Student Senate plans safe alternative to Numbers Fest, passes several budget resolutions

“The fact that it’s a safe and fun alternative to numbers fest is a really good thing, because we need those for people who are not interested in what goes on at Numbers Fest,” Ayers said.

[dropcap txtcolor="#234a83" style="dropcap1"]S[/dropcap]tudent Senate passed a series of budget resolutions Wednesday, signalling the end of Student Senate’s ability to pass resolutions for the remainder of the school year.The remainder of the money, $1,803.16, that is allocated to Student Senate has been moved into the discretionary funding of Treasurer Zach Woods. This means that it can still be spent at the discretion of Student Senate executives, but no longer requires the approval of the general body, Woods said.Student Senate passed a resolution to spend $576.78 to purchase supplies for the “Family Picnic.” The Family Picnic is an event that will take place on South Beach, the volleyball courts near Nelson Commons, and will include a cookout, a volleyball tournament, and a DJ.The Family Picnic is a safe alternative to Numbers Fest, Senator for Black Affairs Robyn Heard said. The event is sponsored by the Black Affairs Commision of Student Senate. Chairperson of the Committee on the Budget Anna Ayers introduced the resolution.“The fact that it’s a safe and fun alternative to numbers fest is a really good thing, because we need those for people who are not interested in what goes on at Numbers Fest,” Ayers said.Student Senate also passed two resolutions to approve spending for the Unchained fashion show in Walter Rotunda. Senate will spend $24 on posters from Minutemen Press, and $100 to rent the rotunda. Chairperson Ayers introduced both of the resolutions.Senate also passed a resolution to spend $310.67 on “Finals Fest,” a weeklong event hosted by Student Senate that offers students office supplies, snacks, and an area to study during finals week. It will take place in the conference rooms on second floor. The resolution was introduced by Chairperson Ayers.Student Senate also passed a resolution to spend $332.82 to purchase cords and stoles for those who were awarded Emeritus or honors status. The bill was also introduced by Ayers.Members of senate who traveled to D.C. over Spring Break last part of a delegation spoke about their conversations with Ohio Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown. The delegation and the Senators talked about topics like DACA, and presented resolutions that Student Senate has passed, such as last week’s resolution proposing gun control.Student Senate President Landen Lama said  he would like to see the delegation become a yearly trip. Lama also said that Miami University and the University of Dayton both have “pipeline” programs for internships in the nation's capital, but Ohio U does not.Student Senate also spent a portion of their time awarding the title of Emeritus and awarding senior honors. In total, 17 awards were distributed to members of Student Senate.