The Student Government Senate passed an amendment to the SG Corporate Sponsorship account section of the by laws at Wedneday night’s Senate meeting. The amendment states any amount spent from the Corporate Sponsorship account must now be approved by the Senate. This excludes money spent for Tiger Trips, Groovin’ on the Grounds, Battle of the Bands, emergency ponchos or Finals Week because corporate sponsors specifically designate their donations for these events. Previously, only amounts over $1,000 had to be approved by the Senate. The by laws state the Corporate Sponsorship account is under the control of SG President Colorado Robertson. The amendment was submitted by Sen. Andrew Palermo, University College Center for Advising and Counseling. “We need a check on this account,” Palermo said. “Any money spent from this account will have Student Government’s name on it. I don’t want my name on something that goes poorly that I didn’t vote for.”Robertson spoke against the amendment saying it would limit all discretionary spending to the President Contingency fund, which is supplemented by student fees. “It allows us to make purchases throughout the year without waiting a week for Senate to approve it,” Robertson said. “There needs to be some level of discretionary spending that doesn’t use student fees.”The amendment passed with a three vote margin of 18 to 15. Robertson said he would not veto the amended bill. Details of money spent from the Corporate Sponsorship account can be found on SG’s Web site. The Senate also approved the appointment of Sen. Melissa Hart, University College Center for Freshman Year, to the Student Required Fee Committee.     —-
Contact Katie Kennedy at [email protected]