Student argues for fee hike

USF St. Petersburg would use the money to build a new student center.

By CARRIE JOHNSON
Published April 6, 2005

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TALLAHASSEE - There's typically nothing that angers college students more than higher fees.

But the University of South Florida St. Petersburg's student government president, who went to Tallahassee, had the opposite message for lawmakers Tuesday.

Tom Piccolo wants the Legislature to give a campus committee the power to raise fees.

It would be the first step toward building a new student center, which the growing campus desperately needs, Piccolo said.

"It would be a focal point for student activities," the 21-year-old senior told the Senate's Education Committee. "A town square of sorts, where students come to exchange different ideas."

The committee unanimously passed the bill.

Under the proposal, sponsored by Sen. Jim Sebesta, R-St. Petersburg, and Rep. Everett Rice, R-Treasure Island, a committee would have the ability to impose a one-time fee to borrow money. Half of the committee must be students selected by the student government president.

Why should students pay for a project when other universities rely on state funding? Piccolo said they didn't want to take chances. And with new dorms scheduled to open in summer 2006, time is short.

"If we're going to have student housing, I really think it's necessary for students to have something going on 24-7," Piccolo said.

Carrie Johnson can be reached at 850 224-7263 or cjohnson@sptimes.com