When elected officials spend money, those who elect them need to see results.

ASMSU, MSU's undergraduate student government, plans to spend the $11,000 it recently allocated for updating office equipment, software, signs and insurance.

The decision to devote $1,500 of the budget for insurance, which would cover property damage and employee embezzlement, is perhaps the wisest financial decision ASMSU has made in recent years.

It shows the student government has learned from recent embezzlement incidents in the Residence Halls Association and School of Journalism.

However, students should be skeptical on how the remaining $9,500 is distributed.

After ASMSU spent approximately $36,000 on renovations last year, it becomes necessary to ask, what purposes do these new additions serve?

ASMSU's primary responsibilities to students — legal advice, 5-cent copies, free yearbooks and other services — haven't changed at all. Although the student government is using the money to help itself do a better job, students should benefit from ASMSU's spending.

And we aren't seeing enough results.

Where is ASMSU to back up students on major issues? Where are they while the East Lansing City Council debates East Village and other city issues? Where were they at many of the independent commission meetings designed to investigate the April 2-3 disturbances?

How is ASMSU making itself more than a student service and more of a student government?

It isn't.

ASMSU should be expected to fulfill its responsibilities as a government body representing the will of students.

When it's student money funding these expenditures, it should be used in a way that benefits students directly.

ASMSU needs to take action on behalf of students. Students need to hold ASMSU to it.