PROGRAM BILL 146

Chairman Erich M. Fabricius submitted the following report regarding Program Bill 146, "AN ACT TO ALLOCATE FUNDING TOWARDS IMPROVEMENTS TO THE STUDENT ORGANIZATION RESOURCE CENTER VIA A STUDENT SENATE, UNION ACTIVITES BOARD, AND INTER-RESIDENCE COUNCIL JOINT PROJECT", to the Student Senate on Sunday, April 2nd 2006, on behalf of the Finance Committee, and pursuant to its Wednesday, March 29th 2006 recommendations, by general consent:

As provided by Senate Rule, the committee requests that the Senate President place Program Bill 146, 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:

The SORC Office Improvement Act allocates $2,500 from the General Trust to purchase equipment for student organizations to use. Much of this equipment is publicity related, although a projector is also included in the overall project.

Background Information:

This project is being supported by the IRC and UAB as well, as is targeting often-requested materials at the SORC office.

Debate:

There were questions about the specific items to be purchased, as well as the lack of financial support from the Student Centers. Concerns were addressed about the availability of funds as well as on-going costs.

There was discussion about the procedural mechanics of the free copier. Concerns existed about its potential use or abuse in student elections. It was stated that there would be usage limits for any given organization.

Recommendations:

The committee recommends the SORC Office Improvement Act to the Senate. A full budget is expected to be available at the Senate meeting.