ASUNM senate rushes to pass legislation

The Associated Students at the University of New Mexico passed six appropriation requests, appointed two new senators and passed one bill during a rushed meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Race to vote

Toward the beginning of the meeting, Attorney General Hilaria Barragan explained to the senate that it was at risk of losing quorum. For the senate to have a quorum, it must have two-thirds of all senators present. If it doesn’t, then it can’t vote on and pass appropriations, appointments or bills.

To have the time to pass legislation and confirm appointments, Vice President Mutazz Jaber requested that public commenters and senators keep sentiments brief.

The senate passed Appropriation 3F for the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers on its own. It then unanimously passed Appropriations 4F, 5F, 6F, 7F and 8F. These appropriations were for the Society of Women Engineers, Nepali Student Association, Indian Student Association, World Affairs Delegation and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, respectively.

The senate approved vice-presidential appointments Ty Longoria and Mia Dragone Gutierrez unanimously. Associate Justice Juan Romero swore in both after the meeting due to the time constraints.

Bill 2F, which makes the homecoming election a one-day process and updates the lawbook to reflect this, passed unanimously.

Finance Chair Bailey Rutherford spoke about the rush due to the risk of losing quorum at the end of the meeting.

“It’s sad we have to create an environment where we do have to rush things and we don’t get to have conversations about things specifically student organizations are advocating for,” Rutherford said.

Five senators and President Pro Tempore Hope Montoya were absent.

Public comment

Representatives for the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers requested more funding for flights to its national conference in Boston, as well as more funding for conference tickets.

A representative from the Nepali Student Association asked for more funding for event food, highlighting food’s importance in the Nepalese culture and stating the organization’s goal not to charge students. The chair of the Indian Student Association also requested increased funding for food.

Agora Crisis Center Director Dasie Kent acted as a guest speaker for the meeting. She talked about the center and how to be supportive in instances where someone may need help with their mental health.

Presidential report

President Anthony Tomaziefski encouraged participation in UNM Day at the legislature during his report. He also briefly discussed attending the first Budget Leadership Team meeting for the year-long budget process and the opening of the student regent application. He then recognized Gabriela Grado — ASUNM director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — for her work.

Upcoming plans

Chair of Outreach and Events Charlie Doyle pushed for sign up for the senate’s upcoming town hall. Grado discussed upcoming events on campus and emphasized a need for teamwork on the anniversary of 9/11.

The next full senate meeting will be Sept. 25 in the Student Union Building. Members of the public are allowed five-minute time slots each for public comment, with no prior sign up necessary.

Marcela Johnson is a beat reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo

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