Students concerned over recent tuition increases gathered last night to discuss new legislation that could alleviate financial pressures on students.

More than 100 people attended Arizona Students’ Association’s kickoff event, “”Take Back Education!”” in the Student Union Memorial Center.

The group focused on the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, currently being debated in Congress, which would give financial aid and grants to students without raising taxes directly.

“”(This) was the kickoff event to get students engaged in the upcoming financial aid campaign, SAFRA,”” said Chris Nagata, president of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona.

Similar events were simultaneously held at Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University to raise awareness about the upcoming financial aid campaign.

“”What we need to do is make students realize tuition has been going up severely in the past year,”” said Nicole Pasteur, student director at ASA.

SAFRA would be “”one of the largest investments in financial aid the country has ever seen,”” said David Martinez, UA campus organizer with ASA.

Approximately 130 students, many of whom were freshmen, attended the event, which surpassed ASA’s expectation of about 100, said Elma Delic, student director at ASA.

Some students said they are definitely feeling the impact of the recent tuition increases.

“”I’m an Arizona Assurance scholar,”” said political science freshman Ashley Robinson. “”It’s hard for my family to pay for me to come to school, and with the increase I have had to pay more.””

ASA has until Oct. 15, when SAFRA’s fate will be decided, to raise awareness about the campaign.

“”Having tuition go up twice in one year is outrageous,”” Pasteur said. “”It’s really important for students at the UA to know they have a voice and the power to mobilize and make changes for the bettering of higher education.””