During ASUI’s weekly meeting on Oct. 29, long sitting legislation finally passed after one hour of deliberation.
During the last meeting, ASUI introduced bill F25-B05 to reimburse Senator Andrea Leal, for setting up the senate’s Halloween party. This party occurred before the meeting, and Senator Preston Hardcatsle spoke during discussion, “The party was really fun, and we have to pay her back now.”
To bring the spooky spirit, the senators of ASUI dressed in their Halloween costumes to this meeting, which is a large contrast to their traditional business wear. Leal was dressed as the Lorax, Senator Charlie Peacock was dressed as Mia Thermopolis from the Princess Diaries and Senator Leika Devi was dressed as Kim Possible.
Almost all senators were dressed up, and bill F25-B05 passed unanimously, giving Leal $300 to recoup costs from hosting the event. Excess funding will return to the ASUI budget.
The Argonaut previously reported on senate bill F25-B03, the first club funding bill to be proposed after the new club funding system was placed. The intention of the bill is to support the National Association for Music Education and partially reimburse members registration costs.
There was more debate on this bill during this session, after Director of Finance Lance Butikofer’s recommendation. During the open forum, he said, “We need to consider the financial precedent that it might set for ASUI to fund or partially reimburse membership fees for all student clubs and organizations.” He recommended reducing funding to $250, since he does support NAfME’s mission.
Other discussions occurred between senators Logan Romans, Gunner Cavender and Hardcastle on topics such as the timing, ruining the original intent of the bill and on the impacts of decreasing the funds.
After these discussions, the bill was still passed as originally written.
Senate resolution F25-R04 was introduced requesting $200 in funding for the UI Japan Club to help pay for food, and other expenses.
“The $200 will help UI Japan Club create events that promote cross cultural understanding, inclusion and community involvement among students,” said Senator Zoha Aqeel, sponsor of F25-R04.
After Cavender’s request for further clarification on how the money will be used in the previous meeting, the bill was passed.
Resolution F25-R09 was introduced to thank the UI International Programs office, the UI Department of Student Involvement, organizers and volunteers that worked on the Oct. 16 Pumpkin Carving Party.
Senator Binod Khadka spoke positively of the event. He said, “No matter where we come from, we all share the same joy, celebrating, and making memories together.” This bill was passed.
Resolution F25-R08 was introduced last meeting to support students, staff and faculty in voting in the upcoming Moscow city general elections on Nov. 4. After being submitted to the policy and resolutions committee, it has passed.
Other legislation was introduced during this session, including two club funding bills, one for $500 to Pre-Law Club, titled F25-08, and resolution F25-B09 for funding UI Pre-Veterinary club, for $300.
There was also mention of the Nov. 8 unveiling of the ASUI Vandal Statue, which was previously reported by The Argonaut.
ASUI will continue to meet every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Clearwater-Whitewater room in the ISUB. Meetings are open to the public.
Josie Adjanohoun can be reached at [email protected].