GSA returns subsidies to ASUCLA in time of need

By Amanda Schapel
DAILY BRUIN SENIOR STAFF
[email protected]

The Associated Students of UCLA will have approximately $10,000
more in their reserve fund, thanks to an unexpected move by the
Graduate Students Association.

At the July 26 meeting of the ASUCLA Board of Directors, members
voted 5-3 to accept an offer made in a letter from GSA president
Charles Harless to return thousands of dollars in maintenance and
utility subsidies to the association.

“We felt that since GSA is a part of ASUCLA we must be
willing to support the association both verbally and financially
when needed,” the letter said.

Because of ASUCLA’s recent financial troubles ““
largely due to the $500,000 to $1 million it will cost the
association to hire around 100 newly-unionized non-student
employees ““ GSA “felt a responsibility” to return
their subsidy, according to Harless.

Returning the money, which offsets energy and maintenance costs
for student government offices, will have minimal impact on GSA
finances because of a recent increase in graduate student member
fees, Harless said.

Now that the money is returned, it will likely go into the
ASUCLA reserve fund to protect the association in tough financial
times, according to board Vice Chair Randy Hall.

“Our main priority right now is to maintain a positive net
income,” Hall said. “We’re in a potentially risky
situation.”

Some board members resisted accepting GSA’s offer on the
principle that ASUCLA should treat the student governments
equally.

Last spring, when ASUCLA submitted a budget which lacked the
usual subsidy funding, GSA passed the budget, but the Undergraduate
Students Association Council refused it because of the subsidy
cuts.

A referendum to increase student fees for USAC failed due to
lack of voter turnout, so USAC felt ASUCLA’s cuts were too
large a burden to bear.

The board decided to grant USAC their subsidy, but in the spirit
of fairness also offered GSA a proportional amount of subsidy
funds.

When GSA gave the money back, some board members thought the
principle of equal treatment meant GSA must pocket the money. But
after some debate, the board decided they’d take it.

Unlike GSA, USAC needs every bit of its close to $40,000
subsidy, said USAC President David Dahle.

USAC would be “in big trouble” without the subsidy,
Dahle said.

By returning the funds, GSA is preparing itself for a future
when ASUCLA may not be able to offer a subsidy, according to
Harless. GSA also wanted to improve their relationship with
ASUCLA.

The intent was well-received.

“I see GSA’s offer as a strong show of support for
unity,” Hall said.