At the Wednesday Nov. 4 Associated Students of the University of Idaho Senate meeting, President Lance Butikofer urged the senate to amend Senate Bill No. F26-B16 in order to allocate $1000 to the Bangladesh Association of Students and Scholars in place of the original request of $600.
Senate Bill No. F26-B16 is an act that would allocate funds to the Bangladesh Association of Students and Scholars, also known as BASS. The Bass club had requested $600 to cover some of the remaining expenses from their very successful Bangladesh Night. Additionally, they wanted some extra money to go towards throwing events throughout the rest of the academic year.
Senator Benson Wyke, the sponsor of this bill, highlighted the importance of the BASS club and the passion that its members share. To allow the club to continue running at a low cost to members, it is necessary to partially relieve their financial burden.
Senator Rainey Roecker of the finance committee motioned to amend the bill to read $500. This was seconded by Senator Scarlet Cromwell. Senator Wyke and Senator Envee Carter spoke in favor of maintaining the original amount.
President Butikofer took to the stand to speak about ASUI’s history of supporting cultural clubs and celebrations. He urged the Senate to amend the allot $1000 to the BASS club to reflect “the larger sum of money that we have allotted to cultural events” in the past. This comes after the Oct. 15 Senate meeting where a cap of $600 was placed on funds requests to ASUI because of the sheer number of requests they have received.
Senate Adjutant Eoin Gleeson took a roll-call vote on the $1,000 amendment, and it passed unanimously. ASUI Vice President Alma Azócar Agurto took a vote on the bill, and it passed unanimously.
Brandon Brackett, Director of Student Involvement, spoke of other concerns he held during the ASUI Senate meeting. ASUI has had decreasing involvement in the past several elections, moving from 2,400 responses three years ago, to the 800 responses they received last year. Senator Carter Durst suggested having members from each of the different colleges to reduce the number of “just political science majors.” Director Brackett noted that it is not up to him. ASUI is preparing to find ways to adjust and improve the level of engagement.
Olivia Maggs can be reached at [email protected]