The Associated Students of Madison started its 22nd session Friday, electing Madison Laning as the new chair.
Laning said her first goals for ASM include continuing plans implemented by the 21st session Chair Gen Carter, such as forming a plan for shared governance in case Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed state budget removes it from state statute.
The new chair also wants to continue a campus-wide food pantry plan, aimed at helping food-insecure students find a reliable access to food. The idea started with Carter and 2014-’15 Vice Chair Derek Field.
The additional cost of university housing during academic breaks is leading Laning to create a resolution to find affordable housing for homeless students on campus.
“I hope to support everyone … and empower students to start fighting for what they want,” Laning said. “We do have a voice, and I want to make sure that it’s heard and people understand that they do have an impact on what happens on campus.”
She said she wants to pursue the initiatives of the campus Diversity Framework and keep students involved with the proposed state budget, set for approval in May or June.
“The budget is definitely something we need to keep an eye on, especially going into the summer with students leaving, it’s going to be important to continue those conversations with legislators as well as our administration and how that’s going to affect students,” Laning said.
Carter said Laning’s long history with ASM has prepared her well for ASM chair, especially her work as Finance Committee chair.
“Really she was just motivated and hardworking, at the end of the day it just made sense and was a really good fit, I think she’ll do a really great job,” Carter said about Laning.
While ASM dealt with politically based campaigns this semester, such as the proposed state budget, Carter said she is happy that personal viewpoints did not impede productivity.
The outgoing chair said she’s most proud of ASM’s work with the proposed state budget and food pantry.
“To me it’s not as important what your legacy is or what you do, but how you create things that can be sustained,” Carter said.
