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Senate debates bill, memorial and resolution
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The Associated Students of Boise State University Senate debated a bill Thursday, Nov. 6 that would allocate funds for Poverty Week events. The bill was disputed due to stipulations in ASBSU’s Financial Code. At its Tuesday, Nov. 11 meeting, the Senate also introduced a memorial honoring our veterans and a resolution demanding more meal plan options from University Dining Services.
Thursday, Nov. 6
Senate Bill No. 10-2008, sponsored by Sen. Justin White, would allocate $1,000 to cosponsor two Poverty Week events with the Volunteer Services Board. One event was a sleep out where students could experience what it’s like to be homeless.
Senate Pro Temp Joel Henretty pointed out several issues with the bill. He cited potential problems regarding risk management and a lack of medical support at the event.
Henretty also pointed out that, according to the ASBSU Financial Code, the Senate cannot provide more than 50 percent of the funds for a student group’s event.
White stated that Senate has already contributed to events sponsored by other fee-receiving groups this semester.
“I saw an organization that had a good cause and I wanted to help,” White said. “I don’t think we should fund every little thing.
Sen. Gracie Bingham countered that the Senate should use more discretion when passing legislation.
“I think we’ve started a dangerous precedent . signing every bill that comes before us,” Bingham said.
The Senate agreed to move the bill to the Budget and Finance committee for further deliberation.
Tuesday, Nov. 11
White also sponsored Senate Resolution No. 03-2008, titled, “Interactive Learning Center Initiative.” This resolution demands that Boise State and Aramark provide more options for students using meal plans at the ILC Bits and Bytes food court.
Currently, students with meal plans can substitute a meal in the Table Rock Café ($8) for food at the ILC across campus.
Resolution No. 03 demands “that dining services and Aramark work together to create more options and a fair equivalency for meal plans.”
While most senators agreed there is a problem with the current meal plan system, some stressed the importance of properly researching the issue.
“There are a lot of details that need to be hammered out before we move forward with this,” Bingham said.
Bingham moved to send the resolution to the Ways and Means committee. As the article currently reads, if the university does not provide additional options within one month, then ASBSU will begin to protest both Aramark and University Dining Services.
Also introduced Tuesday was Senate Memorial No. 02-2008, “Veterans Day,” sponsored by Sen. Aaron Henretty. The memorial honors all veterans. The bill passed unanimously.
Staff journalist Danielle Reff contributed to this article.
CHARLOTTE TAYLOR
Managing Editor
