The Student Government Association passed legislation last week which eliminated student discount card sections from the SGA Code of Laws.
According to Sections 101-103, SGA is responsible for distributing student discount cards by the end of the first week of the spring semester.
The removal of these sections, therefore, relieves SGA of a constitutional responsibility to produce the cards.
Although it is no longer mandated by the Code of Laws, the distribution of discount cards remains a possibility for SGA.
“This doesn’t necessarily stop a discount card,” said Vice-President Jonathan Fields. “This just enables us to pursue it without the pressure of a deadline.”
The threat of disciplinary action by the student court for failing to meet the distribution deadline was one reason that prompted SGA to strike the discount card laws.
“We could have gotten a slap on the wrist,” Fields said. “The student court could have done a number of things: they could order us to set another deadline, to change our law or even set sanctions on the executive branch.”
In addition, local merchants’ own initiative in giving discounts to holders of valid student IDs was cited as a reason for eliminating Sections 101-103.
“Local businesses frequently give discounts voluntarily now,” Fields said. “Why spend money on a service that is essentially already there?”
Budget cuts along with the existing local discounts also compelled the SGA to want to find better uses for student monies.
Although passed, the removal of the student discount laws was met with some opposition.
“I don’t want to see it [discount card distribution] die,” said Senator David Lane. “I think it sends students the message we don’t care.”
In other matters:
On Jan. 16, the SGA voted Senator Natasha Adams to chair the Selections committee.
“She’s a great person,” Fields said. “She’ll give the right kind of first impression to anyone coming into SGA.”
On Jan. 23, Matthew Burgess, Kim Delaney, Natasha Delaney, Rachel Fugate, Bridget Moore and Chad Reed were accepted and sworn in as senators.
“I’m excited,” Fields said.
The new senators offer the potential for six new ways of thinking.
“It also increases African American representation which, in the past, has been minimal, so I think it’s wonderful.”
Matt Luff announced his resignation as secretary of interior, effective Jan. 29.

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