Student groups may face significant budget cuts next year after the ASUC Senate spent almost $300,000 this year, despite stalled revenues.

The senate has spent nearly $90,000 this semester, compared to about $65,000 during spring 2008, which will likely result in across-the-board cuts for spring budgeting, according to Finance Chair Madelaine Batac.

The financial crunch is affecting spring budgeting decisions already under way. Senators must cut down on future spending and reexamine campus rental agreements that will not likely bring any profits to the ASUC this year, or else severe budget cuts may be needed, Batac said.

"We had $420,000 at the beginning of this year and they still couldn't make ends meet," she said at Wednesday's senate meeting. "If we become fiscally irresponsible, the independence that we cherish ... will quickly disappear."

The reserve ASUC fund has been drained from $420,000 at the beginning of the year to only $141,900.

A likely decrease in aid is causing concern for student groups that have up to now avoided significant cuts from the ASUC. UC Rally Committee, one of the highest-funded student groups on campus, received $33,000 in the 2008-09 ASUC budget.

"While the Committee applies for grants and consistently looks for alternate funding sources, financial support from the ASUC is a crucial part of our continued ability to put on traditional, campus-wide events," Committee Chair Ashley Wolfe said.

Other campus groups that receive significant funding say the cuts would add to already pressing financial woes.

"The only thing it will affect is whether we run five or six issues," said David Hollingsworth, editor of the Heuristic Squelch. "What's really been hitting us has been the lack of advertising revenue from local businesses."

Batac has suggested capping spending at $28,000 for the rest of the semester and a 2 percent across-the-board budget cut next year. She will submit a draft of the 2009-10 budget to the senate next week, which will need a two-thirds vote to pass.

Student Action Senator Tu Tran, an ASUC executive vice presidential candidate, has spent more than all active senators, sponsoring 34 bills totaling $15,488. The next highest spender is Student Action senator Meghana Dhar, who has sponsored 24 bills worth $10,121.83.

In light of the senate's financial situation, CalSERVE senator Mary June Flores said she intends to urge groups to seek more outside funding.

"I've started taking things more seriously," she said.

Some senators say controlling spending has been difficult because the senate has not heeded Batac's advice.

"People didn't take (her) that seriously," said Berkeley College Republicans Senator Tommy Owens. "The two parties are trying to use pork barrel spending as a way of campaigning."

He added that a recall election costing $20,000 only further illustrated the senate's fiscal irresponsibility.

Senators from both CalSERVE and Student Action said they are proud of the senate's support for student groups, but action must be taken quickly.

"We need a cut made all across the board," said Student Action Senator Eddie Nahabet.

The current financial strain mirrors problems that led the ASUC to default on a $6 million debt in 1998, said Auxiliary Director Nadesan Permaul.

"(The administration) expressed concern," he said. "(ASUC needs) a consistent business philosophy that enables them to pay for their operations, and they haven't been able to come to terms on that issue."

Tags: ASUC FINANCES, ASUC SENATE