MoPIRG, a student-directed, state-wide, non-profit organization, works on social and public relation issues.By: Kelly Davis
– Copy Editor –
During the fall semester of 2010 at STLCC-Meramec, the Missouri Public Interest Research Group (MoPIRG) has been reestablishing itself. MoPIRG is a studentdirected, state-wide, nonprofit organization that is currently working on social and public relation issues that arise amongst citizens.
Students, organizers, advocators and researchers across the state of Missouri can investigate problems and find practical solutions in areas such as health care, voting rights, affordable education, etc.
“Having a MoPIRG chapter on campus allows students to get involved,” said Jarod Gregory, the project organizer and director for MoPIRG in St. Louis. With this organization, students have the ability to speak to other students about specific issues, campaign and work with the media. Aside from this, there are internships available for students. Hands on work is required.
In addition, it involves learning important skills that can make an impact on significant issues, such as public speaking and leadership development.
“MoPIRG is useful because they are offering help for students at no cost to them. However, any organization is only as strong as its weakest member,” Candace Freie, meramec student, said.
Meramec was home to last remaining PIRG chapter in Missouri for 25 years. In March 2010, students voted against funding for MoPIRG, which eliminated support for the organization. However, the organization has come back to Meramec to make a change.
Gregory stated that MoPIRG received grant money to run the New Voters Project for schools in St. Louis. Meramec is one of them. This campaign, taking place on Sept. 28, will give students the opportunity to sign up and register to vote. This way, students will be able to vote in the upcoming election and voice their opinions.
“The motto for this campaign is ‘keep them paying attention to us,’” Gregory said. “It doesn’t matter whether democrats or Republicans win the election in November. We want people to get out, vote and enforce that whoever is in charge will have to pay attention to what citizens want when it comes to making decisions.”
MoPIRG also released a guide that focuses on the health care reform bill. “Our priority has been to make health care affordable,” said Gregory.
The reform bill, passed by legislation, consists of costcutting ideas for everyone including students, families, smaller businesses and the nation as a whole.
“It’s estimated that these reforms will cut $1.4 trillion off the deficit over the next two decades,” Gregory said.
On Sept. 23, young people received new consumer protections and benefits. Insurance plans allowed young adults to stay on their parents’ plan until age 26. In addition to this, no insurer can drop a policy when a person gets sick because of paperwork errors. Anyone has the right to appeal any denial of care.
On Jan. 1, 2014, several changes will be initiated. Health insurance plans will no longer be able to deny coverage or hike rates due to a pre-existing condition. The common insurance company practice of charging women more than men for coverage will be against the law. Also, society will have the ability to get the same benefits as those in Congress.
Lastly, coverage will become more affordable, especially for those who are barely making ends meet. However, in order for a person to keep health insurance premiums low, they must buy coverage.
“MoPIRG is bringing back the voice and speaking up for Meramec,” said Gregory.
