The ASUNM Senate wrapped up its fall session Wednesday by passing a record amount of last-minute legislation before saying goodbyes to several longtime senators.
The Associated Students of UNM Senate addressed 23 appropriations bills, as student groups asked the Senate for last-minute monies to fund groups before the semester ends. The bills were all passed by a bloc vote.
Sen. Tim Reed, Finance Committee chairman, said that 42 appropriations went through the committee this semester, with 27 coming in the last two weeks.
"It's good that we can fund student organizations when we have the money to do so,"
Reed said.
He warned that, in the spring, the committee needs to pay special attention to the way money is distributed among student groups.
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Sen. Evan Kist echoed Reed's comments.
"This year, there are more appropriations than ever," Kist said. "Next year, the Senate really needs to focus on fiscal responsibility."
Several groups received substantial amounts, while others received little or none of the funds requested. Some appropriation requests were denied because the money being asked for was spent before the request came before the Senate yesterday. ASUNM does not allow for reimbursement fees. Also, student groups that didn't have representatives present at committee meetings had their requests denied.
The Senate passed several other bills, four of which dealt with wording in the ASUNM Law Book and Constitution.
Also passed were two resolutions, one recognizing Grant Nichols, for his various work with ASUNM during several years. Nichols, who is graduating in December, was a senator for four semesters, served as vice presidential aide, chairman of the Finance Committee and is currently a presidential aide.
The other resolution recommended that the University adopt a socially responsible investment policy, in conjunction with UNM's SRI/World Bank Bonds committee. The resolution is similar to resolutions already passed by the Graduate and Professional Student Association, the Student Bar Association, UNM Staff Council and the Faculty Senate.
Heather Gabel, ASUNM vice president, said that this has been one of the most efficient semesters for ASUNM since she has been a part of student government.
"This has just been an amazing semester," Gabel said.
The meeting closed with a sending off to the nine Senators who are stepping down this semester. Sens. Reed, Kist, Nicol†s Cabrera, Paul Campbell, Lisa Marie Gomez, Nicole Griego, Rosalyn Nguyen, Chris Bitakis and Brian Lucero have finished their terms. Also stepping down from ASUNM is Attorney General David Padilla.
