinary advances in medicine. At the U's Transitional Research Facility, scheduled to open in summer 2005, basic science discoveries will be developed into therapies for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as hemophilia, cancer, Alzheimer's, AIDS, seizure disorders, and diabetes.

Don't let Minnesota Fall to the Back of the Line

Now is the time for the governor and Minnesota legislators to invest in the U of M. Strong state support of the U of M translates into a strong workforce and improved quality of life for all Minnesotans. Join U officials, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and U advocates at the Legislative Briefing on January 27, 2005. Learn how you can be an advocate--at the Capitol and in your community--for stronger state investment in the U.

Upcoming Events

-- Legislative Briefing (Jan 27)
-- Constituent Meetings (Jan)
-- Maroon and Gold Day at the Capitol (Feb 16)

Volunteer of the Month

Emily Johnston

Emily. Emily Johnston has worked with the Legislative Network for the past year. She represents the College of Biological Sciences, Twin Cities Campus, on the University's grassroots committee. This group is made up of representatives from every campus, college, department, and unit at the U. The committee works to increase participation in the Legislative Network's grassroots campaigns among all members of the University community.

December Question

What percentage of Minnesota's overall budget do you think is currently allocated to the University of Minnesota?

a. 18 percent

b. 13 percent

c. 9 percent

d. 4 percent

College Corner

Academic Health Center

A University of Minnesota Cancer Center study indicates that natural "killer cells" obtained from a family member and artificially stimulated may provide renewed hope for some patients who have advanced acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), a highly fatal cancer of the bone marrow. AML has become resistant to standard treatment with chemotherapy.

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