UC Santa Cruz Lobby Corps

Lobby Corps is a committee under the SUA Office of External Affairs that works to advocate for issues that affect students in higher education on the local, state, and federal levels. Each week, we discuss issues relevant to students on our campus and across the UC, and how we can advocate for our elected and appointed officials to better represent our diverse needs.

Winter 2023 Meeting Information:

Wednesday, 3 - 4:30 pm at the SUA Office

• We defend students by fighting to keep tuition stable, and working to influence state and UC policy. 
• We inform students by generating policy briefs, making legislation more accessible, publicizing support and opposition to legislation that affects students. 
• We carry messages by coordinating with student orgs and resource centers to identify key issues and policies that affect our students, and by informing our representatives of how students are affected by these policies, and providing students with the support necessary to voice their opinions about such policies and legislation. 

Lobby Corps is under the Office of External Affairs in the Student Union Assembly. Meet the Lobby Corps Team below!

Legislative Director: Nathan Maffei

Lobby Corps Director: Alisa Johnson

Federal Legislative Advocate: Sarah Garduno

Advocates for UCSC students on the federal level through meeting with legislators and lobbying for student priorities. Works to inform the student body about current federal issues and act as a liaison between undergraduates and their elected representatives. Currently focused on doubling the Federal Pell Grant, expanding access to federal resources and aid for DACA students, securing federal housing assistance, and specifically advocating for the Build Back Better Act, the largest social spending program since the New Deal which includes many provisions directed toward students.

State Legislative Advocate: Mailynn Flores

Advocates for UCSC students at the state level through meeting with legislators and lobbying for student priorities. Currently focused on basic needs including housing and food insecurity,  advocating for a larger budget across the UC to keep up with enrollment, and increasing sustainability on and off-campus.

Local Legislative Advocate: Andres Martinez-Sabino

Advocates for UCSC students in the city of Santa Cruz through meeting with local legislators and city council members and lobbying for student priorities. Current focuses include countywide transit equity and accessibility. Additionally, looking for ways to tailor public transportation to help student needs. In addition, we are advocating for a student voting seat on the METRO board and advocating for the Coast Connect Rail and Trail.

Join Lobby Corps Slack

Join Lobby Corps Email list

Meeting Minutes

2022-2023:

2021-2022: Lobby Corps Agenda Winter Quarter 2022