An extra 75 cents might be added to student's tuition bills if ASMSU can convince the students to open up their pocketbooks.
A bill to increase the MSU undergraduate student government's per semester tax from $10 to $10.75 was passed by the Student Assembly on Thursday, and will be placed on the March 19 student ballot.
All student taxes are refundable.
This is the second tax ASMSU is sponsoring in next month's election. A $5 Eco tax, which would pay for renewable energy for University Farms, will also be voted on by students.
The need for a tax increase spawned from a tight budget and the fact enrollment has decreased somewhat, said Andrew Schepers, Student Assembly finance committee chairman.
Those in favor of the hike in ASMSU's student tax said the tax was a small amount considering all the services the organization provides.
"I could pull 75 cents out of my purse right now," said Danielle DeCormier, Student Assembly representative for the Alliance of Lesbian-Bi-Gay-Transgendered and Straight Ally Students. "We're not keeping this (money) in the organization, we're spitting it back out."
The extra amount will mainly go toward a scholarship program designed to assist students who are unable afford a potential tuition increase next year.
The Office of Financial Aid would give out the money on a case-by-case basis, Schepers said.
"It's a great thing for the students to get," he said.
Funding Board, Programming Board, Academic Assembly and Freshman Class Council will also be receiving a portion of the money for their various activities.
The remaining 15 percent will buy new law books for ASMSU Legal Services and fund executive staff projects, promotional events, a laser inkjet network printer system for ASMSU and increased pay for the organization's directors, assistant directors and chairpersons.
"I'm in favor of a pay increase," said Derek Wallbank, Student Assembly representative for the Residence Halls Association. "One has to pay people to get competent folks."
But Wallbank said he was not convinced students would want to pay more for maintaining programs within the organization.
"We had a tax (increase) last year that just failed," he said. "No one wants to be charged more for the same stuff."
But other representatives said the money is needed because it will be used to upgrade current ASMSU programs.
"The major portions of this tax are going to important things," said Glenn Strerner, Student Assembly representative for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Last year, the tax increase was defeated 592-772, Student Assembly Chairperson Matt Weingarden said.
In the end, the decision will be up to the student voters, Sterner said.
