Union Weekly Article Sparks New ASI Resolution

The article in the Union Weekly newspaper titled, “How To Get Laid: A Girl’s Guide for Guys” has upset the Associated Students Inc. and has inspired a new resolution.

The article states, “When you get to her place just get to the fucking no dilly dallying, you don’t want to give her time to really think about it. Don’t be afraid to be aggressive.”

Sen. Roxanna Gracia was the presenter of the resolution titled, “Resolution Promoting Safety and Equality for the CSULB University Community.”

On Oct.13, the wording of the resolution was discussed among ASI members.

“It’s directed at violence against women,” Gracia said, who wants to change the name of the resolution to include promoting safety for women against sexual violence.

It was discussed in the meeting if the resolution should only be directed at women’s safety, while disregarding men’s.

Richard Haller, ASI advisor came up with a compromise.

“The resolution wording should include, ‘women and all members of the CSULB community,’ in order that no one feels left out,” he said.

The resolution will be voted on at the next ASI meeting on Oct.20.



The Controversial Union Weekly Article



CSULB vs. Fullerton For the Most Registered Voters

The rivalry between CSULB and CSU Fullerton is in full swing this semester.

The Associated Students Inc. of both schools are pushing to register the most voters by Oct. 18.

According to Christina Esparza, Communications Coordinator for ASI, the project developed when ASI presidents of both schools met at a statewide leadership institute over the simmer. The two began talking about the importance of registering and voting, and concluded to engage in a friendly competition to get their students registered.

On Oct. 7, ASI offered a free Subway lunch to the first 100 students that registered to vote on the southwest terrace of the USU.

“It went wonderfully, but we’re still pushing for more. We currently have a little less than 1,000 so far,” Esparza said.

Fullerton claims to have 1,100.

While the only prize thus far is bragging rights, the ASI presidents have promised to reveal something to the winning school at the first CSULB vs. Fullerton basketball game.

Obama's Health Care Bill Hinders ASI From Offering Affordable Health Care to Students

ASI offers many programs to students, including health care which might not be available in the future.

With the passing of Obama’s health care bill, ASI might not be able to provide affordable health care to students and faculty members.

“The new federal laws governing over health insurance create new ‘minimum standards’ that restrict the offering of short-term health insurance plans,” said Christopher Chavez, president of Cal State Students Association. “The health care plans offered by ASI are classified as ‘short term’ plans that can be renewed every year that the student is enrolled in college.”

Even though this will not take effect until 2014, the CSSA is trying to take action to save students money. They are working with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make sure the health care plans meet minimum care guidelines, and that ASIs continue to offer affordable health care.

“Not having health insurance is a major gamble and often leads to financial disaster, which we feel is unacceptable,” said Chavez.

Cutting health care would impact about 600 students and faculty members who receive health insurance each year at CSULB.

Christina Esparza, ASI communications coordinator believes cutting the program would put several students at financial risk.

“If ASI wasn't providing health-insurance coverage to students, those who are not covered under parents' plan or employers' plan would have to purchase individual policies at a much higher rate,” she said.

Not only will the students be at a financial loss, but so will ASI. According to Esparza, ASI gets a $20 administrative fee for each semester policy sold. Without that money, ASI will not be able to provide inexpensive programs such as health care to students.

Chavez encourages concerned students to take action in this battle for low-cost health care.

“Ultimately, students need to share how either having or not having healthcare affects them,” he said. “They need to convey their stories to ASI and CSSA to make sure we know what the best way to help them is.”