STUDENT SENATE MINUTES
June 20, 1995
The meeting was called to order by Senate President Joseph Stadlen at
7:08 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Roll call was taken by A&E Chairman Zudans. Quorum was established
with 61 senators present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Alligator reporter Howie Hartnett led the Senate in the pledge of
allegiance.
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA:
Senator Kilman moved to end debate on budget amendments no later than 10:00
p.m. providing 30 minutes of debate is allowed on all authorized amendments,
and all amendments not debated be voted on individually by voice vote. This
was approved, and the agenda was approved as amended. Senator Kostick called
this action "absurd".
AMENDMENTS TO THE MINUTES:
Senator Kostick's public debate speech on June 13 had been from
Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice". Senator Decker, not Senator Morgan, had
moved to refer SB95-1046 to I&I.
Senator Kostick called attention to Robert's Rules of Order
regarding "dereliction of duty" on the part of the Chair, and appealed the
decision of the Chair. It was explained that the decision was made by the
Senate, not the Chair.
PUBLIC DEBATE:
Ben Ostrowsky compared Student Government to student drivers,
saying they have no clue what they are doing.
Adam Smargon said that Senate "creates excrement", and protested the
budget rider prohibiting protests.
Anthony Rucker spoke in opposition to the protest rider, calling it
an example of Student Senate wanting to control organizations.
Lisa Medford, speaking for IRO, wished "Happy Birthday" to John
McGovern, Brent Gordon, and Kevin Mayeux. She urged support for the Budget
committee.
Sidney Trantham, former President of BGSO, spoke against the protest
rider. He felt "outraged" that the right of free speech would be stripped away
in a university environment, and said groups would be at risk of losing funds
for protesting speakers or events sponsored by other groups
Val Zudans reported on the AMA Medical Student Section meeting held
in Chicago. The UF Medical School delegation had a strong leadership role in
the conference with members holding, or elected to, positions and selected to
host a regional conference next spring.
Sheryl Klein, District Governor for Circle K, explained the services
provided by the organization. She said that the budget committee had, once
again, given them one of the smallest budgets, and addressed the reasons she
had been given for this. Her speech is on file and available in the Senate
office.
Todd White, said he came because he had heard his budget might be
zero funded. However, when arriving, he heard about the protest rider. He
felt that Afro-Americans had had to protest to have what they have now, and was
offended that such a rider would outlaw a vital part of their history. He said
the Budget committee had done all the cutting that needed to be
done.
Nicki Kleban, skit director for Growl, said they need participants
for the video skits.
Steve Morgan spoke against the decision to end debate at 10:00 p.m.
He felt the amendments proposed were important to someone, and Senate needs to
sit and listen to what needs to be said.
Todd Vierling's speech on the majority party is on file and
available in the Senate office.
Ed Hennis, author of every amendment to zero fund every group, said
the purpose was to get the attention of each group and ensure they knew about
the protest rider. This purpose had been accomplished. He then read a
resolution passed by VAX Unlimited. The resolution is on file and available in
the Senate office.
Angesh Shah said he had applied for the District D seat. Although
he was not recommended by R&A, he remains interested in the position and
could bring experience from the past three years.
Alrica Green, Business Manager for IRHA, spoke on the organization's
functions and programs. She asked everyone to support the approved budget
prepared by the Budget committee.
Libby Chatham, Vice President of EAG, said the group is opposed to
the protest rider. They are especially opposed to any future legislation which
would limit their right to express their opinions.
Lenny Giltman said everyone is affected by student organizations,
and that they ultimately serve an educational purpose. He hoped the result of
tonight's meeting would not sacrifice the budgets of
organizations.
Chris Dorworth read the Opinions column from Thursday's
Alligator entitled "Stupid Senate Tricks", and expressed his agreement
with the column.
Jim East said he was glad to see tonight's crowd, and said he did
not find the amendment package funny. He hoped some legislation could be
done.
Jeff Kostick read from Julius Caesar.
Jessica Benkovic reported that she and Senator Taylor had met with a
representative from Student Affairs about how to better communicate with
students.
Corey Parks spoke on the lawful expense and allocation of A&S
fees. He said the budget committee upheld their obligation throughout the
countless hours of hearings. He felt the actions of the amendment authors, who
had not attended any of the hearing, had made a mockery of the budget system.
His speech is on file and available in the Senate office.
Cory Siansky spoke on "political capital", the stuff Student
Government is made of. Without proper use the process becomes "mired, muddy,
and mangled". He said a pro-active minority has numerous opportunities to
participate in the process. He felt the legitimacy of some of the amendments
submitted had been overwhelmed by the package as a whole, amounting to a waste
of Senate time. If the minority had better used their "political capital",
their concerns would have been taken more seriously. The Budget committee had
fulfilled its duty by presenting a well-prepared budget. The minority members
should allow the majority to set their agenda and goals, and the majority needs
to engage minority participation, and allow the presentation of valid
arguments. Governing means "solving problems, not bringing more to the
table".
Charlie Grapski's spoke on freedom of speech, opposing the protest
rider. He felt the rider would surely be eliminated because of the public
furor it has encountered. Although it has not been passed as law, he felt
certain officials had taken it upon themselves to apply the policy. He said it
should be on record that everyone present finds this policy intolerable. Even
if the words are removed, the intent is still present. He compared the
situation of not allowing debate to Nazi Germany when dissenting was outlawed.
Isaac Chandler, Graduate Student Council President, agreed with the
opposition to the protest rider. Students have a right to protest the massive
cuts targeting education. He said GSC represents the largest constituency on
campus, and SG funds enable the organization to implement needed and successful
programs. He felt zero funding GSC would be ludicrous.
John McGovern addressed the amendment package submitted by minority
members. He said all parties supported the amendment to remove the protest
rider. However, the submission of this number of frivolous amendments
compromised the integrity of the valid amendments which will be debated. The
Budget committee has worked hard to allocate the $225,000.00 provided for the
Organizational Budget. Debate is not being limited, instead, debate will be
allowed for within the time constraints of the meeting. The amendment authors
have admitted that most were never intended to be heard. If this tactic had
been used by the majority, it would have been seen as manipulative and an
outrage. He concurred with statements made by others in support of the
budget as presented.
Sonya Daniels gave a variety of quotes, and asked if this meeting
was for drama or legislation.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
Student Body Treasurer Koukos presented Dan Fridman for
approval as Assistant Treasurer. Mr. Fridman listed his experience from
previous positions. Senator Siansky's motion for approval passed. Senator
Morgan appealed the vote, saying there was no call for the question. Mr.
Fridman was approved by a second vote. Treasurer Koukos requested respect for
speakers during the proceedings tonight.
Senate President Stadlen asked all senators to act professionally,
and with the utmost courtesy.
Student Body President Mayeux said he and Lobby Director Jay Rhoden
will be making a lobby trip to Washington, D.C. next week. If anyone has
concerns about items before Congress, please contact him before he leaves. The
State Council of Student Body Presidents is forming a commission to study
student judicial reform across the state. If interested in participating,
please contact President Mayeux's office. He asked the FOCUS and SUN members
to support the one amendment, of the 131 presented, which strikes the rider
concerning protests. This clause will not be reinstated at a later time this
year. The cost to Student Government to prepare this amendment package for
presentation was $270.00. He explained that any rider passed with the budget
is only applicable for the fiscal year. Any changes sought by these
amendments should be presented as statute revisions. The Organizational Budget
cap is set by the Big Eight Budget Law passed in the Fall
semester.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
R&A:
Chairman Obesso said the committee met on Sunday and makes the
following recommendations: Brad Hoppman for the permanent District D seat and
Linda Fallon for Finance. These were approved. The Summer District D seat has
been referred to committee.
Open Seats: Permanent: Murphree (1); Hume (1); PH (1) Summer A&B:
Graham (1); Jennings (1); District D (2); HHP (1); Undergraduate Freshman (1)
Summer A: Broward (1) Summer B: Beaty (1)
Committee Seats: I&I (2)
Senator Kostick nominated Senator Hennis for I&I. R&A had made no
recommendation for this seat. President Stadlen said that although two seats
are currently open, only one had been advertised. Senator Johnson was also
nominated, but declined, saying he would apply through the R&A process.
Senator Taylor moved to keep the seat open. Senator von Oven moved to open the
floor to nominations, but withdrew the motion. Senator Hennis was given two
minutes to speak. He said that he is qualified for the seat, and did not
understand why he had not been recommended. He is very concerned with
information being made available to everyone, and felt the committee is not
adequately advertising open positions. He felt he could be of help in this
process. He is learning the process of investigations, and said that being
fair and open, he would do his best if placed on the committee. The I&I
seat was left open by an electronic vote of 46 to 14.
BUDGET:
Chairman Gordon reported the committee had attended the performance
of "Hair". He thanked the committee for their work and those senators who were
supporting the budget. He said the committee had decided the wording of the
protest rider was in error.
FINANCE:
Chairman Chapman said there will be a meeting on Thursday at 6:30
p.m. in room 334.
A&E:
Chairman Zudans said the committee met tonight and makes the
following absence recommendations: Senator Chiu 1/2 on 6/13 excused for a
class that ran over time; Senator Demko on 6/13 stricken due to computer
error. Absences for Senator Heyder on 6/6 and 6/13, and Senator Phillips on
6/13 were tabled for more information. The recommendations were approved as a
bloc. Senator Lyhne-Nielsen's absences were amended to be stricken rather than
excused. The committee tabled the request for censure submitted by Senator
Hennis.
Judiciary:
Chairman Taylor reported that he had been working with the
Environmental Cabinet, and will be drafting a resolution on recycling. Some
amendments submitted for tonight should be resubmitted as statute revisions.
The committee will meet on July 6. There is nothing on the agenda at this
time.
I&I:
Chairman von Oven said the committee met on Sunday and recommends a
formal reprimand be issued to EAG for submitting SARs after-the-fact. The
reprimand will be placed in the organizational file. Further occurrences will
result in organizational funds being frozen. The recommendation for reprimand
was approved. The investigation into BSU was tabled. The next committee
meeting will be on July 9 at 12:00 noon in room 336. The 34th Street wall will
be painted after break. President Stadlen said that Alligator ads will
resume for Summer B. A forum will also be held during Summer B.
IRO:
Chairman Hurley waived.
Senator Kostick's motion for a recess at this time failed by a vote of 8 to
52 after a call for division.
SECOND READING:
None
FIRST READING:
95-1047 1995-96 SG Funded Organizational Budget - Format for presentation
of amendments was set at one minute presentation, two rounds of pro/con debate
of one minute each and thirty seconds final privilege for the Budget Chairman.
Senator Kostick announced he was reserving every amendment authored by him
until Thursday. Senator Siansky moved to force consideration of each
amendment. This motion passed. After some discussion, it was determined that
amendments submitted within the deadline for submission become the possession
of Senate and cannot be withdrawn. Amendments submitted on Thursday will be on
a pass/fail basis only. If the budget is not passed this week, organizational
funds will not be available at the beginning of the fiscal year. Senator von
Oven moved to have Senator Kostick removed, but withdrew the motion. Former
Senator Charlie Grapski announced that Senators Morgan and Kostick had removed
all their amendments. Senator Morgan stated that the minority members were
only trying to bring about relevant debate, and this could not be done in a
twenty-five minute time frame. Senator McGovern asked that it be noted that
Senators Morgan and Kostick were delaying debate. President Stadlen explained
that at the end of the debate time limit each remaining amendment would be
voted on individually. Senator Kostick continued to state the withdrawal of
all his amendments. President Stadlen explained that only his authorship could
be withdrawn. Senator McGovern's motion to move amendment #31 to #1 was
approved.
Amendment #31, authored by Senator Morgan, would remove the rider
stating that SG funded organizations could not use the organization's name or
SG funds to participate in protests. Senator Morgan requested a recess to
allow for informal discussion. He said that most of the amendments would be
withdrawn if debate could be held on the relevant issues. Senators Jones
spoke con on the amendment. Senator Hennis submitted an amendment rewording
Amendment #31. Senator Siansky, as sponsor of the amendment, would not accept
this as friendly. Senator Hennis' amendment failed by a vote of 8 to 54 after
pro/con debate. President Stadlen asked that debate be held on Amendment #31,
and motions to the contrary be withdrawn. At this time President Stadlen
granted a five minute recess to allow time to clarify matters. The meeting
recessed at 10:12 p.m. and reconvened at 10:17 p.m. President Stadlen
explained that the amendment authors will drop amendments after debate of
relevant issues. Senator Hennis withdrew his authorship of all amendments
except numbers 32 and 43. Senators Fallon and Siansky spoke pro on amendment
#31 with Senator Giltman speaking con. Amendment #31 passed with a vote of 59
to 4.
Amendment #42, authored by Senator Morgan, would add a rider stating
that SG will not be able to overextend its authority in actions taken against
groups receiving funds. Senators Kilman, Jones, Taylor, Zudans, and Gordon
spoke con, saying that "actions" needed to be more defined. Senators Johnson,
Demko, and Fallon spoke pro, requesting the rider be passed now to ensure
implementation for the upcoming year and changed in statutes to ensure its
continuation. Senator Fallon asked that the word "fiscal" be inserted before
"action" in both paragraphs. This was accepted as friendly. Senator Kostick
apologized for his earlier statements and behavior. President Stadlen extended
debate by one round. Senators Jones, Cuttler, Cotilla, Batsel, and Vu spoke
con. Senators Hennis, Demko, and Johnson spoke pro. Amendment #42 failed by a
vote of 12 to 52.
President Stadlen extended debate on the remaining six relevant amendments.
Senator Zudans asked that Amendment #17 be added to this list. This was not
approved. Senator Zudans was approved for a one minute speech on Amendment
#17. As the debate time limit had expired, new debate format was set at one
minute presentation, two rounds pro/con, thirty seconds final privilege for the
Budget Chairman and thirty seconds for the author.
Amendment #36, authored by Senator Morgan, would stike the rider
stating that minutes of the Organizational Budget hearings would constitute an
official rider. Chairman Gordon explained that the hearing minutes are
available only in hand written form at this time. Senator Morgan said the
amendment was submitted because no one had been able to see the minutes, but
were being asked to vote them into law. Senator Cuttler, Vice Chair of the
Budget Committee, showed the minutes as they stand now, and said she is
currently typing them for official submission. She said the minutes reflect
many items the committee felt should not be funded. Senator Demoko said that
he has a problem voting into law something being carried around in someone's
backpack. Senator Hennis said that not enough information has been available
from the Budget committee. Chairman Gordon said the minutes were for the
benefit of the Treasurer when approving funding expenses. He said that every
total in the minutes is reflected in the budget bill presented. Senator
Kostick felt this issue should be statuatory. Senator Johnson said he could
not trust unseen minutes from the same committee that had written the protest
rider. Chairman Gordon said the tapes of the hearings are already considered
official minutes. Amendment #36 failed by a vote of 11 to 49.
Amendment #37, authored by Senator Morgan, would strike the rider
concerning funds being frozen for violations in organizational constitutions.
Senator Kilman moved to change constitution approval to the I&I committee
instead of Budget, but withdrew the motion. Senator Dougherty submitted an
amendment to unstrike the rider, and change the wording to: "All organizations
whose constitutions are deemed to possibly be in violation of Student Body
and/or State law by the Budget Committee will have their funds frozen until a
new constitution is submitted and approved by the Senate I&I Committee and
the Student Activities Center." This was accepted as friendly. Amendment #37
passed with a vote of 63 to 2.
Amendment #35, authored by Senator Kostick, would require a finance
guide be provided to every official organization. Senator Shatkin moved that
"by mail as soon as possible" be added. This was accepted as friendly. Con
speakers felt the expense of mailing this number of manuals would be excessive,
and groups should take the initiative to learn about SG funding. Pro speakers
said that the majority of organizations are not aware of SG funds availability
and finance procedure. Speech and Debate sponsor Kellie Roberts, given floor
privilege, explained that all funded organizations are required to attend a
finance workshop and receive a finance manual. Amendment #35 failed by a vote
of 11 to 53.
Amendment #39, authored by Senator Kostick, would allow groups to
receive funding from ACCENT, SGP, or RUPC with the Treasurer's approval and a
4/5 vote of Senate. Chairman Gordon explained that groups could co-sponsor
events by dividing the expenses with the above groups, but could not have funds
transferred into their accounts. Amendment #39 failed by a vote of 10 to
48.
Amendment #32, authored by Eric Shaffer and sponsored by Senator
Hennis, was ruled dilatory because the Organizational Budget cap, set in the
Big Eight Budget, could not be increased.
Amendment #43, authored by Senator Hennis, would take $1,000.00 from
Speech and Debate and increase Circle K by $1,000.00. Senator Gordon submitted
an amendment to strike the deletion from Speech and Debate and take $10.00 from
the Programs line of the fifteen highest funded groups adding $75.00 to
Programs and $75.00 to Office Supplies for Circle K, bringing their total
budget to $650.00. This was accepted as friendly. Amendment #43 passed with a
vote of 48 to 14.
95-1047 SG Funded Organizational Budget, $225,000.00 as amended, presented
by Chairman Gordon. He explained that the budget would be voted on in
entirety. When questioned, he said the budget process had been delayed by the
delayed elections, in which the committee had several turnovers. He encouraged
everyone to attend hearings for the next budget in order to learn the
procedure. Senator Kostick moved to end debate. The bill passed 63 to
0.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. There will be a Special Session on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. for
second reading.
2. Thanks to the organizational representative who came, and stayed,
tonight.
3. The Hybrid Electric Vehicle Society ranked 4th nationally in
competition.
4. Absences will start over for Summer B. Attendance on Thursday will earn
1/2 absence credit.
5. Senator Hennis apologized for scaring the groups and thanked all for
their cooperation.
6. Senator Gordon commended the independent senators for their willingness
to talk things out. Talking, not scare tactics, will work alot better.
7. Senator McGovern thanked senators on both sides for working
together.
8. VAX Unlimited meets every Friday.
8. Finance will meet on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
9. Former Senator Grapski called tonight a first step towards
cooperation.
10. Senator Morgan said things are going in a great direction. The
minority will be notified of the next meeting.
11. Welcome to a "kinder, gentler Senate".
ROLL CALL:
MEETING ADJOURNED: 12:23 a.m.
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