2008 Woodie Awards
SGA considers pay for president
Marissa Lang
Issue date: 3/6/08 Section: News
The SGA proposed two bills last night that would provide future SGA presidents with a yearly stipend and expense account, in order to make the position more accessible to economically-challenged students.
The bill - which will provide the Student Government Association president with a maximum of $4,000 a year and a reimbursement system for expenses - wouldn't be the first time SGA members were paid for their services. All SGA members were paid until 2004, when the organization removed the pay scale, with the justification that the presidency should be a volunteer position.
SGA President Andrew Friedson said the money is necessary to level the playing field for students interested in the position. As president, Friedson claims to have spent at least $1,200 in travel expenses alone from his trips to Annapolis and Washington D.C., for university-related meetings.
"We have created an animal that we all hate in government," Friedson said. "As it stands now, only the wealthy can run for this position."
There are currently no means of getting reimbursed for any expenses incurred while on the job, said SGA Vice President of Financial Affairs Maria Rescigno. The proposed account would provide the president with reimbursements for such expenses.
The honorarium awarded would be contingent on an evaluation of the president's performance, and both the honorarium and expense reimbursement would come from student activities fees. The bill will be voted on at next week's SGA meeting.
SGA Speaker of the Legislature and author of the bill Nick Chamberlain said that the organization will explore ways to gauge the president's performance by judging outreach to the campus and visibility on the university, state and national level, among other criteria.
Friedson said payment is important because the job of president is too time-consuming to allow for a part-time job while in school.
"Personally, I have made the decision to do whatever I need to, no matter the cost," he said. "I am not confident that everyone can comfortably make that decision."
The bill - which will provide the Student Government Association president with a maximum of $4,000 a year and a reimbursement system for expenses - wouldn't be the first time SGA members were paid for their services. All SGA members were paid until 2004, when the organization removed the pay scale, with the justification that the presidency should be a volunteer position.
SGA President Andrew Friedson said the money is necessary to level the playing field for students interested in the position. As president, Friedson claims to have spent at least $1,200 in travel expenses alone from his trips to Annapolis and Washington D.C., for university-related meetings.
"We have created an animal that we all hate in government," Friedson said. "As it stands now, only the wealthy can run for this position."
There are currently no means of getting reimbursed for any expenses incurred while on the job, said SGA Vice President of Financial Affairs Maria Rescigno. The proposed account would provide the president with reimbursements for such expenses.
The honorarium awarded would be contingent on an evaluation of the president's performance, and both the honorarium and expense reimbursement would come from student activities fees. The bill will be voted on at next week's SGA meeting.
SGA Speaker of the Legislature and author of the bill Nick Chamberlain said that the organization will explore ways to gauge the president's performance by judging outreach to the campus and visibility on the university, state and national level, among other criteria.
Friedson said payment is important because the job of president is too time-consuming to allow for a part-time job while in school.
"Personally, I have made the decision to do whatever I need to, no matter the cost," he said. "I am not confident that everyone can comfortably make that decision."
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Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
$1,200?
posted 3/06/08 @ 10:12 AM EST
Cost of getting to and from DC: $7.80 (one day metro pass)
Cost of getting to and from Annapolis: ~$12 (60 miles round trip @ 15 mpg & $3 gas)
All together, $1,200 comes out to over 60 trips to DC AND 60 trips to Annapolis if its just the cost of travel. (Continued…)
Brad Nolet
posted 3/06/08 @ 12:55 PM EST
I disagree 1,200, this IS needed. As SGA president, he (or she) is the face of the student body. Yes, eat at College Park to save money, but what if he is in Annapolis and Lobbying for tuition freeze. (Continued…)
Uncle Rico
posted 3/06/08 @ 10:10 PM EST
I can see a modest business allowance. It should be shared across the executive board, as the president might not be the only one to travel. That's pretty reasonable. (Continued…)
uncle rico lover
posted 3/07/08 @ 2:44 AM EST
Uncle RIco is back!!!!!
Brad Nolet: Andrew Friedson never lobbied for a tuition freeze when the freeze idea was first talked about it but he decided he would "lobby" for it when there was enough support to pass the bill anyways - why the hell should i pay for his meal at mortons? you dont need suits at to lobby. (Continued…)
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