New to the Associated Students Inc. Web site is a “quick poll” that assesses students’ needs and wants on a particular issue, Patricia Worley, ASI executive director, told board members Wednesday.

“We’re doing a test run in reference to the free ridership on Regional Transit,” Worley said. Regional Transit is the topic of the question because it is a significant consideration on the table for ASI right now, Worley said.

The Regional Contract ends on June 30, 2006, and ASI is currently looking into renegotiations. Worley said she realizes the poll is not purely scientific, but believes it is a good start for questioning Sacramento State students on particular issues.

Homecoming committee congrats

Also at the meeting, legislation was presented to hold a congratulations ceremony honoring the hard work of the 2005 homecoming committee.

“It’s so we can bridge the gap between the homecoming committee and the university and cut the red tape,” said Curtis Grima, secretary of state and homecoming king.

Grima said he believes the recognition will help the homecoming committee gain campuswide appreciation and will encourage discussion between the committee and the university.

“Hopefully, we can send this to the president and make this committee a university committee,” said Hopkins, a member of the homecoming committee.

Legislation proposed

Pedro Remotti, a graduate director, introduced legislation that will try to combat House of Representatives Bill 609, which Remotti said would cut $9 billion from student aid and loan programs.

Together with the Office of Governmental Affairs, Remotti said he wants ASI to contribute to the National Day of Action and Awareness by mobilizing calls and generating media attention.

If approved by the board, the event will be held in the Library Quad on Sept. 19 and will include a call center, various promotions and food.

Arts and letters

Julio Cesar Ortiz, director of arts and letters, authored a board project that would help fund and advertise events put on by the college of arts and letters.

“I want to put money towards what would benefit most students and have the biggest impact,” Ortiz said.

Other board members stressed that the legislation, while good intentioned, needs more detailed specifics to before it will pass.

Clifford Hawley, director of natural sciences, told Ortiz to be more specific, “like DOC/SEL stuff where you have to be clear to the letter on what money is going where.”

Barajas said that some funding could also come from departments where money is well organized.

Next meeting

The next board meeting where members will take action on the proposed legislation is Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Foothill Suite.

Jessica Weidling can be reached at [email protected]