Student Senate is now one step closer to approving $2,838.98 for First Night.

Little discussion was held during Wednesday night’s Student Senate meeting on the appropriations. The only concern brought up was the approving money that was already spent.

Levi Bulgar, student vice president for business affairs, explained to the senate that the money was budgeted last year by the previous executive board, and that the problem should not happen next year.

The piece of legislation has been tabled until next week, when a vote is expected.

After promoting school spirit during his executive reports, Student Body President Sean Anderson is looking to address campus safety. This includes more security cameras and lighting.

During the meeting, the senate approved the spending of $68.25 for food during the Student Government orientation. The legislation passed 23-2-1.

“Why approve (spending the money)?” said dissenting senate member Mark Bates. “It’s already been done.”

Tori Frazier was the only member to abstain her vote. She expressed that she was concerned about approving spending for Student Government while on the Student Senate.

“It’s a conflict of interest,” Frazier said.

Senate member Victor Ramos submitted his resignation to the senate. Speaker of the Senate Kent Ohms read Ramos’ resignation to the senate. Scheduling conflicts and time constraints were among his reasons, Ramos cited.

Two off-campus senate seats are now open, and interested students have until Sept. 20 to apply.

Another position being offered to non-senate members is the director of information technologies. This position will maintain the senate Web site. Interested students are encouraged to call Tori Frazier, the chair of internal relations, at 581-3509.

Leah Pietraszewski, chair of diversity affairs, notified all senate members that they would be receiving pink sheets to fill out to complete their diversity requirements. All members are required to attend one event that promotes diversity per semester.

The next Student Senate meeting will be Sept. 20 in the Arcola-Tuscola Room in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.