Committee Minutes, Wednesday, September 26th 2007

Chairman Casey R. Perry submitted the following report to the Student Senate on Monday, October 1st 2007, on behalf of the Public Affairs Committee, and pursuant to its Wednesday, September 26th 2007 recommendations:

Attendance:

There were five (5) members (Adonis, Lindsay, Price, Schweitzer, Smith) present.

There were five (5) members (Chiang, Elkins, Jajoo, McPherson, Perry) absent.

A quorum was not present.

Meeting Minutes:

*Elected new officers
*Report from Seth Palmer on progress of Hillsborough Street Expansion Act & Tax-free Textbook Efforts
*Discussion of upcoming speakers and legislation
Meeting Minutes:
The meeting was called to order at 7:09 P.M.
I. Update on Hillsborough Street Expansion Act
Executive Board representative Seth Palmer reported that the executive board has been focusing on the Hillsborough Street Expansion Act. The bill will not be discussed for a while due to opinion of Wake County officials. The Hillsborough Street Renovation Project will be discussed in a public hearing [City Council Meeting] on Tuesday, October 2nd. They will be deciding whether or not to increase funding for the project from $3 million to $7 million. This project will increase sidewalk space and lighting, add crosswalks and parking spaces, and add 2 roundabouts. They hope to have this project completed by December 2008. Any student support at this hearing to back the project is appreciated.
II. Update on Tax-Free Textbook Efforts
Palmer reported that the executive board is producing a “Tax-free Textbook Report” that summarizes the main points of the efforts as well as aspects specific to N.C. State of rental programs and guaranteed buy-backs. He also commented that rental programs are not really feasible for N.C. State due to ever-changing technology. These efforts will be discussed continuously over the remainder of the year.
Sen. Schweitzer questioned as to whether the tax-free weekend will be extended into move-in weekend at N.C. State for the bookstores?
Palmer stated that there has been discussion of the issue, and even a bill to support it but that the bill died early in a committee. However, there are many who are favorable towards the idea.
III. Discussion of Current/Upcoming Legislation
Sen. Price asked about bills introduced by the Public Affairs committee.
Palmer commented on three legislation goals: Tax-free Textbooks, Same-day Voter Registration, and Tuition & Fee Certainty.
Sen. Schweitzer commented on a “Tuition & Fees Lock” in which increases do not apply to returning students.
Palmer and Schweitzer noted that there are certain fees in which increase is either mandatory or necessary in order to increase the quality of N.C. State University.
Palmer also stated that there is not yet a bill to support the Hillsborough Street Expansion Act, mainly due to timing, but that we would like to develop something to show support of the plan.
IV. Discussion of Possible Speakers
Kevin Howe as a definite possibility to speak on current textbook issues and such.
Chief Yatz to speak on Hillsborough Street projects.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:52 P.M.