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Two more funding requests OK’d; Sex Out Loud asks for nearly $100,000

After serious number crunching and debate, the Student Services Finance Committee approved budgets for the Student Leadership Program and the Law Information Center Monday.

Both groups pitched their funding proposals last Thursday as SSFC kicked off a series of student organization budget hearings for 2007-08 funding. This funding comes from student-segregated fees, which are tacked onto student tuition to provide for certain student organizations.

SLP leadership events coordinator Molly Anderson said the group is building upon their proven success in the past and looking to expand in the future.

"We strive to develop well-rounded students who, in turn, influence their own organizations," she said. "We empower the student leaders of tomorrow in a multidimensional way."

SSFC proposed several amendments to SLP's request of $55,704, and eventually settled on two cuts, thereby approving a $53,816 budget.

Representatives debated a proposed funding cut for a recognition banquet because gifts for members were figured into the budget.

In the end, SLP outreach coordinator Jenna Looney said SSFC made a fiscally responsible budget decision for the group.

"They listened to our open forum very open-mindedly as well as being very willing to debate issues of concern," she said. "I feel like they truly took into account our programs and services we provide to campus."

In the Law Information Center's case, the budget debate actually yielded an increase of funding from a requested $17,645 to $17,924 after SSFC representative Alex Gallagher amended a salary increase. LIC provides free on-campus legal advice for students, as well as members of the community.

In addition to the budget decisions, SSFC heard a $97,420 request from Sex Out Loud. Project coordinator Kelly Gersonde said the costs of the group are aimed at promoting healthy sexuality through "sex-positive education" and activism.

Gersonde added the group intends on growing over the next two years, which would require a large increase in advertising and program supplies such as condoms and demonstration devices. Sex Out Loud also requested funding for program facilitators to lead discussions.

"We discuss all aspects of sexuality while maintaining a safe, yet fun environment," Gersonde said.

The Rape Crisis Center also presented their proposed $49,516 budget. Director Kelly Anderson said her organization requested SSFC pay for only 8 percent of the organization's total budget, even though they estimate 15 to 25 percent of their cases to come from University of Wisconsin students.

"We have a 24-hour crisis line," Anderson said. "Unfortunately, we get over 1,000 calls and go out on 250 accompaniments [to the hospital] a year."