The House Appropriations Committee (HAC) and Associated Student Government (ASG) of Colorado Mesa University (CMU) passed two bills during the week of Feb. 17.
The first bill was presented by four Psychology students and asked for $1,161 to mirror personal costs of attending the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association’s annual convention, on April 16-18. Five officers, five researchers, and eight Psychology club members will attend the conference.
Three students briefly discussed their research topics: mystical experiences, a willingness to think critically and the work-life balance of coaches. Minimal fundraising on the Psychology club’s end sparked debate among Senators who were for and against passing the bill.
“I think that we should pass it,” Senator Daniel Haas said. “I would ask you not to look at this club as a typical club. We’re kind of giving it almost to the department, too, because this research helps our department […] It looks good on CMU. Our psych club is growing because of it. Our psych club is one of the best in Colorado because of it.”
“It just seems like a lot [for the Psychology club] to come back every single year, especially when we don’t have a ton of money left and have to be responsible for next year’s administration,” Senator Evan Piper said. “It’s just hard without fundraising. I do acknowledge that this is an amazing opportunity […] I just wish we saw more fundraising.”
“I think we need to be weary of saying just because it’s a great opportunity to present research, we don’t care if they fundraise as much,” Senator Delaney Santora said. “I think it should still be an expectation, if they know they want to go, and they know they want to present.”
One Senator voted no, one abstained and the remaining senators voted yes. The bill passed for $1,161. Afterward, the Senate opened cross talk to discuss decisions made on previous bills.
“Every person in here, whether we try to fight it or not, we have our biases,” Senator BriAnne Marr said. “The fact that each one of us looks at different things on a bill is the reason why there’s so many of us in this room, so that we can make the best decision.”
House Bill 19-23/ ASG Bill 19-30 was a Transportation request presented by the Student Nurse Association (SNA). The bill asked for $518 to pay for 10 SNA members to drive rental cars to Rockport, Texas during the week of March 14-21. SNA members will volunteer with the non-governmental organization “All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response” to bring relief to communities affected by natural disasters.
Despite some confusion with the rental cars, ASG Bill 19-30 passed for the requested amount.
In other news, Mesa County Clerk Matthew Diers spoke to the Senate about running for county commissioner in Colorado’s third Congressional District and the importance of voting. Diers focused on getting young adults involved in the community and in local politics.
After his presentation, Senators were able to ask Diers questions about topics ranging from economics to river drainage and homelessness. After all questions were answered, Diers had advice for students.
“Stick your neck out,” Diers said. “Take a chance and try to do something valuable and rewardable in your community.”
