Heather Mangan

Tony Venhuizen, student regent, spoke to the Students Association Oct. 4 about the repeal of the food tax, which will be on the November ballot.

If approved, the issue would eliminate the food sales tax on grocery items, Venhuizen said. South Dakota citizens are currently paying a 5.9 percent tax on food.

If it passes, it would help low-income families, he said. But if the food sales tax is eliminated, the state would suffer a $41 million cut in the budget. Venhuizen said higher education could take a major hit if voters eliminate the sales tax on food.

“Politically, it’s much easier to cut higher education,” he said. “We are very worried about the impact on education. Any cuts they would make could be painful.”

After Venhuizen’s presentation, senators were able to ask him questions about the food sales tax issue and other Board of Regents issues.

In other SA business:

* SA President Amanda Mattingly discussed the plans for the trophy ceremony after the NDSU/SDSU football game Oct. 8.

* The senators approved the budget for the 2004-2005 school year.

* SA Advisor Marysz Rames asked for senators to give their ideas about SDSU setting up a Intranet, which would be a resource for students to check their records. She said it would be a step-up from Webadvisor.

The next SA meeting will be held Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. in Peterson Recital Hall in Lincoln Music Hall.