The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Associated Students of Madison passed its $1,325,624.86 internal budget Wednesday after discussion on the proposed “green fund.”
The “green fund” is planned to provide $80,000 for student environmental initiatives on campus.
The Student Services Finance Committee decided at its last meeting to remove a budget revision to the “green fund” that was previously decided on by Student Council, ASM Student Council Chair David Gardner said. The provision would have required that bylaws for the fund be passed at two consecutive meetings in order for the budget to be approved.
ASM Student Council Rep. Maria Giannopoulos proposed to amend the revision, saying that the provision was necessary in order to ensure a well-developed plan for the fund.
ASM Student Council Rep. Jamie Wheeler agreed with the proposed amendment, citing the concern that the student segregated fees would land in reserves where money is placed for future use.
“I don’t want my two dollars to sit in reserves, Wheeler said. “I’m not getting interest and I’m not getting my coffee.”
After the amendment did not meet the two-thirds vote needed in order for it to pass, Shared Governance Chair Sarah Neibart proposed the option of taking the “green fund” to referendum, which would be voted upon by the student body.
University Affairs Chair Kayla Van Cleave opposed the amendment, saying it would be a budget item that would “support all students on this campus.” She also stated the need for a set budget in order to begin planning for the fund.
“You will greatly impede the planning if you don’t have a budget now,” Van Cleave said.
The referendum proposal also failed to pass, keeping the “green fund” in the internal budget. It still must be approved at two consecutive sessions, but the money has already been allocated.
Neibart also presented an addition to the budget she said would contribute to ASM outreach efforts. The $6,000 program would aim to inform students on ASM news through text-messaging software.
The budget amendment failed to pass, but Neibart said this is a plan she will continue to work on.
