After heated debate about some Cabinet and senator appointments, both parties of UF's Student Senate agreed on measures that will cut off the cash flow for four of the 11 positions paid with Student Government funds Tuesday night.
Eliminating compensation for the positions, which are within the judiciary branch, would save SG about $6,000 in "unwarranted" salaries, said Orange and Blue Party Sen. Frank Bracco, author of the bills.
Bracco said in the past, officials had been compensated when most spent 20 hours or less per semester doing work.
"It could be used for student groups or a number of things once it's freed up," he said.
Sen. Sam Miorelli of the Orange and Blue Party said in a phone interview Wednesday that removing payment for these and all paid SG positions was one of his party's major platforms during the campaign.
"I was glad to see the Gator Party come on board for this," Miorelli said.
Student Body President Kevin Reilly, who was also an author of the bills, said in a phone interview Wednesday that a good majority of students who filled those positions in the past never signed up to be paid, but he was pleased that any money that may have been spent on the positions could now be spent elsewhere.
Also during Tuesday's meeting, State Rep. Chris Dorworth, a former student senator and Student Body president, spoke to the senators about university affairs and offered the leaders some advice.
"It has been a tough year for the University of Florida and universities as a whole," Dorworth said. "We've grown so much as a state, the university can't keep up with it."
Dorworth, who represents District 34 and lives in Lake Mary, spoke candidly on politics and how he got involved after he got tired of working for corporate America.
He urged the senators to stand up to UF's administration on behalf of the students they represent.
"You're the Student Government," he said.
"It's your job to tell them you disagree."
