Many states increased support for higher education in the past two years, making up for many cuts during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2008 recession. Looking ahead to 2025, concerns about an unsteady economy and political unrest may affect funding levels.
Your personalized emails and letters to representatives can make a big impact. Below, find sample emails that you can copy and paste to send to your governor or state legislators. If possible, boost your impact by taking a few minutes to make it more personal with these quick tips and suggestions.
Find your representatives’ contact information, voting records, and more here. As a reminder, public employees should not use their work emails or phone numbers to take political action. Even from private accounts, you may need to make clear that you are speaking as a private citizen and not on behalf of your employer.
Reach Out to Newly Elected or Re-Elected State Policymakers
Dear [Governor/Representative/Senator] [Insert Last Name]:
As a constituent living in [City/Town], I am writing to welcome you [back (if policymaker re-elected)] to your office. I look forward to hearing more about your post-election priorities for our state.
I know that you will face tough fiscal and legislative decisions in the months ahead. I hope you will keep in mind the value of higher education investments to individual students and their families, and the broader benefits to our community. For most graduates and their communities, a higher education – including well-rounded arts and sciences education – offers clear benefits. For each additional college graduate, the annual GDP of [Insert State] will increase by approximately [Insert Data from National College Attainment Network]. In the long term, college graduates contribute more in taxes and are less likely to require government support services. College graduates are also more likely to volunteer, contribute to philanthropy, and vote.
This upcoming year, I hope that you will make higher education a priority. Again, congratulations on your election [re-election if returning] and please keep me informed about your activities.
Sincerely,
[Name
Address, City, Zip
Phone]
Acknowledge Funding Increases for Higher Education in Your State
Dear Governor/ Representative/ Senator [Insert Last Name]:
As a constituent living in [City/Town], thank you for making funding for higher education a priority in the state budget last year.
I know that in the last year you faced many tough decisions, and your prioritization of higher education did not go unnoticed. Institutions of higher education, as communities of people dedicated to education, research, and service, have historically supported communities and [Insert State] through both scientific and humanistic research. They have also consistently demonstrated their ability to be nimble, responsive, and indispensable to society in the wake of significant crises.
Research has shown time and again that workers with a college education typically earn more than those without a degree. With a college education, students establish an educational foundation that enables them to grow and to innovate both in their careers and in their communities.
I firmly believe that we need to ensure that more of our state’s young people can access a quality higher education that prepares them for all of life. Again, thank you for making funding for higher education a priority this past year and in the future.
Please keep me informed about your efforts.
Sincerely yours,
[Name
Address, City, Zip
Phone, Email]
Respond Productively When Your Official Publicly Disparages the Arts and Sciences
Dear Governor/ Senator/ Representative [Insert Last Name]:
As a constituent living in [Insert City/Town], I saw your recent comments about the arts and sciences in [insert local source]. I want to take this opportunity to convey why I strongly support access to a well-rounded arts and sciences education for today’s students.
The arts and sciences prepare students for a lifetime of success by developing inventive employees and thoughtful citizens. Students majoring in the arts and sciences see bigger increases in the types of skills employers want when hiring: critical thinking, complex reasoning, and writing skills.
Research has shown time and again that workers with a college education typically earn more than those without a degree. With a college education, students establish an educational foundation that enables them to grow and to innovate both in their careers and in their communities.
As a state, we do need to provide vocational training and opportunities. But practical skills and technological advancements will not solve our state’s most pressing problems alone. We need a strong base of human understanding to drive innovation and our economic growth. In short, we need to ensure access to quality arts and science education for students as well.
I hope you will reconsider your position and please keep me informed about your efforts.
Sincerely yours,
[Insert Name
Address, City, Zip
Phone, Email]
Tips and Suggestions to Make Your Call More Personal
- Keep your message as short, simple, and specific as possible. If you can, reference pending legislation in your state or specific budget line items.
- Personalize your message with state-specific data using these tools:
o National College Attainment Network – State Economic Value of College Profiles
o National Endowment for the Arts State Profiles
o National Endowment for the Humanities State & Jurisdiction Impact
o State Higher Education Funding
o National Science Foundation by the Numbers - Tell a brief personal anecdote when possible to tie your message back home for your legislator.
- Ask for a response by indicating you would appreciate a reply on the issue.
- Follow up when appropriate by thanking your legislator when you agree with their votes or informing them when you disagree.
