-
1 of 10
-
2 of 10
-
3 of 10
-
4 of 10
-
5 of 10
-
6 of 10
-
7 of 10
-
8 of 10
-
9 of 10
-
10 of 10
ASBSU Senate passes bill to
raise salaries without debate
Archive
Comments
Story
Last Tuesday, the ASBSU Senate passed legislation for a 17
percent pay increase for the majority of ASBSU. The chief justice
and Senate pro tem positions received a 55 percent increase in
salary.
ASBSU legislative, executive and judiciary branches will start to
see more money July 1, 2004; however, critics say they were
prevented from raising their concerns regarding the pay hike.
Sen. Bryan Blades was not allowed to voice his opposition. Blades
was told by Sen. Jared Martin that due to time constraints his
voice would not be heard. A move by fellow Sen. Wyatt Parke to hear
Blades’ concerns was also stuck down.
In an interview the next day, Blades explained his position. He
said there should be some kind of increase but it should come in
the form of a cost-of-living increase incorporated into either the
constitution or code.
“There ought to be a way that is fair and not subject to the
whims of politics,” said Blades, adding that he didn’t
find it fiscally responsible to pass a bill six days after
introduction with such radical changes to the bottom line.
“We have not even seen next year’s budget.”
“I wasn’t allowed to comment on the bill during third
reading,” said Blades. “That’s a problem. I
represent the people who voted for me. I was not able to present
that view … I was shut out of the discussion.”
Article 5, section 6 of Senate rules of procedure states,
“The third reading is intended for debate concerning the
merits of the legislation.”
People need to come down to Senate meetings said Blades; all the
meetings are open to the public. If students are upset, they need
to come down and show it.
“Bring a friend and make their voice heard,” said
Blades. “It’s their money.”
The bill passed by the Senate increased ASBSU payroll by
$13,733.13. ASBSU President David Morriss signed the bill the same
day it was passed. “A 17 percent increase is just under what
our student fee increase is,” said Morriss.
Last semester, ASBSU was granted an increase in student fees by the
State Board of Education with the reasoning that the growth of
clubs had stretched ASBSU’s finances too thin.
“It came in a reasonable amount,” said Morriss. The
original bill asked for a $24,000 increase; the bill the Senate
passed came to a little under $14,000.
“They’re going to earn it,” said Morriss.
“I know the time commitment it takes to be a senator. They
are going to be held to a higher standard, a little more money is
deserved.”
If any students are concerned they should address the senators.
“Go to your senator, hold them accountable. Ask them
‘What are you going to do for me?’” said
Morriss.
A judicial opinion was requested in regards to Senate bill 30, said
Mike Esposito, student organizations coordinator. The opinion
should be available to the public by Tuesday.
FOR MORE ASBSU INFO
Senate meetings start at 4:45pm every Tuesday and Thursday in
the Forum, located in the SUB between the student activities and
ASBSU front desks.
Contact your senator at 426-1440 or find your
senator’s e-mail
“http://union.boisestate.edu/asbsu/staff/index.asp”>http://union.boisestate.edu/asbsu/staff/index.asp
Monica Price
News Reporter
