SENATE MEETING MINUTES

30^th LEGISLATURE

APRIL 24, 2007

I.            Call to Order

            Roll Call

II.            Corrections to the Minutes

A.   Approval of Minutes

B.    Approval of Agenda
- President Levin-Stankevich changes the order of the agenda:  I. EVP Brady Report, II. AVP Janik, III. AVP Ammirato, IV. AVP Dapaah,  V. Rules Chair McKay, VI. Senator Pro Tem Jueckstock, VII. Unfinished   Business, VIII. New Business, IX. President Levin-Stankevich, X. Treasurer  St. Rose and XI. Constituents Questions/Announcements. I have some changes for my agenda (B) Dr. Payne address (C) Budget House Rules. 
-  EVP Brady adds NYPIRG and strike Student at Large move up.
-  Senator Pro Tem Jueckstock adds Patrick Combs.
- Rules Chair McKay report will be given by Vice Chair Greco who adds Re- Recognition.
- President Levin-Stankevich states that Robert Rules of Order will be followed very strictly today. There is going to be a procedure that we don’t utilize which we are going to utilize tonight.  I will go through these with you.  When you address the Senate you need to stand to speak, when you are done talking you sit. If you have any motions, amendments, comments you do it while you stand.  You will have 5 minutes to speak and no one is allowed to talk when someone is standing. The gallery is not allowed to talk or disrupt the Senate unless recognized by myself.  The only way you can be recognized to talk is by a motion by the Senate for a relinquished amount of time.  If you talk out of order you will be dismissed. Senator Antwi asks why we are starting this rule now.  President Levin-Stankevich states that at any time you can follow Robert Rules of Order.  It has been brought to my attention that people have been talking out of order from our gallery and Senate and this is a way I can manage Robert Rules better.

III.             EVP Brady Report:

A.   Ann from NYPIRG is recognized to give an update. 

B.    I just want to remind everyone that Spring Fest tickets are still on sale. Senator Dobney asks if she is looking for workers.  EVP Brady replies if you are interested in helping out see me after the meeting.

IV.            AVP Janik Academic Report:

            A.  USG Banquet update. I will read off a list of names will these people see me  after the meeting. 

V.            AVP Ammirato Community Relations Report:

            A.  Union Bash is tomorrow and we will be meeting here at 6:30 pm. Bingo will start at 7:30 pm.

VI.            AVP Dapaah Student Life Report:

A.   Senior Week update.  On Thursday April 26^th during Bengal Pause if you are free come to the Union and help promote Spring Fest and Senior Week.  Please wear your USG shirt if you do come. Senator Antwi asks if this is mandatory.  AVP Dapaah states no but it is highly recommended and there will be a sign in sheet.

 President Levin-Stankevich gives a 2^nd warning regarding the standing rule and states that there will not be another one.

VII.            Rules Chair McKay Report: given by Vice Chair Greco

A.   There are 3 organizations up for re-recognition: Psychology Club, Geology Club and Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF).  I would like to make a motion to re-recognize these organizations.  President Levin-Stankevich clarifies the motion to say that the Rules Committee would like to make a motion to re-recognize 3 organizations: Psychology Club, Geology Club and IVCF they have gone through the process and have decided to approve re-recognition.  Vice Chair Greco accepts this clarification.  President Levin-Stankevich asks the 3 organizations to rise to tell the Senate about their organization.  Senator Hirsch asks are they non-funded.  President Levin-Stankevich states currently Intervarsity and Geology are funded but are recommending changing them to non-funded. These 2 organizations are in the proposed budget for this year.  Floor is open for questions. The Psychology Club is recommended to be funded.  Floor is open for questions.  Treasurer St. Rose states point of information from the Budget Committee the Geology Club was 5 days late in handing in their budget packet. Senator Antwi asks why the Geology Club is being recommended to be non-funded. Vice Chair Greco states this is based on their activity reports. Senator Pro Tem Jueckstock point of information Geology Club only had 6 activities and Intervarsity had 8 activities. President Levin-Stankevich asks compared to other organizations is this average.  Senator Pro Tem Jueckstock states compared to other organizations it is decent.  Senator Otero makes a motion to amend the Rules Committee to recognize the Geology Club as a funded organization. Senator Hirsch states that the Budget Committee gave them a budget but we did penalize them for handing in their budget late. EVP Brady call to question.  AVP Janik 2^nd.  Vote is taken to vote on the amendment and does not pass. Debate will continue.  Senator Perez states that the Rules Committee did this because we need to look at paper work we can’t work on hear say.  Senator Pro Tem Jueckstock point of information that looking at the activity reports Geology did more than other organizations. There are no more questions vote is taken on the amendment that the Geology Club should be a funded organization and passes 20 yeas, 2 nays and 2 abstentions. Debate is open to re-recognize the Geology Club. There are no more questions vote is taken to re-recognize the Geology Club as a funded organization and passes 22 yeas, 1 nay and 1 abstention. President Levin-Stankevich states we will move to IVCF and they are in the same position. They are being recommended to be a non-funded USG organization they were funded. Floor is open for questions.  Senator Stewart asks why are they being unfunded. Vice Chair Greco says for the same reason as the Geology Club. Senator Hirsch makes a motion to amend the Rules Committee to recognize IVCF as a funded organization. Senator Antwi 2^nd. Floor is open for questions. Senator Perez states that we have to start somewhere and we have to penalize organizations that don’t have activities.  EVP Brady states that IVCF had 8 programs and handed in their budget on time. There are no more comments vote will be taken on the amendment to approve IVCF as a funded organization and passes 16 yeas, 2 nays and 4 abstentions.  The motion on the floor is to re-recognize IVCF.  There are no questions vote is taken and passes19 yeas, 1 nay and 3 abstentions.  The Rules Committee is recommending re-recognizing Psychology Club.  There are no more questions therefore we will go right into vote.  Vote is taken and passes 20 yeas, 0 nays and 2 abstentions Psychology is re-recognized.

VIII.            Senator Pro Tem Jueckstock Report:

A.   The guest speaker Patrick Combs was mandatory but after discussing this with the E-Board it is no longer mandatory.  We highly recommend that you do come to this event.  AVP Dapaah is still looking for help. Treasurer St. Rose comments that Patrick Combs was a speaker at the Florida conference and he highly recommends coming to this event.

IX.            Unfinished Business - None

X.            New Business - None

XI.            President Levin-Stankevich Report:

A.   Cassety move out - I issued the 4^th notice for the organizations to be boxed up by the 27^th.  If anything has been left in any of the offices it will be thrown out.

B.    I would like to recognize Dr. Payne.  Dr. Payne addresses the Senate on the budget cut to the Day Care Center and is recommending on behalf of himself and Dr. Howard not to cut their budget. Dr. Payne states when he started, USG was burdened with supporting some of the operations like the Student Health Center, Intercollegiate Athletic Competition and the Recreation budget and college.  Over the last several years the college has taken back some of that responsibility. We have really returned well over 1⁄4 million dollars to USG to fund the operations of our student organizations. We have relieved some of the burden of supporting central services that you were burdened with. One of the few areas left to USG in which you provide central services to is the Day Care Center. For the last nearly 20 years that I have been here you have been extraordinary responsible for providing child care services for those of our student who are beginning a family. As you know the finance committee is now proposing to take last years funding for the child care center $42,000 and reduce it to $29,100 which is a $12,900 cut.  I respect the finance committee and I know they have real concerns and I appreciate the fact that the finance committee has reconsidered their original consideration and has returned $9,000. This cut will still disadvantage the child care center in that they would not be able to serve the same number of children of students. They would not be able to maintain supplies for services and not be able to continue the same subsidy to the children that enable ours to gain child care. We charge $93 for infants and toddlers and $82 for preschoolers.  If you went to any of the other facilities they charge more. To reduce funding in this perimeter manner without giving the child care center an opportunity to attempt to address some of the concerns of the finance committee is what really concerns Dr. Howard and me. I know you are concerned about the long waiting list and the priorities given to the children of students; I care about this.  My suggestion is to follow a different process, give the child care a notice this year.  In funding them this year give them your stipulations that they must meet.  If next year they have failed to respond to your concerns then cut them.  To cut them this year without any notice in this type of perimeter cut is irresponsible and unreasonable. You are our partner we work together but in order to work as partners on providing a campus service for students we have to be reasonable and we ask that you be reasonable. I don’t think it is reasonable to cut the child care center with out notice. This is so important to us that if we feel that the cuts that you made to the child care center are not reasonable and not acceptable to live with then I will have to think twice before recommending to the president that we approve your budget for the 2007-2008 year. You have been a really responsible partner with us in providing this special service for the students and faculty. I trust that you will continue to do that and I will work with you to make sure that you get the improvement you are looking for. I am here today to ask you to be reasonable and not cut the day care and answer any questions you may have. 

 President Levin-Stankevich is asking the Senate that we get some food and move Treasurer St. Rose report and when we get to this item we can debate it.  I need a motion to do this.  AVP Janik motions to recess for 5 minutes then return to the order of the day which will leave with Dr. Payne’s announcement to answer any questions. Treasurer St. Rose 2^nd.  Vote is taken and does not pass 4 yeas, 15 nays and 1 abstention.  Revote is taken because it was very indecisive.  President Levin-Stankevich restates the motion and vote is taken and does not pass.

President Levin-Stankevich point of information on one statement that Dr. Payne made was that he might not recommend our budget for approval.  The administration has the right to do this.  If our budget does not get recommended by approval from Dr. Payne to Dr. Howard and does not get approved by Dr. Howard a committee is formed.  The budget goes to a committee to see if it breaks any SUNY guidelines then I believe it goes to the board of trustees who approves it over Dr. Howard.  This would be the process. Senator Antwi asks how you are providing students with a service if there is a huge waiting list. Dr. Payne says the question is are you going to provide service to those students that are able to get in or are we going to deny those services while we increase the number of students to whom we can provide service. We must have licensed and certified staff and we are limited in terms of number of infants and preschoolers that we can enroll by the state law.  What we will do in the next year is work with you. If we take roughly ½ the money that you’re not putting into the child care center out that would require the number of students we could serve. President Levin-Stankevich point of information we are only asking ¾ of a reduction of their budget.  Dr. Payne states that most of the reductions would be in work studies or student help.  Senator Perez asks would you support stipulation on funding for faculty spots and opening up for students. Dr. Payne states that according to the document I received from the Director of the child care center there are 38 children of full time undergrad students, 3 children of part time undergrad students, 6 children of full time graduate, 3 children of part time graduate students, 12 children of faculty and staff, 5 children of other NYS employees, and 2 children from the community.  Dr. Payne says USG is not the only funder for the child care center the Union is a major funder as well as SUNY. Both SUNY funds and USG funds are provided with the understanding that members of USG, faculty and staff would be included among those people being served. Senator Dobney asks how much money the school gives.  Dr. Payne says that BSC does not give them a grant. The money comes from SUNY and the Union they also have provided you with a list of their Grant resources in addition to the money they get from New York State.  They apply to a number of granting organizations. Senator Hirsch asks will the administration not approve the current budget proposal if we decrease the child care budget.  Dr. Payne states he is not going to say that for the record. One of our obligations is as your president stated that this is a reasonable budget and the budget provides the essential services to students that the student activity fee offers. Remember that BSC as a state agent fee collects money from students on your behalf.  We do this with the understanding that this money be used to provide essential activity to service the students.  My job as the designee of the president is to ensure that the money is being properly used.  I have year in and year out raised concerns about the amount of money you have left at the end of each year.  This past year you had $319,667 left at the end of the year.  I know you have been reducing that amount but what that means is that the students that pay that activity fee did not get direct services when paying the fee. As long as we are maintaining those kind of reserves I am concerned about the amount of service that the students could have gotten from paying that fee. The President, Comptroller and I agree that you have to maintain camp Whispering Pines and that requires that you maintain a reserve in case of some emergency that takes place at Whispering Pines.  But the amount of the reserves needs to be reasonable and all I’m asking is that we provide the essential service to students to the extent of the fee that you collect is able to provide those services. That is really the only question I will ask when I see the budget. President Levin-Stankevich point of information Dr. Payne said we had over $300,000 cash on hand at the end of the year which is cash and assets.

A large part of cash that we do keep on hand was our reserved account which you all know paid some of the furniture. The most the reserves account was at this year was $139,000 we did use some of that which puts us in the average of Student Associations.

C.    Budget House Rules - I already went through these. We will now move into Treasurer St. Rose Report please remember the rules.

 AVP Janik motions to take a short recess.  AVP Ammirato 2^nd.  Vote is taken to take a 5 minute recess and passes 21 yeas, 1 nay and 1 abstention. Meeting returns to order President Levin-Stankevich states we will take a quorum count.

XII.            Treasurer St. Rose Report:

A.   I asked all the Senators to give me any changes they might have to the budget. There were 2 ½ changes that I received. Two were just suggestions the other from the Rules Committee.  We did meet with them on Monday and answered most of their questions.  They suggested that we add $250 to Health and Wellness for Take Back the Night that is a new line and they can only use it for this event.  Also, Caribash Production Night be changed to Production or General Organization. The Budget Committee would like to make a motion to approve the proposed budget of the 2007-2008 with those changes.  Floor is open for debate and a speaker list is taken.  Senator Anderson would like to make a motion to amend the 2007-2008 USG budget by removing the printing initiative line of $5,000 and placing this amount into the child care line.  As well as reducing Silver Screen they had a 308 percent increase from the current proposed funding of $2,345 to $1345 and move the remaining $1,000 to the child care center.  Also, move the AVP Programming line from its proposed $20,000 to $18,000 and place the $2,000 in the day care center. This would bring up the day care center to $37,100. Senator Stewart 2^nd.  Floor is open for debate.  AVP Dapaah asks why the copy line it benefits everyone.  Why did you decide to cut Silver Screens budget out of all the organizations and why did you decide to cut the AVP Programming. Senator Anderson says Silver Screen was the only organization that was increased by 308 percent its not like they are getting a decrease they are actually staying the same. Also, I think that the responsibility of the AVP’s is to support the other organizations and that money is used solely for AVP’s programs. Treasurer St. Rose point of information it says VP’s special events $2,000 is given to every AVP the rest is for special events. Senator Anderson distributes an impact letter from Ellie Fleetwood President of the child care center Board of Directors.  President Levin-Stankevich asks why the copy line.  Senator Anderson has no answer.  AVP Dapaah says you couldn’t answer the question for a line that benefits all the students not only 41 students at child care.  The printing has only been in place for a year where the day care center has been in the history for years.  AVP Ammirato states that we should meet Dr. Payne and the administration ½ way that is what they ask us to do.  By cutting their budget we are saying there are concerns that need to be addressed.  I would like to direct my left over time to Dr. Ecklund. Dr. Ecklund states that there are a number of things that were pointed out about the child care center. There are many valid good points that were given but is it the right thing to do to drastically cut the day care center.  Who is the cut going to effect but the students.  When you have a child it is your primary focus you can’t focus if you know you children are well taken care of. Senator Dobney says when it comes to Silver Screen at first they had $500 and there whole organization is built on showing movies.  When you get copy writes it is about $200 - $300 doesn’t make it hard to show movies. It makes it hard to take away their budget. I would like to make an amendment to leave the library copy alone and take away the readership program and leave Silver Screen alone. This way we could give more money to the child care center. Vice Chair Greco says this is too extreme of a difference. It would have to be an amendment around the same amount of use the same line.  Senator Dobney amends to leave Silver Screen and AVP Programming alone and that we take $6,000 from the Readership program.  Senator Anderson does not accept this. President Levin-Stankevich states we will debate if we should amend the budget by Senator Anderson’s outline which is $5,000 from the copy line, $2,000 from AVP’s and $1,000 from Silver Screen. Or should we take it in Senator Dobney’s way which is to leave the 3 organizations alone and to take $6,000 from the readership program. These are the only 2 topics we are debating. Senator Dobney clarifies why she chose the readership program and states that any one off the street can come get a paper. If you want you could go online and look at the papers. Senator Perez states that the paper is something the faculty could use as for printing the student can use this. AVP Ammirato asks what the $6,000 reduction will will do to the readership program. President Levin-Stankevich states that with a reduction the readership program could still be established. EVP Brady states she is in favor of the readership program.  Senator Antwi asks if the $6,000 will bring the child care center up to their normal budget. President Levin-Stankevich says yes. Vote is taken to take $6,000 from the readership program and passes 10 yeas, 9 nays and 5 abstentions. There is no longer a motion on the 3 lines discussion will be on taking the $6,000 and giving it to the child care center. Floor is open for discussion.  Senator Otero says that a lot of people are saying we have to meet the child care half way. Even if we do increase it to $35,042 it doesn’t make a difference because they are not going to meet us the other half. Senator Perez asks Senator Anderson how she came about getting a letter addressed to President Levin-Stankevich.  President Levin-Stankevich states it was in the file cabinet that is open to everyone. AVP Dapaah states that the child care budget is $42,000 half way would put it at $21,000 right now we are at $35,000. This is more than half way will the administration cover the half that we won’t cover.  President Levin-Stankevich says he will clarify what Dr. Payne said earlier saying half way would be half of the proposed cut being $12,000 which half of that is $6,000.  The $6,000 is on the table now.  Dr. Payne says the statement is correct.  AVP Dapaah asks if we meet you half way this year will the administration step in working with us to cover the rest.  Dr. Payne says we would find a funding in the range of $35,000 acceptable. Senator Stewart says she understood that if we went half way at $6,000 there are other entities that child care could get money. Vice Treasurer Mears says we would be giving $29,000 and SUNY and all the other entities would be giving their usual.  Therefore this is an addition to what they are already getting. Treasurer St. Rose comments that BSC child care is a separate entity from USG we are helping another business make money.  Senator Otero says at one point we were not going to give them anything.  President Levin-Stankevich said if we would increase it to $29,000 that the administration or BSC would provide the other half and also going into that about our stipulations would be met. Now we are being told that we need to increase it $6,000 more were we being lied to? President Levin-Stankevich states he never said that.  I said that I was speaking on behalf of the day care center and the cut was too severe. My recommendation was to add $9,100 and apparently some senators feel this is still too little. AVP Ammirato says I think by giving them some money back we would be meeting the administration half way.  Senator Dobney asks how the Senate felt when the day care refused to dip into their reserves to compensate for USG not funding them. Also how do you feel that the college is not giving anything into when faculty can use the facility?  Dr. Payne says that the Directors response was inappropriate and as I said we are willing to work with you on the issues that you raised. As for the reserved fund they don’t want to touch because they are often sued which is not unusual for this type of business. Senator Boateng asks what the 3 types of money that we have are. Treasurer St. Rose states reserves, contingencies and surplus.  Senator Boateng asks when people on the street bring in their children they pay the same as the people on campus why? President Levin-Stankevich states because it is based on income. Vice Chair Greco states that the administration did not say they would not approve the budget. I am suggesting that you vote no for the amendment because in voting no you will have the recommended proposed budget for the day care for $29,100 and you keep the readership line. Or in reverse in voting yes for $35,000 for child care. Senator Stewart states she is for the increase in the proposed budget for the day care center they are service. Dr. Payne responds to a point that the Treasurer said.  The child care center is an entity that was created by the State of New York within the umbrella of Buffalo State College for the benefits of students, staff and faculty.  It is not a totally separate entity it is similar to the students and the research foundation and the foundation of the State University College in New York.  They exist under the protection of the state to benefit the students, faculty and staff at Buffalo State College.  That is what we are looking at today how to maintain this. President Levin-Stankevich asks the Senate who does not feel comfortable moving into a vote please raise you hand and we will move to vote. Senator Stone motions to division of house to vote by ballot because of intimidation of the gallery. President Levin-Stankevich asks Vice Chair Greco if he agrees to this.  Vice Chair Greco says yes.  Senator Manzione motions of privilege to vote by roll call because it is more effective and because of time. Vice Chair Greco refused motion.  Ballot vote is taken to vote yea for to amend $6,000 from the readership program, vote nay if you’re not in favor. Motion does not carry 9 yea, 13nay and 2 abstentions.  We are now back to our original motion to approve the proposed budget. Senator Perreault asks do we have to take away from the lines in order to add to another line.  Treasurer St. Rose says yes right now you have to move from existing lines you have to find money and move it. President Levin-Stankevich states right now our budget is based on enrollment from fall 2006-2007.   On the enrollment rate right now the budget is over $8,000 we are hoping enrollment will go up. Senator Stewart asks what happened if the proposed budget is denied. What would happen if the administration did not approve of this budget? President Levin-Stankevich says my recommendation is that we stay and approve our budget and get it to our administration as soon as possible.  If it is not approved by the administration we have to meet and talk about what our next steps would be. Senator Stewart asks why the fitness center maintenance does not have a budget last year they had a budget for $5,000. Treasurer St. Rose says the maintenance was just added to the budget.  We agreed to pay for a bigger bill than they expected. It was agreed upon for USG to pay for this every year and it came to my attention at budget time.  We asked if they would function with out the $5,000 and they said yes.  Point of information that’s why there is an athletic fee. Senator Antwi makes a motion for the senate to not look for more money but to cut the child care center from $29,100 to $21,100. They have a reserve of $300,000 and are not willing to use it.  Senator Otero 2^nd.  Senator Anderson says we already cut the child care center by $13,000 plus.  I think the extra $8,000 is a little extreme.  Senator Stewart asks on top of the $12,900 cut you want to cut it an additional $8,000 is there a reason why you are asking this now after we just debated it.  Senator Antwi states that there was already a motion on the table.  I’m making this amendment because USG is already over budget $8,000 why not have them take money out of there own reserves if they have it. Senator Otero if we look at the facts they are still getting $345,000 from SUNY. If we meet them half way it would be $21,000.  Senator Rivers states that she doesn’t think it is fair to cut them again from the proposed budget because they are willing to work hand in hand with us. Senator Rivers yields the rest of her time to Dr. Ecklund. Dr. Ecklund states he does not know why USG wants to pick a fight with the administration. This is a body that has been known for its unbelievable work over the last two years. In partnering with this administration trying to improve the lot of students on campus. Vice President Payne came here tonight to very honestly trying to compel you to reconsider your budget.  The leadership that you will show will really indicate your willingness too keep moving forward on a positive track. The arguments are known we are asking you to be reasonable, compromise, think about this, and think about the children it will affect, think about the history USG has established and think about the legacy you want to leave.  We have a $7.3 million renovation that we are going to be doing because of your great work. There are a variety of other things like the readership program and so forth. I think this a really poor choice on this body’s behalf to move in this direction. It is difficult enough to have taken the stance that you have and not changing the budget but then cutting it even further. I think what you’ve seen as is just that a direct contradiction to what is being asked of you.  Senator Perez says that he feels that the first amendment that turned down the $6,000 was necessary to send them a message that we really want to see a change.  I feel that it’s anti administration as I may have come across that I agree with Dr. Ecklund that we need to maintain a working relationship with the administration to make things move forward.  I think if it was to pass this would either really become detrimental with our relationship with the administration or sever it completely and that’s not something we want to have if we want to continuing to operate on this campus effectively. Senator Dobney says that the Director of the day care has harassed us for the last few weeks.  We have gotten calls on our cell phones, homes, messages from other students on campus etc.  Yes this is a positive program for Buffalo State College and Buffalo State College should be helping them pay for this. Our money comes from the activity fee this is a service.  We did not vote to cut them but yet we did not vote to keep adding money.  Vice Treasurer Mears says the original proposal was for $20,000 after having a hearing with Dan, Matt, Dr. Ecklund and Dr. Kenyon we decided to meet them half way was $29,000.  So our original proposal to the child care center $20,000 so we have met the administration halfway with $29,000.  Senator Pro Tem Jueckstock says that working with administration is important and that is why I am against the amendment. We shouldn’t take threats from the administration to make us vote in their favor. EVP Brady call to question. AVP Janik 2^nd.  Vote is taken in favor of ready to vote on the amendment and passes 10 yeas, 9nays and 5 abstentions.  Vote is taken on the motion to decrease the day care cent $8,000 more and does not pass 3 yeas, 17 nays and 4 abstentions. President Levin-Stankevich states we are back to the original proposed budget.  Senator Anderson asks what the dollar amount is for committees first year being funded.  Treasurer St. Rose states no more than $2500. Senator Stone makes an amendment to remove $350 for supplies and campaign materials from the College Democrats line.  Senator Stewart 2^nd.  President Levin-Stankevich asks the Budget Committee if they accept this amendment. Treasurer St. Rose denies the amendment.  Floor is open for questions.  Senator Anderson asks why they proposed from $75.00 to $750.00.  Treasurer St. Rose reads what their packet says. They want to buy not just or one candidate but for all the candidates. Senator Stone states that he doesn’t think we should be funding a political group. Treasurer St. Rose states that this is a student group and asked to be recognized.  Senator Otero states that we are not supporting democrats we support student that happen to be democrats. Senator Hirsch would like to make an amendment to the motion to move $350 from campaign to $650 to special events.  Treasurer St. Rose 2^nd.  Vote is taken to change the original motion in which to eliminate $350 and now we want to move $350 to special events instead of eliminating.  Vote is taken and does not pass 7 yeas, 10 nays and 7 abstentions.  We are back to the original motion to eliminate $350 from College Democrats.  Senator Hassan asks why you want to take the money away.  Senator Stone says we should not promote political groups. Senator Hirsch states he would like to see them have the money to do special events.  President Levin-Stankevich states we are not talking about special events anymore we are talking about campaign materials and supplies.  Senator Hirsch says we are supporting an organization it just so happens they support democrats.  There is no more debate vote is taken to remove $350 from College Democrats and does not pass 3 yeas, 19 nays and 2 abstentions.  President Levin-Stankevich states we are now back to the original budget.  Senator Perez asks what the function is for the general production line of $8,000.  Treasurer St. Rose states the function of the general production line is if we were not to get the on campus agreement a lot of organizations might be pushed to go off campus. This line would be open for organizations to use for programs on campus. AVP Janik move to previous question. AVP Ammirato 2^nd.  President Levin-Stankevich states we will vote to see if we are ready to vote on the original budget.  Vote is taken and passes 15 yeas, 6 nays and 3 abstentions.  President Levin-Stankevich states there was a call to question on the budget packet.  AVP Janik states he would like to take a roll call vote for the division of the house for the budget packet. The vote count is tie 10 yeas, 10 nays and 4 abstentions which means I will be the breaking vote. President Levin-Stankevich asks USG Advisor Diane McFarland for her opinion. Diane states that the Senators did a nice job just debating the issues that have come up. You have a budget at the $2 million dollar mark and that is a lot of money.  You have been arguing over $6,000 here and $350 there where is the issue. I understand the need to be political with the administration but you are going to have to work with them next year and you’re going to have to try to get more money out of them. Also more conditions and concessions made. If I were to give you advice Matt I would say nay and go back and review the day care. I agree the guy is a jerk and he is stupid not to have more kids in there at the maximum limit for students.  They have a huge reserve fund that doesn’t make any sense at all but if you’re not at the table which you won’t be $21,000 but you would be at $35,000. President Levin-Stankevich vote’s nay and motions fails.  You will have a week to think about this.  Senator Hirsch states to please come to the Budget Committee to voice your concerns.  Senator Manzione motions to adjourn.  AVP Janik 2^nd.  Vote is taken and passes to adjourn the meeting 20 yeas, 1 nay and 3 abstentions. President Levin-Stankevich states if the gallery would like to stay to ask questions that is fine.

XIII.            2^nd Roll