Senate, Men’s Fed discuss budget

 
The Southern University Student Government Association Student Senate clashed with Men’s Federation after their failure to present an itemized budget of expenditures for the organization after four opportunities.
Leading the meeting in the absence of SGA Vice President Bryson Alexander, Sara Martin, Senate president pro-tempore threatened to freeze the organization’s budget.
After a unanimous vote tabling the budget, the federation will be allowed one more opportunity to present a detailed balanced budget.
“They have irresponsibly missed meetings,” Martin said, the federation was notified their attendance at meetings was necessary.
The Senate will allow Men’s Federation representatives to speak at the next senate meeting before making the final decision on the funds, the senate finance committee will have to consider the decision as well.
Martin said they (Men’s Federation) have not been professional in missing second and third opportunities to present information during meetings.
Vance Mitchell, senior senator managed to locate the budget for Men’s federation, however the document how money was allocated.
The document disclosed $8,801.58 budgeted for Men’s Federation.
Willie Smith, a senior computer science major from New Orleans, was in attendance as a representative from Men’s Federation to rectify the budgetary communication.
Smith initially did not have the physical budget, which led to questioning by Martin and other senators.
After contacting fellow officers, Smith was able to explain some of the costs spent. Smith referred all questions to clarify the expenditures to Jonas Vanderbilt, director of student programs.
“Men’s Federation spent roughly around $4,500 not including scholarships.
For further details get in touch with Jonas Vanderbiltwho has a full list of the expenditures that has never been received by President or Vice President until this day,” Smith said.
Martin said it was unacceptable for President and Vice President not to have prior knowledge of the federation’s budget.
She motioned the budget be tabled until sufficient information could be provided.
Travante Johnson, sophomore senator and other senators, did not agree with this motion, the finance committee would have to hear and approve the freeze of the budget.
Johnson disagreed on the decision to table the budget without the receipt trail of expenditures presented.
“We can table it, but it still will be frozen,” Martin said.
Smith, said the meeting was productive in addressing the continuing issue.
 ”I believe the meeting was productive, and I admire the Senate’s passion about the school’s money,” Smith said.
However, he said he still believes miscommunication has been a key issue between the senate and other organizations.
“I feel as if the budget amount stated is accurate and it actually may be less,” Smith said.
Smith mentioned events the federation was involved including; ‘Dusk ’til Dawn Haunted House’ to raise money for St. Jude’s Research Hospital and partnering with Student Government Association and local organizations in mentoring program at Baker Middle School.
Next semester, Men’s Federation plans on hosting a resume and interview tips program, a Super Bowl Watch party, a refund management program, Dancing with the Stars, Men’s Fed Pageant, and a organizational step show.
Martin said the Student Senate will continue to make effort to communicate activities through social media outlets, posters, and by word of mouth.
“We are definitely moving forward with the success of the Veterans Day program, and effort put into the Thanksgiving program with Big Buddy to present baskets from 11am to 2pm,” Martin said.