IUSA approves 2001-2002 budget

In preparation for a new year with new challenges and responsibilities, the IU Student Association passed the budget bills for the 2001-2002 fiscal year in their May 31 meeting. \nThe group passed three budgetary proposals, allocating their funds within the main budget, the Assisted Inter-organizational Development budget and the IUSA-run Safety Escort program.\nSenior and IUSA Treasurer Emily Kolles said the goals of the budget are to prevent money allocation confusion, increase efficiency, and ensure prompt payment and spending responsibly. \nThe total budget for IUSA has not changed since last year she said, totaling $152,080. The organization's money comes from several sources, including the IU Student Activity fees and the interest from IUSA credit cards. The funds are spent on a variety of IUSA business needs, from office expenses to elections to charities and co-sponsorships of activities and events.\n"The total amount of money (in the budget) hasn't changed, it's just shifted within the organization. The new budgets are simplified and effective," said junior Jeff Wuslich, vice president for administration.\nThe AID budget, established to allow IUSA to give financial aid to student groups on campus and totaling $134,000, underwent the most important organizational changes, Kolles said. The new AID budget has a $15,000 allotment for advertisements in the IDS, so student groups have the opportunity to advertise at no personal cost. Groups only need to approach IUSA with an event they need to publicize to be eligible for the weekly spot.\n"I'm real excited about this change -- it's my favorite part of the new budget," Kolles said. "I think it will help the groups get the message out more often, and get more students involved."\nThe Safety Escort budget passed at $87,682.80, and underwent minor organizational changes, with little change in the overall total.\n"I'm happy about how smoothly it went. This will be the second budget I've been a part of, and Emily did a really good job putting it together," said senior Jake Oakman, IUSA president.\nThe meeting adjourned with the new budget in effect for the 2001-2002 fiscal year. \n"The budget was obviously important to pass. Now we have to focus on sticking to it," Wuslich said.