DeKALB – Bill SB56008 passed by a vote of 9-0-2 which allows senators to speak to the press, during Friday’s Student Government Association meeting.
Deputy Speaker Nathan Gonzalez spoke about some of the restrictions.
“If it’s, like, their own personal opinions and beliefs, it is fine. The only restriction is they can’t just say on the behalf for the entirety of the (SGA) Senate or Student Government as a whole, but they can provide their opinions relating to the bill or something to the press,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez also spoke on the consequences for senators if they do speak on behalf of the Senate or SGA.
“If they do end up speaking on the behalf of it, then they would go through a rules and procedure committee, and then the committee, as itself, will just decide what remedy for the situation will be determined,” Gonzalez said.
A Bill to update and simplify the tiers of organizational funding
At the next meeting, SGA will vote on bill SB56010 which would update the tiers of organizations and funding.
Gonzalez provided information about the bill.
“We are still keeping the tiers with this bill aims to [do] is similar to the other bill that was passed with a funding oversight, which it basically just says, ‘Hey, we’re going to put it in this document that way, in case tiers have to be constant, be changed.’ It doesn’t require specific bylaw changes, which can impede workflow on all ends, but also specifically allows for any sort of changes to occur in action, especially in regards towards the financial health of NIU. And so this is a way to make it more clear for both students, for SGA and for the treasurer itself,” Gonzalez said.
A bill to update the responsibilities of the Board of Elections
In a vote of 11-0-0 SGA passed Bill SB56007 to update the responsibilities of the Board of Elections.
Deputy Speaker Gonzalez spoke on the bill describing what it aims to do.
“Just as a reminder, the central bill in itself, is mostly just ensuring that the Election Commission themselves must disclose what affiliates organizations are part of, some parameter changes, removing the stipulation about the stipend. And then the last real big one is just organization. Representation on BOE (Board of Election) itself cannot be no more than 50%,” Gonzalez said.
