The student government could be continuing its tree-planting tradition for this year even though a recent bylaw eliminated the previously required duty.

During Wednesday’s senate meeting, the senate tabled two pieces of new business.

There was no old business that needed to be discussed.

Student Senate member Zach Samples wrote the resolution and said his committee still wanted to plant a tree for this year.

“Due to the fact that money is budgeted for this tree for this year we would still like to plant the tree,” said Samples, a freshman history major.

The oak tree will be planted in the South Quad on April 22 and will cost an estimated $167.

Green Week, which is set to take place on April 18 to 22, usually culminates with the student government planting a tree in a previously chosen location, but because of budget constraints the senate voted to end the tradition.

The senate also tabled a resolution to pay for an additional van to transport members of the Student Action Team to lobby on April 14 in Springfield.

Christy Anderson and Samples, the co-writers for resolution, are asking for $97 to pay for a third van.

“We still have a few open seats,” Anderson said.

Student who chose to go to Springfield will no longer have to pay for their meals, like originally thought, because the president’s office offering to cover meal costs as well.

Anderson said those who are applying late would have to be able to make the next meetings.

Student Body President Michelle Murphy, a senior communication studies major, told senate members running for executive positions to remain respectful despite upcoming elections.

“Stay classy,” Murphy said.

During announcements, Student Senate member Roberta Luna announced he is writing bylaw change that would change a current bylaw that mandates the executive branch and the student senate speaker receive a tuition waiver for 12 credit hours.

“I’m trying to cut the tuition waiver from 12 credit hours to nine,” Luna said.

The student government asked for $66,066 and $38,000 would be going toward student executive tuition waivers, said Luna, a junior finance major.

“That is about 60 percent of our budget,” Luna said. “If this happens that would save us $10,000.”

Nike Ogunbodede can be reached at 581-2812 or ovogunbodede@eiu.edu.

Zach Samples, a freshman finance major and member of Student Senate, speaks with other members after Wednesday’s senate meeting. Samples is working to continue the tradition of planting a tree every year on Earth Day.(Kimberly Foster

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