In their longest meeting so far this semester, the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska passed a bill allowing its Government Liaison Committee to lobby Nebraska congressmen to support the Prevention First bill. Some senators expressed worry that the bill was “too controversial” for ASUN to take a stance on.
Should Congress pass Prevention First, nine acts would go into effect concerning sexual health and family planning. One section of the bill would expand Medicaid rebates, lowering the cost of outpatient drugs sold at student health-care facilities including the University Health Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The act does not restrict the discount to any certain type of drug, meaning that forms of birth control, such as oral contraceptives, are covered as well.
Justin Solomon, a sophomore education and human sciences major and senator for general studies, presented the group with statistics: According to a 2006 survey by the American College Health Association, 39 percent of female undergraduates use contraception. Meaning, Solomon said, potentially about 20 percent of UNL students could be affected.
James Guest, director for UHC, spoke to the larger scope of the center’s patients: between 7,000 and 9,000 people purchase drugs there, he told the group.
Senators largely agreed that lowering the price of medication for college students is a good thing.
But others wondered if supporting Prevention First would alienate congressmen, or “burn bridges,” as Lauren Garcia put it.
“I think we all know Nebraska is a red state,” said Garica, a junior advertising major and senator for the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. “Constantly going against our constituents is damaging.”
Solomon urged the senate not to back away from controversy.
“We’re not in the business of appeasement,” he said.
The final vote passed with 18 senators in favor and six opposing.
The Government Liasion Committee is comprised of 15 members who lobby at local, state and national levels.
GLC Committee Chairwoman Sarah Fech, a senior French and political science major, described her involvement in the committee as “the most important thing I’ve done in my college experience,” echoing comments from Solomon about GLC’s ability to influence policy decisions.
The decision to lobby Prevention First is one of several bills passed by ASUN to keep GLC active with current legislation.
renaeblum@dailynebraskan.com
