News

GSS debates TABOR II

Posted on Sept. 10, 2009, at 2:08 a.m.

Senators delved into comments about the Maine Tax Relief Initiative and the General Student Senate’s stance on the issue at their Sept. 8 meeting.

Sen. Nate Wildes’ Committee Report for Legislative Relations gave rise to conversation about the senate’s stance on the Maine Tax Relief Initiative — TABOR II — that will be on the Nov. 3 ballot. TABOR is a law that would restrict growth in government spending and establish a requirement for voter approval for any alternations to the tax structure, according to the Maine Municipal Association.

“In 2006, this body took a position on TABOR which had a strong impact on tuition,” said Sen. Ben Goodman. “From my understanding, this body took a stance against TABOR.”

Wildes said the Legislative Relations committee will thoroughly research the effect of all referendum questions and educate the student body on their impact.

“It is not the responsibility of either the committee or the General Student Senate to take a political stance on this issue,” Wildes said.

Goodman disagreed.

“This body is elected to represent the members of the student body and it is our responsibility to take a stance on issues that affect the student population,” Goodman said.

Questions were raised during the Club Maintenance portion of the meeting in response to the proposed name change of the “Pro-Life Initiative” to “Life Support.”

“Do you consider yourself a political organization?” Wildes asked.

Club President Maria Fernandez said the organization had “no political or religious” affiliations.
The proposal to change the name to “Life Support” passed.

Senate discussed nominations and elections for an Executive Budgetary Committee position during New Business. The senate nominated Sens. Pete Christopher, Clint Snyder and Jennifer Dana for the position. Dana declined and Christopher was elected to the position for three weeks until senate holds its first elections of the year.

President and Captain of the Women’s Rugby Club Victoria Passmore spoke on behalf of the resolution to allocate $1,120 to the organization.

“The $725 is for the league we’re in … mandatory insurance. $400 is for new jerseys. We plan on fundraising for the other half,” Passmore said.

The resolution to allocate $1,120 to Women’s Rugby passed and senate postponed a resolution to allocate $6,400 to the Men’s Ice Hockey Club for one week because no one from the organization attended.

Campus Currents: General Student Senate