RESOLUTION 145

Chairman Erich M. Fabricius submitted the following report regarding Resolution 145, "Resolution to the Delta Sigma Phi Debt", to the Student Senate on Saturday, April 1st 2006, on behalf of the Finance Committee, and pursuant to its Wednesday, March 29th 2006 recommendations:

As provided by Senate Rule, the committee requests that the Senate President place Resolution 145, on the calendar for second reading.

Attendance:

There were five (5) members (Douglas, Fabricius, Moye, Saunders, Sawrey) present. There was also one (1) non-voting member (Toms) present.

There were two (2) members (Sevits, J. Washington) absent. There was also one (1) suspended member (Mckethan) absent.

The following officials were also present: Compton, Griggs, F. Hinton, Walton, Yasin.

A quorum was present.

Purpose of Legislation:

Absolves Delta Sigma Phi of the "Lawn Party" debt upon proof of an extraordinary allocation of the chapter to establish a new philanthropic entitled "Miss Fall Rush".

Background Information:

In the 79th Session of the Senate, $4,000 was allocated to support the Lawn Party event conducted by Delta Sigma Phi. After this event was obstructed, the money went unspent. Pursuant to the Student Body Constitution, Program Bill 11 of the 82nd Session ordered the money collected and returned to the general funds. This bill has not be repealed in law or effect, and remains policy to this day.

Later in the 82nd Session, an attempt was made to broker a deal where the $4000 would be given to Dance Marathon instead of being returned. A bill approving this deal, Program Bill 90 failed gain the approvals necessary to be brought for a vote, and expired unenacted. Despite this bill's failure, $2000 of the funds were still transfered. It is not clear what activities, miscommunication or otherwise resulted in this, but all indicators are that officers of the Student Government were at least partially responsible.

Since the 82nd Session, several pledges have been made by Treasurers to collect the funds, either in full or part. None have been carried out. This proposal was initiated by Sen. Sawrey as a potentially mutually agreeable destination for the funds.

Debate:

Travis Kraszeski, the fraternity treasurer, addressed the committee. There was discussion as to the specifics of the proposed program, as well as the source of the $2000. The fraternity pledged to provide documentation proving that the expense was indeed extraordinary and not pre-existing internal allocation.

Recommendations:

The committee recommends the Delta Sigma Phi Debt Resolution to the Senate.

Committee Amendments:

Minor wording changes noted.