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ASMSU works to resolve funding before July 1

June 5, 2013

With weeks left until July 1, the end of MSU’s fiscal year, the time for ASMSU to make a financial decision is approaching quickly.

After a long-winded battle between the university and its undergraduate student government, the group was notified in April that unless all of its funds were moved into an on-campus account, the student tax would not be provided. Although the university did collect taxes to fund the organization for the summer semester, the funds are being withheld until ASMSU makes a decision.

University spokesperson Jason Cody said a response has not been received since the memo was sent.

“They have received multiple memos, but they still have not formally responded to the latest memo in April, which outlines the steps that need to be taken,” Cody said. “It outlines it pretty clearly, and the ball’s in their court.”

Although there has been no further correspondence, ASMSU President Evan Martinak said the organization plans to come to a resolution before the fiscal year comes to a close.

“We hope to continue our dialogue with the university administration before July 1, 2013, in order to solve any and all pending issues,” Martinak said.

Despite not receiving tax money for the summer semester, Martinak said ASMSU employees still are being paid through the organization’s contingency plan, also established in April.

But the funding issue has reached beyond the student government lens.

With funding for Red Cedar Log, MSU’s official yearbook, coming directly from ASMSU, content editor Cooper Franks said the risk of funding loss has caused tension for staff members as well.

“In the past, we’ve had a lot of issues with funding, and that is part of ASMSU,” Franks said. “It’s one of the first things on the chopping block, and that’s obviously a concern.”

His work aside, Franks said more effort to reach out to students could only benefit ASMSU.

“The student government is doing a good job promoting for the community, but it’s hard for the community itself to get into ASMSU,” he said.

For the remaining days until July 1, Martinak said he will continue to reach out to MSU Board of Trustee members to negotiate a plan for upcoming semesters.

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