Last week the members of Penn State's student governments outlined their plan to make Penn State look better in the eyes of those who determine how much money we get from the state each year.

Undergraduate Student Government President Justin Zartman and Council of the Commonwealth Student Government president Kris Ankarlo said that they had been working on ways to change perceptions some state lawmakers may have of the university.

After events like the Beaver Avenue disturbances and Sex Faire, whether fairly or not, brought negative attention to the university, the two said they are working to bring more attention to less controversial parts of Penn State life.

Not only is this a good idea and an excellent way for our student government represents to tackle the problem of inadequate state funding for Penn State, but it is also a positive example of the cooperation between CCSG and USG that is so necessary.

Both organizations must work together to have the most effect on those who determine how much money to give Penn State each year.

Considering that Pennsylvania ranks near the bottom in state support for higher education, this job is too big for one group.

Their plan is sound and seems effective. They want to first approach congress people in their own districts and then invite them to campus to see and experience Penn State for themselves.

There is no better way for our lawmakers to see everything this university has to offer than for them to walk around the campus.

The concept of a Penn State day in Harrisburg, with representatives from all the Penn State campuses, is another good idea that will show the diversity and volume of the Penn State experience. It will also make clear that the students of this university care about their college experiences.

But despite the strength and potential of this plan, Ankarlo has expressed concern that the USG Senate Lobbying Committee would undermine the unity of their effort. According to Ankarlo, the senate committee is working on a policy that can't be implemented because it would give Harrisburg control over Penn State growth -- an impossibility because Penn State is state-related, not state-owned.

We can only hope that senate listens to Ankarlo and stays out of this one. Penn State must appear unified and educated in its fight for more funding and if Ankarlo is right and the senate doesn't know the rules, they have no business playing this game.