Executive Cabinet decides that sacrifice is shared

“A big sigh of relief,” is how Lizzy Babicz, Associated Student Government communications director, of the final ASG Executive Cabinet approval of the MHCC Student Activities Budget for the 2015-16 academic year.

The budget was approved  by the ASG EC on Tuesday, after nearly two months of debate and dispute over how to settle on a balanced budget for Mt. Hood’s co-curricular and athletics programs.

“We really emphasized a shared sacrifice,” said Ashley Gass, ASG finance director. “Once we got past what a ‘shared sacrifice’ entailed, we were able to come to an agreement with the new representatives.”

At its last meeting on April 8, the executive cabinet had to enter an “executive session” which meant there was a lengthy, closed-door discussion on the proposed budget. The original plan was questioned by Student Finance Council members who felt the budget did not fit their expectation of a “shared sacrifice.” MHCC faculty and staff advisers were politely asked to withdraw from the meeting.

Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting went much more smoothly: The budget was approved unanimously in a matter of only two minutes.

“The budget was easier to approve the second time because everyone made a cut – making it a fair sacrifice for everyone,” said Jhoselyn Hernandez, ASG director of community affairs.

Next in the process: The budget must be approved by the ASG Senate.