Describes the origination, goals, funding proposal, and implementation of "Project People," a public relations effort conducted by the California Community and Junior College Association. Reveals how the project strengthened the colleges' position through more knowledgeable staff, heightened awareness of college needs within state and…

The activities of a University of Miami lobbying team at the state legislature's annual 60-day session are described. Each of the three team members has specific area and bill responsibilities, but their coordination and teamwork are seen as essential to success in promoting the university's interests. (MSE)

In an interview, Senator Mark Hatfield discusses Indian concerns in the 96th Congress. He addresses the role and future of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Congressional attitudes towards American Indians, the Indian Health Service, the "Boldt" Supreme Court decision, the Warm Springs Tribe, and the Institute for American Indian…

The Congress began the reorganization of the appropriations process by passing the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. It established new budget committees in each house. However, the efficient use of competent policy studies by Congress may still be blocked "by major obstacles--inherent both in the structure of Congress and in the incentives…

Examines opinions of Malawian legislators with respect to the efficacy of introducing local languages into the Malawi National Assembly. Using data collected through questionnaires, interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, argues for the need to introduce Chichewa, the national lingua franca, into the Malawi National Assembly as…

On any given day, higher education is represented in Washington, by not only lobbyists, but also students, administrators, experts on a variety of related issues, and professors turned legislators. A typical day finds these groups in varied activities directed at influencing policy. The American Council on Education is at the center of higher…

The ranking minority congressman on the Committee on Education and Labor forecasts the future of federal funding for school food service programs under the Child Nutrition Act. (MLF)

It is essential for a campus to designate a representative to develop a program for both disseminating information to legislators and cultivating good relations with state governments. This person should know area legislators and should work with them to prepare annual programs of activities for members of the general assembly. (MLW)

The issue of sex equity in college athletics was brought to a head in 1987 in a decision by Washington state's Supreme Court in a case brought against Washington State University by former female athletes and coaches. To add two women's programs, the university asked the Legislature for additional money. (MLW)

A study of communication between superintendents and legislators in Illinois revealed that superintendents seldom speak to legislators. Survey forms were sent to the 39 legislators on education committees: 29 legislators completed the survey, and 21 of these were interviewed indepth. (MLF)

Reports of three groups studying California's higher education system are discussed, focusing on emerging ideas about the role of education in a pluralistic society. The groups include a state commission of business and community leaders and governing board members, California legislators, and an Organization for Economic Cooperation and…

Senator Robert Dole comments on his amendment to Goals 2000 that would require a study of the act's impact on students with disabilities, the obligations of state and local authorities to rebuild schools, and school choice. Dole concludes with his belief that Congress has a responsibility to help fund the high costs of educating physically and…

Higher education has two main needs of Congress: the need for student aid and the need for increased and sustained scientific research support. The problem is that ever-more-aggressive competition for earmarked funds does not necessarily generate additional resources for institutions to share. (MLW)

Suggestions for college presidents when they visit Congress include get to know congressmen before asking them for something; be considerate of a representative's time; know the legislative interests of those visited; be prepared to assist congressional member needs; get to know the staff; work with education associations; etc. (MLW)

This issue includes six articles that discuss access to information provided by computerized databases and communications networks for legislators. Highlights include state legislative systems; information systems in the Senate; online services in the House of Representatives; information technology in the Congressional Research Service; the…