USG gave their approval for the implementation of a $20 student health fee at their general meeting last night.
The resolution passed by a vote of 17-11. The vote came after a thirty minute discussion concerning the fee.
Last week USG polled over 1,000 students on the issue. Of the 1,000, 700 students were in favor of implementing the health fee.
Following the survey USG decided to wait a week to make their decision. The previous debate had discussed the condition and service of the health center, not the proposed fee itself.
Many senators were worried that the survey presented to students was biased in opinion of the proposal. They felt that many students may have signed the bill in favor of the issue and then changed their minds.
Throughout the week the senators were split on the proposal 50-50.
USG debated the issues for the full 25 minutes allowed for discussion of a bill. The discussion focused on the impact of the proposal, not the effectiveness of health services.
During the discussion both the pros and cons of the proposal were heavily discussed.
“This plan is not perfect, but give me a plan that is,” Kylien Schellhause, Harshman senator , and co-author of the resolution said.
Two students came to the meeting to express their opinions on the matter. Both students believed that the plan was not needed by most students.
“Even though it is a very minor sum it is still money,” Tim Carroll freshman, computer science major said. “It just seems unnecessary.”
Joshua Kaplan, medical director for student health services, was also on hand to answer any questions senators may have had.
Kaplan tried to convince senators of the benefits of the proposal.
“This is an attempt to get us out of the billing process as much as possible,” Kaplan said.
Kaplan explained that if the fee was implemented and the number of students using the health center did not increase, then the proposal could be repealed.
The health fee now will be presented to the University Advisory Committee.
Kaplan feels optimistic that the administration will seriously consider the proposal.
With the backing of the students through USG , the administration will have the students’ opinion in making their decision.
The proposed fee will allow students to get x-rays and lab testing without any additional fees other than the $20 a semester.
Currently students can pay $50 for a bridge plan that covers all x-rays and lab testing.
