Budget ceilings possible

The Student Government Board voted to table until next week a resolution that would… The Student Government Board voted to table until next week a resolution that would implement program caps for all Student Government funded organizations.

The resolution calls for a $5,000 cap to be placed on the funding of each student organization.

Currently, there is no set policy for funding organizations.

“It is a first come, first serve basis,” board member James Priestas said, “If you request money at the beginning of the year when we have money, you get it. If you request at the end of the year, tough cookies.”

“We have to question our credibility without these set policies,” added Priestas, who cited financial problems that last year’s SGB endured toward the end of the year.

“I personally feel that these are good resolutions,” board member Joshua Carl said. “It would force groups to co-sponsor events,” resulting in a greater turnout at those events.

President Shady Henien called for the student body to let him know its opinion of the issue either during the SGB office hours or at next week’s meeting.

“Please, come and seek us out this week,” Henien said. “E-mail us, call us, whatever. Let us know what changes we should make. We’re doing this for the betterment of the student body.”

Not everyone in attendance supported the resolution.

One student claimed that the resolution was being created just so the SGB “can hide behind it.”

The resolution still gives the SGB the power to “fund programs greater than $5,000 if deemed necessary,” as it is worded in the proposed resolution.

“If this resolution can be ignored completely by the board, what’s the difference?” the student asked.

“If you feel that this is not going to help your organization, please voice your concern,” Henien said.

If the resolution is approved, it will take effect on July 1, the beginning of the next fiscal year.

The vote will occur at next week’s SGB meeting on Tuesday night.