Associated Student Government unanimously passed a bill Wednesday night granting $6,375 to Master Plan Ministries so that 25 of the club’s members may attend the upcoming Denver Christmas Conference Dec. 28-Jan. 2. The annual faith-based conference features attendees from five states and seminars that “focus on personal and leadership development,” according to the wording of Bill 13-20.

“Last year, we had so many people go (roughly 50) that it was really a turning point for our club. We have been planning this conference since last year,” said Emily Cosson, who presented the bill on behalf of Master Plan Ministries.

She added that club members had already raised $2,000 toward the conference and that members were encouraged to contribute some of their own money to the cost of attendance and food.

“There are a ton of benefits that come from this event,” Cosson said. “Not only do we get equipped with life skills, we interact with our peers and we also get CMU’s name out there.”

Before the bill was voted upon, Professional Studies Senator Ronan Bennett reminded his peers that “regardless of whether [the bill] has a religious implication behind it, it does not matter. You vote in an unbiased manner.”

“They met the bylaws, they broke down their costs and they demonstrated fundraising efforts,” Bennett said. “It’s also a good cause. I really encourage you to vote in the affirmative.”

Bill 13-21 was also passed unanimously, granting $33,316.65 from SCRF to amend pay rate discrepancies that arose during the biennial budget processes for The Criterion, Club Advisory Board, Horizon Magazine, KMSA and Programming Activities Council. Traditionally, these organizations had paid their student workers through per-semester stipends but are now required by law to pay on a per-hour basis.

“Unfortunately, we try to apply the same [pay] model to everyone,” At-Large Senator Adrienne Barlow said, adding that the duties required by some on-campus jobs are not necessarily conducive to per-hour pay rates. “It’s not fair, but we’re trying to make the pay as fair as possible.”

“I think it’s good that we’re fixing it now,” Professional Studies Senator Connor Boe said. “If these groups don’t get their funding for 2013-2014, they won’t be able to do their job.”

In a 19-1 vote, senators also approved Bill 13-22, which allows for $640 to be taken from the ASG operating budget in order to purchase food and refreshments for the organization’s annual Christmas party, to be held at The Point on Dec. 6.

cblackme@mavs.coloradomesa.edu