The Gainesville City Commission requested a special Senate meeting with UF’s Student Government. They met Sept. 19 to discuss transportation and traffic safety concerns as well as student housing and sustainability issues.
UF President Ben Sasse hired Lauren Lemasters, former UF student body president, as the presidential assistant and student life liaison in May. As student life liaison, Lemasters serves as a point of contact for student groups, collaborates with the Office of Student Life and provides recommendations to enhance the student experience.
Santiago Perez was exonerated of all charges, and they believed the committee made the right decision given the inconclusive evidence.
Some UF Student Government members have made it a point to submit legislation in solidarity with students who may be affected by the new Florida laws.
Members from the Gator Party and the Change Party addressed the July 18 Big Five budget reading and the recent Rules and Ethics Committee removal of a Student Government Senator at the July 25 SG Senate meeting.
After the Big Five budget had its first of two readings at the July 18 UF Student Government Senate meeting, an amendment reallocating funds from SG agencies passed despite a majority of Senate disapproval. It will undergo its second reading July 25.
The July 18 Senate meeting brought forth concerns about the recent Southeastern Exchange Conference, which took place at the University of Mississippi from July 13 to July 16.
Former Progressive and Communist Parties’ leader Alfredo Ortiz filed two cases against Senate President Oscar Santiago Perez (Change-District D) after eligibility debate sparked at the July 11 Senate meeting.
The first Student Government Senate meeting of the Summer B term brought forth commotion, filibustering, and several approved executive nominations.
Student Body President Olivia Green reviewed 18 bills, approving 14 and vetoing four due to issues with legality, separation of powers or grammar.
The Budget and Appropriations Committee of the Senate holds hearings for each of the Big Five entities in the Summer to ensure funding continues to be spent in the best interest of the students.
With drama rivaling that of U.S. elected officials and a budget bigger than some small cities, UF Student Government can be exciting and intimidating for new students.
Senators spoke about issues surrounding bipartisanship, legislation and nominations that were or weren’t approved, and statements made at previous public comment sessions.
The UF Student Government Rules and Ethics Committee met June 17 for nearly four hours to consider the expulsion of Student Senate President Oscar Santiago Perez (Change-District D).
UF Student Body President Olivia Green issued an executive order recognizing Pride Month and supporting LGBTQ students at a June 13 Senate meeting.
Solutions by The State News
