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News

SGA votes to raise student fee cap

Senators also discussed 'cutting the fat' around campus

By Tina Marie Macias
Senior Staff Writer

The Student Government Association Senate approved a bill raising the $150 ceiling on the Student Service Fee at its meeting Wednesday.

The move should ease budget constraints on the Student Fees Advisory Committee, which will begin holding hearings for fee-funded groups next week. The fee per student will not be increased by more than 10 percent of the total fee each year.

It will take six to eight years for the fee to reach the new $250 cap.

The bill passed after heavy debate with an 11-to-8 vote.

"Our main objective is to advocate for students," Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Sen. Mark D. Annas said. "Instead of increasing limits, auxiliary should raise their own money. ... (We) should never raise a tax until it is completely necessary."

Annas recommended "cutting the fat" from some fee-funded organizations and looking at spending for little things like office supplies.

Vice President for Student Affairs Elwyn C. Lee told the Senate the fees are not only used for organizations, but also for services on campus and some staff salaries.

"There are salaries required to increase," SGA President Jon Quintanilla said. "(Fees) are going toward salaries and placing the burden to keep up with increases."

In new business, the Senate approved the SGA Election Commission's budget, which totals $5,974. In case of a runoff election, another $344 will go to marketing, bringing the total to $6,138.

After it approved the budget, the Senate approved an amendment to the Election Code getting rid of physical polling locations in the general election.

SGA Vice President Matt Bell, who proposed the amendment, said 267 students voted in the five polling locations last year -- less than 10 percent of the total votes.

The most popular polling place last year was the Social Work Building, where 141 votes were cast. The University Center and UC Satellite came in second and third with 58 and 50 votes, respectively, followed by 12 votes at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center and six at the Moody Towers.

The Election Commission will save nearly $700 by doing away with the polling places. Because there will be only online voting, no one will be allowed to campaign within 50 feet of a device being used to vote -- including any laptop computer.

Senators also approved the appointment of Katie Stout to the vacant Honors College Senate seat.

The Senate will next meet Feb. 23.
 

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