29 January 2014
Senators spent time on January 28 debating Resolution 9 “Music Reform Education” which will put ASUCM’s endorsement of a music minor on paper. Senator Allie Teaze introduced the resolution.
By passing the resolution with a vote of 11-2, the senate is expressing its support of the UC Merced administration, or the need to urge the administration to provide more music classes. The resolution seeks the eventual formation of a music minor.
Besides committing themselves to supporting music education at UC Merced, ASUCM advisor Steve Lerer encouraged the senate to provide support for their own judicial branch and it’s new Chief Justice, Arrash Abri Lavasani.
“I want all of you to be more supportive of court…Make sure that in this process of rebuilding the court you are supportive,” Lerer said to the table of senators.
ASUCM Court is regaining momentum and it’s need for Senate’s support highlights the need for more cooperation between the three branches of ASUCM, Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. Even the process of getting new justices involves action from both the Executive and Judicial branches.
Court is an important function of the student government. “Court is the only way an RCO can appeal rejected bills, pursue grievances against the student government, [and] seek action against policies they consider to be unfair,” according to Abri Lavasani.
Court Justices are appointed by ASUCM President Jaron Brandon and approved by the Senate. After the new cohort of justices are appointed, as many as five of the seven justices will have been appointed by President Brandon.
About ASUCM spending, senators currently have a deficit in their budget because they keep their carry forward fund separate from their general fund. Fortunately, there remains approximately $73,700 unallocated.
Clubs should also be gearing up for their budget call to have a line item in the ASUCM budget. There will be an online submission for clubs and it does not matter if a club has had a line item before or not.