SGA Spends $5000 (revised)

The atmosphere was stormy at Wednesday night's student government association meeting when the American Meteorological Society was denied money for the 90^th Meeting of the American Meteorological Society.

AMS members requested $2539.76 from the general fund in order to help send four students to Atlanta, GA in mid-January. The amount requested was meant to be a stipend to help students who may not be able to afford the entire cost, which is estimated to be about $1000 per person. Only four students who need financial assistance would get these stipends. Anyone else who wishes to attend would need to raise money for themselves.

To justify the request, Tony McGee said, "It's [the conference] a great networking experience. It gives students a reason to stay active in AMS."

As other club representatives questioned AMS, tension began to build.

"You guys get so much money for sending people to conferences," Brian Wilcock of the High Society said.

Kaitlyn Jacobs of AMS replied, "This is the only conference we request money for. The storm conference is put on by us."

When asked about fundraising toward the cost of the conference, AMS explained that the money they raise between now and January will go toward the annual storm conference that they themselves put on.

After many questions from the other clubs, AMS was denied its request.

Stephanie Tyler requested $5000 from the general fund to allow about twenty students to go to Guatemala for a ten-day service trip in February. This money will give each student about $250 toward airfare and hotel expenses, while the total cost per person is generally between $800 and $1000.

The students will be volunteering to help those struggling in poverty through after school programs. They will also be working with an orphanage. The motion passed without much debate.

The Student Investment Club was approved by the SGA as well. With a starting budget of $5000 from two outside donors, the club will provide real-life experiences in the stock and bond market, according to Kyle Hessler. The club will be working with a broker from Edward-Jones.

Tom Leeman and Brian Wilcock of the High Society requested $877.79 in order to put in four 'boxes' on President's Hill. These boxes are meant for anyone who wants to skateboard or snowboard on them.

Suzanne Proulx of American Woman in Radio and Television asked, "You had $1800 in your budget for these last year. Why didn't you use it then?"

Leeman replied, "We had an incompetent exec board."

The High Society's request was then denied.

The SGA executive board requested $280.42 be reallocated from the leadership conference fund to the dining services and event supplies. This request was approved.