USF students sit down with lawmakers - WFLA-TV Newschannel 8

USF students sit down with lawmakers

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USF student, Brock Bjorn, waits for the bus to leave for the Capitol. USF student, Brock Bjorn, waits for the bus to leave for the Capitol.
TAMPA, FL -

USF students say they deserve to have a say in the future of higher education. Dozens boarded a bus early Tuesday morning headed to Tallahassee as part of USF Day at the Capitol. USF student, Daniel Hamilton, plans to give legislators a piece of his mind.

"Do not raise our tuition," Hamilton said. "I want go graduate from a good school, be a good alumni, and contribute back."

He says a lot of his friends struggle to pay for college. 

"I can barely afford dinner," Hamilton said. "I eat Ramen Noodles. It's tough. We don't want to ask our parents because they have a lot going on too."

Students are bringing post cards advertising the statewide initiative "Aim Higher."
They're asking legislators to restore $300 million and invest $118 million for state universities in this year's state budget. If that happens state university presidents have said they will not raise tuition next year. Governor Rick Scott is trying to freeze tuition for the next year. Lawmakers will have the final decision next month.

"Every year I've been here tuition's gone up by double digits," student Abdool Aziz said.

USF day isn't just about asking for money.

"It's a day to showcase USF and tell people what we are about," student, Abdool Aziz, said. "We have a lot going for us and we want people to know that."

Students will also set up tables in the Capitol highlighting different areas of the USF System.

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