3
NEWS
THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
Student Senate update
A new pay day? Minimum wage debate heats up as employees demand a change
t h r o u g h materials used in production, Whether or not the such as corn federal minimum wage which aids in should be increased is the production currently a very hot of corn starch. issue. Persons on both Because the lowsides of the aisle offer income workers’ different arguments own tax dollars as to why the wage are being used in should be increased or this subsidization should not be. of production, Proponents of the workers are a n i n c r e a s e b e l i e ve entitled to see that the current this subsidization minimum wage, $7.25, benefit them, translating into just perhaps in the $15,080 per year for way that an a full time worker, is increase in the decades out of date. federal minimum This is to say that it COURTESY MTUME_SOUL wage may. h a s n o t e f f e c t i v e l y Taking a stand: Workers from McDonald’s in New York gathered in July 2013 The main “kept up” with other to strike for higher wages. argument against economic factors an increase in the such as inflation and cannot move up in their careers federal minimum worker productivity. The $15,080 beyond their current low-paying wage is that it is detrimental to does not rise above the United States jobs. This is because there simply t h e we l l - b e i n g o f b o t h w o r k e r s poverty threshold. aren’t enough of them. One study and businesses. The Cato Institute This is perhaps why McDonald’s says that only 2.2 percent of fast cites a review by David Neumark seems to assume in their employee food employees, for instance, work a n d Wi l l i a m Wa s c h e r f r o m t h e budgeting document that a worker in managerial or technical positions Economic Bureau of Economic in will procure a second job (likely (as compared to the 30-some percent which 85 of 100 studies found that the on top of full time employment at in other combined fields). existing minimum wage has negative McDonald’s). It can be contended T h i s l e a d s , a c c o r d i n g t o employment effects. that McDonald’s “just can’t figure supporters, to a sense of hopelessness The Institute also recalls that in out” how their own employees get by in the workers’ career which hurts 1938 when the first minimum wage on the low-wages McDonald’s pays. productivity. This argument does was imposed, $.25, between 30,000 Another argument in favor of not necessarily apply categorically and 50,000 jobs were lost. increasing the minimum wage deals (but can), but is applied to the vast The legislation currently proposed with culture. When the minimum majority of low-income workers in in favor of the minimum wage is the wage was last set in 1975 under the the United States. Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013. Fair Labor Standards Act, most lowPerhaps the strongest argument Its three key points are to raise income workers, especially within for raising the minimum wage comes the minimum wage to $10.10 per the fast food industry, were not from subsidization. Supporters of hour, implement a practice called largely confined to those industries. the argument argue that because “indexing,” which will “adjust the A low-income job was more likely government subsidizes fast food, an minimum wage to keep pace with a summer job for a teenager rather industry wherein a large number of the rising cost of living” and to than a wage earning job for an adult low income workers work, that these raise the minimum wage for tipped responsible for a family. workers deserve an increase in their workers from $2.13 to 70% of the full The argument for productivity wage (which, under the increase, minimum wage. cited above comes from, primarily, would exceed the minimum wage). the glass ceiling leveled upon This subsidization comes indirectly workers. This means that workers
New goals and plans are set for the new school year and the new senators
By Stephen Douglas The Saint Reporter
ABIGALE RACINE / THE SAINT
Fresh faces: First year Senators from L to R: Zoe Collenburg, Darcee Veldhouse, Caleb Jenkins, Ian Scheidel, and Peter Nemish. By Abigale Racine The Saint Reporter Aquinas College’s 2013-14 Student Senate Committee anticipates an outstanding, busy year. The Senate itself is still developing, having been restructured only last year. Student Senate was r estr uctur ed to best represent undergraduate students and to provide an outlet for the wide span of needs, sentiments and expectations of the student body. “The responsibilities the e-board and the senators have has changed quite a bit,” said Brandon Heritier, executive committee chairperson. “This year we hope to change things up, and try to include the senators more, to the best of our abilities, and continue to grow as an organization.” On Wednesday, September 11, the committee of 27 persons met for its first session of the academic year to discuss the Senate’s priorities. The Senate’s primary focus this year is to eliminate the designated smoking areas on campus and all tobacco products, including chewing tobacco, in efforts for Aquinas College to become tobacco-free by 2015. The Senate is considering the consequences of the conversion. “We address the safety of those going off campus to smoke,” said Heritier. “We are doing a follow-up this year with campus security for those choosing to go off-campus to smoke and safety is going to look a lot different for those choosing to go off-campus to smoke.” Senate has a few other projects up its sleeve, including a possible update to the high-traffic areas in the Moose Cafe and a new forum on
Aquinas College’s sustainability. The committee also intends to build a stronger connection with commuter students with its Commuter Advisory Board. “I am looking forward to my new role as a member of the Commuter Committee,” said sophomore Senator Alan Lally. “I can build a bridge between the residents and commuters of our class.” Five new student representatives were inducted into senate during last Wednesday’s meeting as well, introducing Caleb Jenkins, Darcee Veldhouse, P.J. Neemish and Zoë Collenberg as first year Senators for the class of 2017. “It’s exciting because I get to give my classmates a voice,” said first year Senator Ian Scheidel. The academic year is well underway, and Student Senate will have a lot on its plate. Heritier advises the new student representatives to keep an open mind. “Be prepared to work and have fun, be prepared to make a difference on campus and represent your class to the best of your ability,” said Heritier. Student Senate hosts an open session twice a month with President Olizarez and Dean Maztke present to inform the representative of updates. All Aquinas College students and affiliates are welcome to attend Student Senate meetings. “I’ve learned that senate is only as influential as the students want it to be,” said Lalley. “So when you have a problem, speak up! We are here for you.”
Rock the block Residence Life plans third annual night of fun By Grant Kammer The Saint Reporter On Saturday, September 21, from 6 -11 p.m., Rock the Block returns for its third year at the Moose with more free food, live music and prizes, including an iPad Mini. Rock the Block has consistently been a fun way to kick off the school year, giving new students and upperclassmen a chance to mingle and enjoy the festivities. To satisfy the cravings of students, this installment of Rock the Block
This year will also feature swing dancing after the performances. The variety of music and bands provides the listening enjoyment for everyone. Like many events, this event is an Aquinas signature event, meaning that all in attendance will get an entry for the $1,000 scholarship, chosen at the end of the semester. Other highlights of the event will be trivia games between band sets, tailgating favorites like cornhole, and a raffle for prizes. Another fun feature will be a Henna tattoo artist
<< This year will also feature swing dancing after the performances >> will be catered by local favorites including Jimmy Johns, Yesterdog and Papa John’s Pizza. There is also expected to be ice cream and a root beer keg for everyone’s sweet tooth. “There will be food everyone knows and loves, and more than enough to go around,” said student planner sophomore John Sainz. As per usual, Rock the Block will feature local bands to provide entertainment and keep the party going. Performing that night are the Velchro Fibs, The A-chord, and Redemption. A talented group of students, returning professionals, and a high quality musical collaboration respectively. News Editor Laura Farrell
E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu
Phone (616) 632-2975
Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint
present to create tattoos. Sophomore Trisha Phillips,who attended last year, said it was “a great place to come together and meet people.” W o o d wa r d A r e a C o o r d i n a t o r Matt Delaney emphasized that Rock the Block is the first opportunity for students, commuter and resident alike, to come together as a community. Rock the Block represents the forming and strengthening of new connections through shared experience. Come hangout, make a new friend, and become a part of Aquinas.