Money became an issue last night, as the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Senate denied funding to the USG judicial branch, but allocated funds to another student group.

USG Treasurer Amy McKiernan initially reported that the USG budget contained $1,650, not including $2,100, which was allocated last week for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. After some discussion between McKiernan and East Halls Sen. Matthew Ritsko about the actual amount, the final budget reported was $1,542.56.

The USG Supreme Court was denied its request for $366 to activate a phone line in the office it will soon share with USG's Legal Affairs committee, 222 HUB-Robeson Center.

While many senators agreed it was necessary for Supreme Court to have their own office, there was debate over whether a phone line was essential.

Town Sen. Michael Yohannan cited the limited funding as a reason to spend money wisely. Yohannan suggested making the Court's new office a "private consultation room," rather than a fully functional office.

However, Town Sen. Bill Knauss said the office was needed so sensitive material could be discussed "in a more private setting."

Although the bill received a majority vote of 15-9-0, it did not garner the two-thirds necessary to pass.

However the Senate approved the West Halls Residence Association's request of $291.85 for its Fall Fever 2003, to be held on Nov. 2.

Although many senators agreed it was unfair to allocate money to an outside organization after denying it to one of their own, the legislation passed 20-3-0.

The Senate also approved Frank Camarota (freshman-political science) as executive governmental relations director, whose main responsibility is organizing lobbying trips.

The position was vacated when Kevin "Kip" Talley lied to The Daily Collegian in February. Talley said 10 USG members traveled to Harrisburg to discuss university appropriations and the state budget, when in fact, the trip was canceled because a key member could not attend.

Camarota was interviewed by, and received a low rating from, members of the Senate's Internal Affairs committee Monday, mainly because of his semester standing.

Some senators expressed the same concern during the meeting, but Camarota said it would not be a factor.

"I possess more than enough leadership experience and the overall work ethic. Look past my age and more at my experience," he said.

USG President Ian Rosenberger said he was confident in the Senate's decision.

"His dedication and knowledge already make him more than ready for the job," he said. "He's excited; it'll be exciting to see what comes from him."