News

Student Senate takes stance on TABOR II

Posted on Oct. 01, 2009, at 1:40 a.m.

After approving two resolutions at its Sept. 29 meeting, General Student Senate took a stance on TABOR II and decided it will no longer compensate executive positions during summers.

Sen. Nate Wildes introduced a resolution on behalf of the Legislative Relations Committee titled An Act to Promote Discussion and Self-Education Regarding the Effects of TABOR II on the Undergraduate Student Population at the University of Maine. Wildes said it is “not taking a stance. It’s meant to be a resolution about a specific policy,” adding that the Legislative Relations Committee did not pass the resolution unanimously.

After presenting the resolution, Wildes and others were surprised by Sen. Ben Goodman’s amendment to the resolution.

Goodman’s amendment changed the title to An Act to Recognize the Potential Detrimental Effects of TABOR on the Undergraduate Student Population at the University of Maine and added language language that took a stronger opposition to TABOR.

The resolution says: “Be it resolved that we, the General Student Senate of the University of Maine Student Government, Inc. believe that the consequences of a law such as TABOR will have detrimental and far-reaching effects on the Undergraduate Student population at the University of Maine. Therefore, in order to encourage the sustainability and viability of the University of Maine System we hereby reaffirm our 2006 stance that Student Government, Inc. stands strongly opposed to TABOR.”

Vice President Ross Wolland ruled the amendment as “out of order,” citing its intent to “otherwise influence legislation” as defined by Student Government’s Constitution. Sens. Nelson Carson and James Lyons offered constitutional evidence that led to a majority rule, appealing Wolland’s motion — allowing GSS to consider Sen. Goodman’s amendment, which Goodman explained.

“First, it changes the title of the act [and it] reflects the possible detrimental effects on the student population of Maine. TABOR [II] would be a grave danger to this campus and university system. Therefore we once again stand in opposition of TABOR [II],” Goodman said, who credited Sens. Peter Christopher and Joesph Nabozny as co-sponsors of the amendment.

“We need to be the voice for the student body. … We can’t be used as a conduit for our own beliefs. If we’re going to pass resolutions that directly relate to student body opinion then we should have the student body opinion,” Carson said.

Senators were encouraged to talk to students around campus to inform themselves about student opinion.

Sen. Nick DeHaas reminded the senate that referendums are not political because they are not tied to a political party.

“It’s more of a financial issue than a political issue. I would really hate to see [TABOR II] happen. … I really support this amendment,” said Sen. Dayna Margarita.

“There are other students out there like me who believe that [TABOR II] could possibly be beneficial to the state of Maine,” said Sen. Zachary Jackman.

The amended resolution passed.

Senators passed another resolution amending the Student Government’s policies on summer compensation. Wolland described the Act to Revise and Update the Financial Policies of the University of Maine Student Government Inc. as “eliminating the opportunity for student government executives to apply for compensation [in the summer].”

The resolution would affect summer compensation in the following Student Government executive positions: President, Vice President, Vice President of Financial Affairs, Vice President of Student Organizations and Vice President of Student Entertainment.

The resolution states that only contractual and service employees will receive summer compensation from now on.

Wildes questioned whether a lack of summer compensation would deter executives from fulfilling their duties and commitments. Sen. Alex Ortiz expressed the need for executives to be “responsible and dedicated enough not to need compensation.”

Vice President of Financial Affairs Justin Labonte — co-sponsor of the resolution — added, “We’re a non-profit organization. It’s a stipend, not an hourly wage or salary — you can’t treat it like that.”

“The way the system works right now is really unfair. … It’s hard to show what work’s being done,” said Vice President of Student Entertainment Abtin Mehdizadegan.

Walter Lazarz, president of UMaine’s Green Team, voiced support for American Clean Energy and Security Act during the meeting. Sen. Derek Jones was appointed Sergeant at Arms, the Senior Skull Society was announced as the Student Organization of the week and Wilde Stein presented a Pride Week itinerary.

Pride Week will take place the last week of October and begin with a pride flag raising ceremony.

Allocations included $700 to the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, $300 to the Senior Skull Society, $750 to Doulos, $255 to the Student Women’s Association and $2,500 to the International Students Association. Future projects, as presented in the President’s Report, include a Student Government Advisory Committee, dining service research, implementation of service learning as an academic model and the repurposing of outdated university computers.