In an era of increased governmental control and of inflation, the relationship between higher education and state legislatures is of some concern. The diverse units of higher education must identify the roles they are to play in the political process. A survey was undertaken to learn: how much weight the information provided by higher education has in the legislature; who has the most influence; and how pressure politics can be used to aid and support the goals of higher education. A questionnaire was sent to 100 randomly selected state representatives in 10 southeastern states, asking about the amount, weight, and use of information provided to them about community and junior colleges. The responses were tabulated and a comparison was made between the responses and the number of bills introduced into the state legislatures in 1976. Telephone interviews were conducted with representatives of nine of the states. It was found that the sources of information are varied, and the amount of influence was partially determined by the number of people in and potential political influence of the group. The amount of information available was determined by the educational function of the group. The survey results are presented in narrated and tabular form. (MSE)