The University of Idaho Argonaut

Open forum
Katie Havens, director of sustainability at the University of Idaho, discussed Earth Week with members of the Senate. The event will run from April 21-25. Havens said the week is pretty self-explanatory and senators should e-mail her if there are any questions or concerns.

Brad Griff, Faculty Council representative, summarized his work throughout the semester. He said the topics discussed on Faculty Council do not directly affect students and deal with issues in the faculty handbook and retirement.
James Fox, the ASUI lobbyist, briefly summarized some of the legislature handled by the state capital. One of the biggest issues was Senate bill 1381, regulating firearms. The bill was withdrawn by the Senate and may be brought back up again next year, he said.

Presidential communications
ASUI President Jon Gaffney congratulated Matthew Haley for receiving second place in the employee of the year awards. Haley works for the ASUI Center for Volunteerism and Social Action and helps plan alternative service breaks at UI. Gaffney also reiterated the end of the year is in sight but senators must continue to work hard to tackle the big issues still at hand. Gaffney explained all bills on the agenda concerning appropriating money from the general reserve were bills that should be immediately considered. The extra money is there and is needed for each part of ASUI to do their jobs successfully. Gaffney also spoke on behalf of Kirsten Cummings, activities board chair. She wanted the members of the Senate to understand the amendment to S08-35, which changes the word “reimbursement” to “funding” in the entirety of the bill to avoid the implication that funding is automatic.

Unfinished business
Bills
S08-29, an act setting the FY2009 general operating budget for the associated students of the University of Idaho, was considered and unanimously passed. The bill fulfills a requirement of the ASUI Constitution and establishes a balanced, workable budget for the 2009 fiscal year.
S08-31 an act transferring $10,000 from the general reserve to the ASUI activities board was considered and unanimously passed. The bill transfers the money for use in the student organization funding.

New business
Bills
S08-32, an act transferring $12,000 from the general reserve to alternative service breaks, was sent to the finance committee for further examination and will be discussed next week. The money would be used to cover the cost of this year’s ASB trips.
S08-33, an act transferring $10,000 from the general reserve to the ASUI general operating budget, was sent to the finance committee for further examination and will be discussed next week. The money would be used for purchasing printers, supplies and tabletop displays.
S08-34, an act transferring $30,000 from the general reserve to the ASUI Vandal Entertainment Board, was sent to the finance committee for further examination and will be discussed next week. The money would be used for Finals Fest programming next year.

S08-35, an act adopting an amended version of the bylaws of the ASUI Activities Board, was sent to the Government Operations and Appointments Committee for further examination. The bill amends the bylaws by changing the term “reimbursement” to “funding” throughout the bill to avoid the implication that funding is automatic.
S08-36, an act amending section 3100.010 of the ASUI Rules and Regulations to provide greater compensation for multiple term senators, was sent to the Rules and Regulations Committee for further examination. The bill would help encourage Senators to run for re-election and recognize their earned experience in the Senate.

S08-37, an act creating the position of ASUI Senate secretary; amending ASUI Bylaws section 3000, was sent the ASUI Rules and Regulations Committee for further examination.
S08-38, an act amending section 4010.30 of the ASUI Rules and Regulations to require professional dress all day on alternating Wednesdays, was immediately considered and debated by members of the Senate. The bill was amended to require professional dress every Wednesday and passed.