Why YES on Measure 66 Matters

By Samantha Alsina on May 3, 2016

During the week of May 11th -17th voting will begin for the proposed referendum, Measure 66, to support student governed spaces. The measure was in response to another student fee passed in 1985 called the Student Life Facility Fee (SLFF). The SLFF passed in order to pay back construction debt to what is now known as OPERS and the Student Union Facilities.

The SLFF constituted a $30 student fee that continued to be a part of tuition. This fee was used towards construction debt, major repairs, maintenance, while the rest was distributed between the Student Union Governance Board (SUGB) and OPERS. Now that the construction has been paid off, the SLFF is expected to cease effect in Fall 2017, meaning that student governed spaces will need a new source of funding. That is what Measure 66 intends to answer.

 

The proposed measure aims to continue funding for the maintaining and operating of student governed facilities. These facilities include spaces like the Student Media Center, the Redwood Building, and the Student Union. The proposed measure is a $10 fee per student every quarter.

33% of the $10 fee has been designated to return to financial aid while the rest goes to the continued operating of student facilities and money reserves for future expenses. Created and pushed by the Student Union Governance Board, measure 66 was drafted by students, for students. The SUGB is a student board responsible for developing, maintaining, and operating student governed spaces. If this measure is passed, SUGB would govern over the fee. More about the specifics surrounding Measure 66 can be found here.

Over 100 student organizations gather, organize, and utilize these spaces in order to get work done. Some of the organizations include the Filipino Student Association (FSA), Student Media Council, The Bike Co-op, the African/Black Student Alliance (A/BSA), the Student Union Assembly (SUA), and Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano/a de Aztlan (MEChA).

Just from the few organizations named, it is self evident that many different communities utilize and meet in these spaces. In order for organizations to continue their mission and work, they need a place to actually work.

Without this fee in effect, many spaces can no longer administer services and programs to all students. A large aspect of student life will be largely diminished if Measure 66 fails to pass.

Measure 66 makes it possible for student life to thrive and foster growth within the Santa Cruz community. It gives students autonomy and independence in a university system where student agency can sometimes be scarce if not invisible.

Student Governed Spaces and the organizations that utilize these spaces learn real world assets and skills through these spaces. The experiences that students gain through student governed spaces cannot be replicated elsewhere.

For Measure 66 to pass, 60% of the votes must vote YES and undergraduates must comprise 25% of those votes. All voting in the second week of May (11-17th) is online, found right here.

Keep an eye out for tabling, flyers, pamphlets, and so forth for more upcoming additional information. Vote YES on Measure 66: Support Student Governed Spaces!

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