With their calculators and pencils out, student senators divided funds for five organizations from the special allocations account April 1.
With a $217,000 budget, senators discussed reasons why the organizations requested the special funding. With a sigh of relief from the organizations, all bills were passed.
The Florida A&M University Strikers requested over $15,000 for their 20th Anniversary Spring Excursion. The funding was approved with a vote of 21 in favor and one against.
According to the submitted bill, the Strikers have held fundraising events that have grossed a total of $4,330. The Strikers also mentioned in the bill that they have shown their dedication to the University by providing excellent representation on local and national levels, referencing their MTV appearance on America’s Best Dance Crew.
The Strikers funding will provide them with the rental of Lee Hall, assisted by the FAMU Police Department, choreographers, and a lighting designer.
The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) was approved for the amount of $8,925 by a unanimous vote.
NABA requested the funding for their national convention that will be held in New Orleans, La. June 16-20. They have raised a total of $1,433.05 toward the convention but needed additional funding to attend.
According to their bill, the convention is important to NABA because it will give them the opportunity to network and make career advancements in their respective fields.
NABA’s funding will provide them with the cost of a hotel, travel expenses and registration.
Further along, the senate seemed to have no choice but to approve the requested funds of over $27,000 to the Office of Black Diasporan Culture because of the organizations’ promise to match grant reimbursements that were awarded previously in the year.
Senator Kamilia Landrum explained to the senate that if the funds are not approved, the organization could be sued. In an effort to prevent the lawsuit, the funds were permitted.
According to the bill, the matched grant reimbursements are to Bahamian Junkanoo Scholars, the African Film Festival, Capital City Bank Community, and Florida Humanities.
The Student National Medical Association requested and was approved for over $16,000 for their Medical Association Conference. They have raised over $1,000 but needed additional funding.
The fund will cover ASP/SNMA’s with hotel cost, travel, and registration fees.
The Academy of Student Pharmacists and the National Pharmaceutical Association were funded for more than $9,000. ASP/SNPA will use the funds towards their national convention trip. The trip will pay for hotel cost, travel, and also expenses.
The remaining balance in the special allocations account is 134,884.12 and is reserved for any organizations that may need special funding.