Senate meeting roundup

Constitution

During the Student Senate meeting, senators discussed a change to the amount of signatures required to amend the constitution. As of now, initiative proposals to amend the constitution must contain valid signatures of 15 percent of the student body at the time of the student government elections.  In addition, the election must have a turnout of at least 75 percent of the number of votes cast in the most recent student government election to be valid. Additionally, the Student Senate, by a two-thirds majority vote, may place referendums on the ballot without petition.

Skeleton senate

The Senate also voted on a “skeleton senate” over the summer to increase efficiency, in addition to giving senators the

opportunity to study abroad, visit family or travel.

Budget changes 

Budget changes included removing two positions from the executive staff, which will allow ASPSU to increase efficiency, save money and continue to represent students. ASPSU included advertising funding this year to advertise in student publications and increase its phone-line item for phone-banking nights.

There was also a $25 pay increase for the Judicial Board chair, Elections Board chair, senate pro tempore and Senate Finance Committee chair. The budget is still being finalized and will be posted through the Student Fee Committee’s online system.