Key into what you can do.

Dear [Governor/ Representative/ Senator] [Insert Last Name]:

As a constituent living in [City/Town], I am urging you to make funding for higher education a priority in the next fiscal year.

I know that you will face tough decisions in the months ahead. That’s why I want you to know that I believe investments in higher education that include the arts and sciences are extremely important to the present and future of this state.

Colleges and universities drive regional and national economies by being major employers, attracting student spending, and fostering innovation through research and development. They also prepare a skilled workforce, contribute to local culture, and engage in civic and community development. Through global collaborations and public-private partnerships, these institutions help shape industries, strengthen economies, and promote social responsibility.

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, I urge you to work with your colleagues to make funding for higher education that includes the arts and sciences a priority.

Please keep me informed about your efforts.

Sincerely,

[Name

Address, City, Zip

Phone]

Dear [Governor or Legislator] [Last Name]:

I am writing as a constituent regarding higher education policy in [State], particularly its impact on arts and sciences education.

Colleges and universities play a critical role in research, innovation, cultural vitality, and civic life across the state. Arts and sciences programs generate new knowledge, support evidence based decision making, and prepare graduates with analytical skills used across the economy and public sector.

As a graduate of [Institution], I know firsthand how arts and sciences programs supported by academic freedom and shared governance prepare students to think critically, contribute to research, and strengthen communities and the economy.

Academic freedom and shared governance make this work possible. They ensure curriculum, research priorities, and academic standards are set by qualified professionals accountable to the public. Policies that prescribe curriculum or weaken faculty participation risk slowing research, discouraging talent, and reducing institutions’ ability to serve the state’s economic, cultural, and civic priorities.

I urge you to protect academic freedom and shared governance so higher education institutions can sustain research productivity, instructional quality, and the effective use of public funds that communities and employers rely on today.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City, State]

Dear Governor/ Representative/ Senator [Insert Last Name]:

As a constituent living in [City/Town], I want to thank you for maintaining funding for higher education in this fiscal year’s state budget.

Colleges and universities across [Insert State] play a vital role in educating students, supporting local communities, and advancing research that benefits the public. Continued state investment helps these institutions remain accessible and affordable while responding to the evolving needs of students and employers.

Higher education creates opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. A college education can increase earning potential, strengthen civic engagement, and prepare students to contribute thoughtfully to their communities and professions.

Colleges and universities also serve as important economic and cultural anchors in communities across the state. They develop the expertise to address pressing challenges like collective safety, food security, financial threats, and infrastructure resilience.

As institutions continue to face rising costs and growing demand for student support, stable funding remains essential. Maintaining investment in higher education helps ensure that students across [Insert State] can continue to access a high-quality education and the opportunities that come with it.

Thank you again for prioritizing higher education in this year’s budget. I encourage you to continue supporting these investments in the years ahead.

Please keep me informed about your future efforts.

Sincerely yours,

[Name

Address, City, Zip

Phone, Email]

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]