ASUC Budgeting Season

So, the Daily Cal has finally caught on to the living hell that has been budgeting this year. Discretionary funds have dropped from $1.7 million to $1.5 million, leading to massive cuts for several groups. A few thoughts:

- SUPERB's complaining in the Daily Cal article is ridiculous. This "group" is receiving a $30k cut, but of only 18% of the budget - on the low scale of things this year. Additionally, this is a group that proposed to give out $30k in stipends alone for the 2005-06 school year, has lost money on several shows and spent extravagant amounts on others. (Note: the Cook show apparently reached a total cost of $80,000.) They should be cut more, and resources given to student groups that can put on SUPERB's projects cheaper and more efficiently.

- Despite the budget shortfall, some executive office budgets have increased, and government line-items consume a greater percentage of ASUC finances than last year.

- Publications have received a massive cut this year... again. At their current level, many publications WILL FOLD this year. There is no reason that such an important aspect of our campus community should receive less than 3% of the budget.

This budget is nowhere near complete, and I urge you all to make your voices heard on these issues.

ASUCBudget200506.pdfEmail This Post!