ASUCLA budget vote today

By Debra Marisa Greene
DAILY BRUIN CONTRIBUTOR
dgreene@media.ucla.edu

After weeks of discussions, the Associated Students of UCLA
board of directors will vote on its budget proposal for the 2002-03
fiscal year at today’s meeting.

The proposal calls for a net income of $1.2 million for the next
fiscal year, according to Richard Delia, financial director for
ASUCLA.

The board revised its budget after a special meeting two weeks
ago, deciding to urge the UC Office of the President to recognize
non-student workers’ right to unionize.

“There are reductions being proposed, because we
anticipate a significant increase in operating costs due to hiring
additional career employees,” said Patricia Eastman,
executive director for ASUCLA, adding that the additional cost will
range between $500,000 to $1 million.

But according to Delia, the cost would range between $700,000 to
over $1 million. This figure assumes that it would cost $10,000 per
year per employee.

“This is a rough estimate,” he said.

Reem Salahi, the BOD undergraduate representative, said she does
not believe the numbers accurately reflect the cost.

“Before we throw out those numbers, we need a better sense
of the cost,” Salahi said. “Before (workers) become
dollar bills, they are human beings.”

“The board recognizes and appreciates their
struggle,” she continued.

ASUCLA is working on a plan which will convert the workers into
career employees, Delia said.

He would not comment on whether there will be fewer workers next
year to account for the additional cost. However,
“restructuring” may be necessary, he said.

The budget proposal includes the elimination of a maintenance
subsidy to the Undergraduate Students Association Council and a
reduction of a 3 percent merit increase for career employees, Delia
said.

USAC members have been negotiating with ASUCLA to reconsider the
cuts.

“It will cripple USAC,” said General Representative
and President-elect David Dahle.

Due to these circumstances, USAC has already voted down the
budget proposal.

“All members of the board have a duty to reevaluate the
situation,” Dahle said, adding that the association can look
at other options for making money.

Though Dahle said the cuts are so substantial that if they are
approved, USAC will not be very effective, he acknowledged that
“the reality is everyone is taking a hit.”

Salahi said cuts to USAC were too severe.

“People are saying everyone is getting cut. (USAC) is
getting cut twice,” said Salahi, who thinks USAC and ASUCLA
will reach a compromise at the meeting.

Everyone should be aware ASUCLA is facing very large operational
costs, Delia said.

“We won’t be able to build on the cash reserve we
need and should have,” he said, adding that such a reserve is
necessary to deal with unforeseen costs.

“We don’t have much room for error,” he
continued.

Currently, a cash reserve exists in ASUCLA, but dipping into the
funds each year to pay for the workers would leave the reserve
empty, Eastman said.

USAC is hopeful the entire subsidy to the council will be
reinstated, Dahle said, adding, however, it is ultimately in the
hands of the board.

ASUCLA officials do not know if the subsidy will be given back
to USAC.

“I don’t know how that will come out,” Eastman
said.

“ASUCLA shouldn’t subsidize maintenance utilities,
but the board may do what it wants ““ it’s their
decision,” Delia said.

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