Monday’s meeting introduced bills on allocations for the continuation of the Zimride program and renewable energy purchases for Davies Center as well as supporting an Off-Campus Liaison Program Work Group Proposal.

Senate also passed a resolution supporting the UW-System 2015-17 biennial budget.

According to the resolution, the budget, which needs approval from the state legislature to become official, would focus on several points.

Rebecca Jewell, intergovernmental affairs director, said one of the focuses of the budget is creating and supporting programs that train and prepare students for jobs that are particularly in demand.

“We’re creating talent,” Jewell said, “But it’s not the talent Wisconsin needs or wants.”

Bills

The allocations for Zimride and Davies’ energy both come from the Student Office of Sustainability.

Bailey Kramer, student office of sustainability commission director, said the Zimride program should continue to be supported because it provides students with transportation options.

According to the proposal, there have been 1,007 new users since Jan. 1 and 671 since the beginning of this semester, with a total of 6,387 since the start of the program in 2012.

Kramer said an average of 14 students responded per posted ride.

“You can see there’s a demand there,” Kramer said. “Unfortunately, there’s not enough people.”

Rebecca Shannon, of parking and transportation services, said their department is happy to provide $4,000 to the Student Office of Sustainability’s $8,000 to fulfill the costs of the program.

“It’s one of the most successful launches Zimride has had,” Shannon said.

Kramer also introduced a proposed allocation that would put more money from the Student Office of Sustainability toward buying energy from sustainable sources.

Through Xcel Energy, the money would pay for renewable energy credits, keeping Davies Center powered 100 percent by renewable energy.

According to the proposal, Xcel Energy does not profit from the purchase of the Windsource energy.

The cost would be added to University Center’s utility bill and reimbursed out of the SOS’s Environmental Responsibility account.

The $19,194 allocation pays for 85 percent of the energy used in addition to the 15 percent the UW System pays for.

Kramer said right now SOS is focusing on University Center’s buildings because the money, which is from student fees, goes back to students.

“Eventually I hope that the goal, not only for SOS but for the campus, would be carbon neutrality,” Kramer said. “And REC’s are a good way to do that.”

All bills introduced will be voted on at the Senate meeting next week.