Student leaders are upset with the state's funding cuts to the University for the second year in a row.

Members of the Undergraduate Student Government expressed their displeasure at the USG Senate meeting last night.

Governor Robert P. Casey is sending a message that higher education is not a priority in Pennsylvania, said West Halls Senator Kelly Glazier.

"It obviously demonstrates the lack of respect this state has for higher education," agreed USG President Mark Stewart.

Pennsylvania is already ranked 47th in the nation in terms of state appropriations for higher education, Stewart said.

"We have to act now," said Glazier, adding that students must find a way to let the University know they won't accept cuts in student services or education.

After last year's cuts, parents of University students conducted a letter-writing campaign to legislators asking that funding not be cut, Glazier said. Something new must be tried this year, she said.

Hopefully student leaders can use the cuts to get people involved in lobbying efforts, Stewart said.