Senate sponsors Armchair Football, SMART Board bill vetoed

A bill that would allocate $3,500 to the Music Education department for new computer hardware failed on a technicality last week. Two days later, a bill allocating $2,000 to the purchase of food for Armchair Football events passed unanimously.

Tuesday, Oct. 21
Associated Students of Boise State University President Trevor Grigg announced his veto of Senate Bill No. 06-2008 Tuesday. The bill, sponsored by College of Arts and Sciences Sen. Justin White, would contribute approximately $3,500 from the Senate Discretionary account to the purchase of SMART Boards for the Music Education Department.

Grigg explained Tuesday that, according to the ASBSU Financial Code (Chapter II, Article 22-406), the student government cannot allocate funds to the purchase of classroom supplies.

The Senate also fast-tracked a bill contributing up to $1,400 to send Senate Pro Temp Joel Henretty to a student government leadership conference in St. Louis, Mo. from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.
Grigg and his vice president, Joe Bunt, also plan to attend the conference. According to Henretty, Grigg and Bunt’s trip will be financed by the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Thursday, Oct. 23
At its Thursday meeting, the Senate unanimously passed Bill No. 08-2008 titled “Armchair Football.” The bill allocates $2,000 to the purchase of food and prizes for the three remaining Armchair Football events. Armchair Football provides an opportunity for Boise State students to watch away games in “a safe and alcohol/drug free environment.”

The next Armchair Football event is Saturday, Nov. 1 when the Broncos take on New Mexico State in Las Cruces, N.M.

After the meeting, Sen. White expressed disappointment that he was unable to provide new technology for the Music Education Department.

“Am I here just to buy food? Am I here to buy treats for activities?” White said. “It seems like that’s all we can do sometimes … we have our hands tied.”  

The Senate meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. in the Student Union Forum. Meetings are open to all students, faculty and staff.

CHARLOTTE TAYLOR
Managing Editor

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