Associated Students, Inc., officials recently voiced their opinions on the Children?s Center evening program, which is not included in ASI?s proposed budget for next year.Under the proposed budget, submitted to ASI from Teri Mahan, the Center would close at 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, as opposed to the current closing time of 8:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday. The controversial decision to cut the program has been met with opposition from many evening parents. The Parental Advisory Council is looking for a financially self-sufficient model.

“I would like to keep it open, maybe as late as 9 p.m.,” said Artemio Pimentel, executive vice president of ASI.

Pimentel, who is running for ASI president for next year, said that the Children?s Center is one of his priorities. While he acknowledges the decision to cut the program, he discussed several possible solutions.

“There is no money in their budget for the evening program,” Pimentel said.He suggested the idea of requesting more funding from the university to go toward the program.

“The university has its duty to provide funding as well,” Pimentel said.He also mentioned the possibility of using some of the surplus to fund the Children?s Center, which is budgeted at $405,712 in the proposed ASI budget for next year.

Pimentel, who would cast the tie- breaking vote on the ASI budget in the event of a tie when the budget is up for vote next month, said he will listen to all budget requests.

“I definitely want to listen to everyone?s arguments,” Pimentel said.

ASI President Jason Bryant had not read the budget at the time of interview, but supports the decision to cut the program and is waiting for the PAC to come up with a model of self-sufficiency.

“We?re going to wait and let them come up with a model,” Bryant said.

The PAC is a capable group and can come up with a solution on its own, according to Bryant. He did not voice support for finding more money in the ASI budget for the Center before the PAC can come up with a proposal.

“Going around and asking for money is not a reasonable way in devising a budget,” Bryant said.

He said that the PAC proposal has to be affordable and reasonable. Bryant, who is a voting member of the board, acknowledged the decision to cut the evening program.”It is a substantial drain on the Children?s Center?s budget,” Bryant said.