HAYS, Kan. -- The Student Government Association at Fort Hays State University continually seeks new and innovative ways to integrate itself into the community. In response to a recent resolution, the SGA will join the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce in the fall semester of 2010.

The resolution, No. 10/S/100, promotes the idea that quality and affordable higher education is vital for the future economic success of the state of Kansas and the Hays community. The resolution is in response to the declining state funding of state universities over the past 20 years.

"The university is a massive part of the local economy," said Tyler Thompson, SGA vice president. "Were hoping to provide a perspective they don't have in the chamber to help drive local business."

The resolution was given to body presidents and legislative affairs staff at every state-funded university in Kansas. The idea is to pass the resolution across the state and present it to the Kansas Legislature to help prevent further budget cuts to state universities.

"This resolution acts as a very effective lobbying tool," said Bradley Stramel, SGA president. "It shows that the local governments back up the universities, and that we, as students, expect the legislators to do the same."

"Cutting education won't fix the economy," said Thompson. "We are the future business leaders of Kansas. If we want the economy to thrive, we have to support the universities; that's the way to recover."