The University of New Mexico undergraduate student government will be coming to the New Mexico State capitol Monday, Jan. 30 to participate in UNM’s yearly “UNM Day.”

Over 40 students from various academic backgrounds will be in full force in the state legislature, representing the University and the Lobo community to state lawmakers. The big issue on students’ minds this year: the Legislative Lottery Scholarship.

The Legislative Lottery Scholarship has been the bridge to higher education for thousands of New Mexico students, but certain portions of the scholarship’s funding are in danger of expiring this fiscal year. UNM students will be advocating for the renewal of the liquor excise tax, which has been a critical source of funding for the lottery scholarship. UNM students, along with students from New Mexico State University, will also be pushing for a “gap year” period that a student could voluntarily utilize if they wish to take time for themselves before entering into a New Mexico state higher education institution.

“The Lottery scholarship continues to be the main concern for students at The University of New Mexico,” said UNM student body president Kyle Biederwolf. “The decisions that our lawmakers make in this session will affect the future of New Mexico students, and we hope that our visit today will show legislators how important a solvent solution is.”

UNM students will be meeting with legislators and other state officials all of Monday to advocate on behalf of the student interest. Several students will be available for interviews and other inquiries all day, so please call Communications Director Gabe Gallegos at (575) 636-4706 or email asunmdoc@unm.edu.