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Show DAILY UTAH CHRONICLE Monday, January 13, 2014 ASUU Continued from page 1 more about the legislature and how to be involved. They will also provide a handbook full of information on these topics. "That will include how to communicate with [the] legislature, which bills are pertinent to you and your interests," Hawkins said. "There are a lot more ways to get involved besides voting." She also said that the Government Relations board will be holding a civic engagement series. The series will include several workshops and bring in some guest speakers. Hawkins said that ASUU will work with the Hinckley Institute of Politics and the quorums that they already hold throughout the semester to accomplish this. "We are hoping to do a bigger conference at the end of the semester, but that isn't set in stone," she said. Hawkins said that she hoped to hold at least one event in the series each month, with the first starting in February. In addition to the UREP expansions and the civic engagement series, Hawkins hopes to get more students up to the Utah State Capitol during this year's legislative session to lobby and get involved. She hopes that by reaching out to more students through UREP this 3 can be accomplished. "The bills [for this legislative session] were released a few weeks ago. The biggest one is the higher education based budget," Hawkins said. "There will definitely be opportunities for students to get involved." Right now, getting prepared for the legislative session and getting a strong student presence at the Utah State Capitol are her top priorities. Hawkins previously interned at the Capitol with the Gov. Gary Herbert's office and worked for the Hinckley Institute of Politics before serving as a supreme court justice for ASUU. ASUU president Sam Ortiz said that while Hawkins is the only new director this semester, there will be a few more shake-ups coming to ASUU soon. "We will also have a number of new associate directors, but they have yet to be selected," Ortiz said. n.turner@chronicle.utah.edu MARRIAGE Continued from page 1 Shelby's ruling to the circuit court has "cast doubt" on the ruling in United States v. Windsor, the Department of Justice plans to uphold it by recognizing the marriages in Utah. Couples in Utah will now be able to file their federal taxes together and apply for federal benefits jointly. The case is moving along the fast track at the Denver court. Rosky said that there are about 20 similar cases across the nation and that there is a good chance that the final decision in Denver will be appealed by the Supreme Court and most likely heard in conjunction with those cases. a.drysdale@ chronicle.utah.edu LEE Continued from page 1 tions must fulfill in order to be recognized by the state. He stressed that massive open online courses ought to be able to apply for subsidized funds from the federal government and that the bill aims to build on, not "destroy" the current process. He hopes that by expanding the already existing accreditation system, the government will be able to help stay the always-rising cost of higher education. "As we increase the number of players in this market, what we will see is more competition," Lee said. The bill would empower states to accredit businesses, non-profit organizations and postsecondary apprenticeship programs for the education that they provide, in addition to colleges and universities. Lee is looking for other ways to ease the weight on middle class and low-income families, in addition to making higher education more accessible. "Our government is creating poverty traps," Lee said. These traps, he said, keep Americans from putting away disposable income, which are "gobbled up in rising prices." Lee presented his thoughts on higher education as part of a larger presentation centered on using politics to create a government that will make a better world. He also addressed students' concerns about the economy, and said that he is looking for ways to resolve the national debt. "We could print more money, but that usually ends in tears," he said. Lee filled his presentation with clever quips and anecdotes about life in Washington. His jovial manner seemed to soften some students' opinions of him. Many were surprised by the senator's warm personality at the forum. "It's one thing, to see him on the news and [then] see him personally," said Connor Yakaitus, a sophomore in political science. Yakaitus noted that he seemed "very approachable" and that he related well to the audience. "I feel like he gave a lot of people hope for a lot of the issues they have," Yakaitus said. 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