The Undergraduate Student Government came together last night for its first meeting of the quarter as the legislative branch reviewed the spending of the executive branch to ensure accountability.
“What we (USG Senate) asked for was a projected spending list to make sure the money was being spent responsibly and with accountability,” Senator Nick Benson. “This money should be going to student organizations and other areas to benefit the students.”
A budget of around $247,067 was given to the executive branch headed by USG President Aftab Pureval at the beginning of the year. The Senate wanted to check where the money was going and if it was being used wisely, said USG Speaker of the House Matt Monta.
During the general session Pureval gave a lengthy report on where the money was to be spent. He told The Lantern it was not uncommon for him to present to the Senate how he plans to spend the money they are allotted.
Pureval described his three priorities for making spending decisions, which include making the off-campus area safer, lobbying the Ohio Legislature in an attempt to stop tuition hikes, and to have better communication with students.
Benson said the spending review was a way for the Senate to practice its right of “checks and balances” to examine the spending priorities of the executive branch for the rest of the year. The Senate did not feel the executive branch was being irresponsible with its spending.
“I have no problem with the budget Aftab showed us,” Senator Loncherie Billingsley said. “But as a responsible Senate, it was necessary for us to open dialogue about the executive branch’s budget so that all senators are informed and understand what it’s going to do for the students.”
