The ASUA Senate met to allocate more of its remaining budget for the year to requests from campus groups on Wednesday evening.
The budget for the Associated Students of the University of Arizona currently sits at a little under $5,500, according to Treasurer and President-Elect Issac Ortega.
The senate began by approving $2,400 to Emergency Medical Services for the purchase of two automated external defibrillators.
“When it comes down to it, it’s a device that makes a life or death difference in a cardiac emergency,” said Brandon Murphy, chief of EMS and a communication senior. “They can change the outcome of events. It’s essential.”
After allocating funds to EMS, the senate then approved the use of $202.95 for the purchase of a tablecloth with the ASUA Senate logo on it to be displayed during its meetings.
Finally, ASUA Pride Alliance requested $500 from the senate to fund its upcoming event Second Chance Prom, which is taking place this Saturday. Because the Pride Alliance directors were unable to attend the meeting, Administrative Vice President Amanda Lester read a letter from the directors outlining what Second Chance Prom is and its importance.
“Second Chance Prom is a free event open to the queer and allied community of the UA campus and Tucson … designed to recreate a high school prom experience,” Lester read. “[It gives students] the opportunity to bring the partner of [their] choice without fear of backlash and the ability to wear clothes that might have been restricted or prohibited in the past due to dress code gender norms.”
Pride Alliance has been fundraising for several weeks to ensure that the event will remain free. It has gathered funds from groups such as Panhellenic Council, Campus Health Service, Residence Life and Corporate Partners. However, Corporate Partners was unable to provide the amount of money it did last year, and Pride Alliance fell $500 short of its budget.
To compensate for the unexpected gap in its budget, Pride Alliance requested a $500 contribution from the ASUA Senate.
Sen. Michael Mazzella expressed his approval for this funding.
“I think this is an amazing opportunity for senate acceptance and advocacy on campus,” Mazzella said. “It’s important that they get the same opportunity that we got in high school, and I think we should do everything we can do to help out Pride Alliance and LGBTQ Affairs.”
After the $500 for Pride Alliance and its Second Chance Prom was approved, Brian Seastone, chief of the University of Arizona Police Department, thanked the senate for a great year.
“What you have done this year is taken social issues, issues that are important for the whole university, and you’ve done a remarkable job with them,” Seastone said. “When I was sworn in, I said some of my best friends are because of ASUA; you guys are like family, and I hope you stay in touch and continue what you’re doing. You guys do make a difference. Thank you for what you’ve done here and being future leaders.”
President Morgan Abraham also used his final President’s Privilege to close the meeting and express his gratitude toward the senate.
“I just want to say how much of a pleasure it’s been this year,” Abraham said. “I had an amazing year, and I didn’t veto anything. When you think about how long it’s been, it’s crazy that it’s all over. I think we’ll stay in touch; I’ve made some amazing friends. Thank you so much for a great year.”
Follow Elizabeth Eaton @Liz_Eaton95
