FGCU Student Government passed three new bills during the March 25 senate meeting during second reading — the Creative Writing Club Mini Conference Bill, Pre-Dental Society Spring 2016 Operational Bill and the Gay Straight Alliance Operational Bill.
One amendment was made during second reading to the GSA Operational Bill, bringing down the total number of shirts from $20 each to $7 and bringing down the cost of food for meetings down to $100.
Seven new bills were also introduced during first reading after these three bills were passed — the FGCU Hammock Club Operational Bill, the Hillel Passover Seder Bill, the College Democrats Operational Bill, the FGCU Scuba Club Equipment Bill and the Lady Eagles Empowerment Camp Bill, as well as the Senate Rules and Procedures 2016 Revisions and the Finance Code 2016 Revisions.
The FGCU Hammock Club Operational Bill, presented by Sen. Jason Finan, asked for $164.00 from SG for four hammocks and equipment to hang them.
The Hillel Passover Bill, presented by Pro Tempore stand-in Jamie Caperton, asked for $830.00. The money will go toward food, as well as cantor and rabbi fees for the club’s Passover Seder meal. Passover Seder is an annual on-campus event open to all students who want to learn more about Judaism and Passover, which is a holiday that celebrates the Jews being freed from slavery.
“I’m really excited to support this bill,” Caperton said.
This is the first year that the club is hosting a chocolate Passover Seder, so instead of serving traditional food, including haroset, matzo ball soup and brisket, Easter candy and chocolates will be served.
“This is one of the biggest events in the entire year,” Caperton said. “I think everyone should support this bill.”
Sen. Zachary Hill introduced the next bill; College Democrats Operational Bill asked for $1,286 for a new tablecloth, as well as fees for upcoming events. The club is brand new and wants to use the money from SG to help establish itself on campus.
The bill with the largest asking price was the FGCU Scuba Club Equipment Bill, asking for $7,640. The majority of the money will go toward 16 new tank tops at $2,400.
The Lady Eagles Empowerment Camp Bill was killed during first reading by Caperton, due to the fact that it called for money that would go toward a women-exclusive camp; SG cannot support events that exclude genders.
The last two things that were brought to first reading were the Senate Rules and Procedures 2016 Revisions and Finance Code 2016 Revisions. Senators pushed this to be reviewed during the next senate meeting on March 22, which trustee Thieldens Elneus and vice chair Shawn Felton from the Board of Trustees are scheduled to attend.