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Deadline extension best for budget

To ensure all student groups are notified about the new budget process and have adequate time to prepare their proposals, the budget deadline was extended to July 22. When the Budget Review Committee became privy to the changes to funding eligibility, we immediately began discussing solutions.

One such solution was extending the deadline to October, when new student organizations register. But existing organizations cannot operate on transitional budgets until October, and this option did not comply with Undergraduate Students Association Council bylaws.

We considered setting aside funds for a second funding cycle, but this would be problematic. We would be forced to set aside money based on uncertain estimates, which would not allow us to meet organizations’ needs equitably.

The council discussed whether money could be set aside in the contingency pool of funds, in addition to a deadline extension, so student organizations would have more opportunities to apply for funding. But this would require changing the bylaws quickly for it to be effective for the clubs for the coming year.

The two-week deadline extension is the best solution available for this year. The USAC general representatives, the Finance Committee chair and I are also planning to hold programming workshops to further educate and reach out to groups. There also will be increased publicity about the alternative funding sources in October.

USAC has been working hard to make sure policies comply with funding guidelines. It has been a joint effort from USAC President Allende Palma/Saracho and all of the council, whose members work in making these changes so all groups can provide opportunities to better students’ educational experience at UCLA.

Tracy Ohara Budget review director

Reagan name ironic choice for hospital

As governor of California for two terms Ronald Reagan cut state welfare and medical services, putting many mental patients out on the street. He also cut aid to public schools and higher education, creating damage that extended to the University of California system.

What disgusting irony – naming a hospital for a person who brought untold misery to thousands by closing hospitals. UCLA is naming a university building for someone who was an enemy of higher education.

Leonard Auslender UCLA alumnus