Cuts in the SGA budget and their effects on funding student clubs, events and projects dominated the Oct. 23 meeting of the Student Government Association.

“We took a big hit in our budget because of the low enrollment rates this year,” said Josh Hunt, a SGA Senator. “Our main problem is that we’re having trouble finding the money to help students pay for extracurricular activities around Johnson State College.”

The main topics discussed were how the SGA was going to fund campus projects and events with a reduced budget, what projects have been completed or are still in the works, and how the clubs that the SGA sponsors are having to use outside entrepreneur skills to help funding. “The SGA really hates turning students down that need help paying for something, but because our budget is so low we have to turn people down more,” said Hunt.

Each year, the Senators on the SGA are assigned projects intended to benefit the campus community. So far, the arcade located in the bottom of Stearns is fully functional again and there are plans for designated covered smoking areas in place of the wooden horseshoe benches on campus. “The project’s main goal is to have designated covered smoking areas on campus so students can lessen the impact of second-hand smoke and stay dry in between classes,” said Hunt.

Another topic up for discussion was the Thanksgiving baskets that the SGA funds to help families in need around the Johnson area for the holidays. According to Hunt, the SGA donates $100.00 dollars for each of those baskets.