One of the first things Andy Tofilon has done as newly inaugurated Government of the Student Body president was organize a letter-writing contest among dorms and greek houses to see who can write the most letters to the state legislators against budget cuts.

The winning house within TRA, UDA and RCA will each receive $200, as will the winning fraternity and sorority.

This is a great chance for ISU students to get actively involved in the budget battle.

As the cuts continue to affect Iowa State and its students, the time has come for the student body to let our voices be heard.

After all, there is no one the cuts hurt more than ISU students.

And if it takes a $200 prize to get students to care about becoming actively involved, so be it.

Whether you are ignorant to the entire budget cut ordeal or fully aware of its consequences, one thing is for certain: You will suffer because of them.

GSB leaders can not fight the battle alone; they need the support of the very people they are defending.

So write a letter, even if the only reason to do so is to win a cash prize.

Take a 10-minute break from studying for finals.

Write the letter during commercials while watching TV.

Whatever you have to do to take the time to let the legislature know the students’ voice needs to be heard in this battle, do it.

Letters are due Friday, so do your part.

And hey, $200 is still $200.

editorialboard: Carrie Tett, Jocelyn Marcus, Katie Goldsmith, Andrea Hauser and Tim Paluch