IUSA releases 2011-12 budget update

Since it assumed office in April, the current Big Six IU Student Association administration has spent approximately 30 percent of its announced $91,400 operating budget.

Newly updated figures indicate IUSA spent $15,036.45 between Sept. 5 and Oct. 7 on various platform initiatives, as well as everyday operational costs.

IUSA helped to finance parts of September’s Shine 4 Lauren event, including staging and sound equipment. To help defray the costs, IUSA applied for and received $10,000  from the IUSA Funding Board.

While the exact amount of the costs are yet to be determined, the money has already been applied to the updated budget, thus reducing the amount spent to about $5,000.  

Platforms
The most expensive item in this budget installment was a $3,946.41 expenditure on three PlugOut Cycle exercise bikes, which are part of the SRSC sustainability platform. Monitors that will display the amount of electricity generated by humans powering the bikes came in at just less than $80.

A little more than $100 was spent to cover web hosting and domain name registration costs for Hoosier Youth Advocacy, a student-led organization that is aiding IUSA in its efforts to secure medical amnesty and tax-free textbooks on a statewide level.

Other Initiatives
Two bike repair stations, at a total cost of $2,461, were purchased for students to be able to make quick fixes to their bikes when out and about on campus.

Just less than $2,500 was spent on the blue ribbons given out at the Shine 4 Lauren event in September. 

Congress
The IUSA Congress will soon be using 62 clickers to increase voting efficiency, at a cost of $1,984.

Operational Costs
The largest operational cost is rent — $2,397 — for the IUSA offices housed in the Indiana Memorial Union. This will be a one-time charge.

Other costs in this category, which range from Internet access to printer ink to “E” parking passes, total $1,273.85.

Leadership
Under the umbrella of “special events,” IUSA has spent $291.50. This includes supplies for a “Sex, Drugs, & Rock n’ Roll” event on campus and food purchases for various functions.