Cost centers safer with new version of Fair and Equal Access
After weeks of tense meetings lasting into the wee hours of the morning, the passing of the appropriations bill outlining the cost center budgets went quickly without much contention.
The appropriations bill is a summary of the budgets for all 13 of the cost centers controlled by the University of Colorado Student Union. Each section outlines one cost center and goes into in-depth detail about where all of the funds are to be spent.
The major cost centers did take some hits, but the Legislative Council seemed satisfied with its final decisions. The UMC will get $5,170,943 in student fees, the Recreational Center is getting $4,786,104 and Wardenburg will get $3,750,000.
Many members of the public voiced their opinions during the open forum about the cost centers and the budgets. Members of the Cultural Events Board spoke out on behalf of their members.
Former Tri-Executive Scott Martinez said to the Legislative Council it should take care with power over the budget and costs centers regarding the fair and equal access amendment.
“I respect the work you’re doing here today but the way this bill is being presented is out of order. It’s laudable fraternities try to get what they think is fair. But the tool is too blunt for this type of endeavor,” Martinez said.
The amendment in question is a variation on the Fair and Equal Access bill that caused concern around the campus. The new amendment focuses more on the autonomy agreement between the regents and UCSU instead of “holding the cost centers hostage” as the bill was previously written.
“(The amendment) establishes boards and meetings with ourselves and those who have a say in the autonomy so that we have a better understanding where we can go with it. That way we don’t have to test it and have it break. Passing it tonight means it can be effective after spring break. We can have these meetings and discussions without a second bill,” said Council Member Scott McEachron. “Timing is part of it. Budget is one of our greatest powers. I felt it was appropriate to add because this amendment will give us a better understanding of where we can go with this budget. Appropriations is our teeth.”
Some members showed concern at using student fees to pay for a lawyer, should UCSU need it in negotiations. Others questioned using student money to fund only one group and the implications towards the cost centers.
“I have no plan to put this money towards the fraternities. I don’t think this puts the cost centers in the middle. It is a discussion between us and the regents,” McEachron said.
Veronica Lingo, the journalism school senator was pleased with the outcome of the meeting.
“I’m impressed and happy with the progress with this amendment. This is a step towards making us a more united student body. But I think this should be a separate bill because it doesn’t have to do with appropriations,” Lingo said.
After much debate the amendment passed 9-8-0.
With sighs of relief, the Legislative Council moved on to approving the entire appropriations bill and finally passed it unanimously.
Contact Campus Press staff writer Julia Yugel at julia.yugel@thecampuspress.com.
