State Relations Council. The Council members are comprised of a representative from each of the USM member institutions and the USM Director of Legislative Affairs, Janet Bacon . The USM Presidents appoint the institutional representatives. Some are full time government relations specialists, others serve on a part time basis. The council meets periodically during the Interim and every Friday morning during the Legislative Session.
Information is exchanged, positions on bills discussed, strategies designed and assignments given.
It is recognized that some issues are institution specific. This is particularly true since the Larson Task Force recommended greater autonomy for USM member institutions. The institution specific institution issues are pursued for the most part by the institutional representatives with assistance and support by USM State Relations staff. Other issues are System-wide. The lobbying effort on these is coordinated and directed by USM State Relations staff.