Supporters of Madison House breathed a sigh of relief when Student Council overwhelmingly approved a bill last night increasing Madison House funding starting in the 2004-05 school year.
"If Madison House continued on their [current] budget, they would have to run on a deficit and possibly cut invaluable programs," Council President Daisy Lundy said. "Public service is an integral part of the student experience, and Madison House facilitates this by providing opportunities for over 3,000 students every year."
Madison House, which was set on a de-funding plan in 1998, would have faced deficits as early as the 2004 fiscal year without any increase in funds.
Under the new bill, Madison House will be financed by Council through the Student Activities Fund and will remain a Contracted Independent Organization.
Madison House will receive $50,000 in the 2004-05 school year, which will meet approximately 19 percent of its total budget. The organization's allocation will be re-evaluated each year by Council's appropriations committee.
"I think that from a big picture perspective, without this funding Madison House's mission is placed in jeopardy in the long run," said Mark Straub, a member of the Madison House Board of Directors. "Student Council recognizes the important and unique role that Madison House plays in the Charlottesville and Albemarle communities."
Straub added Madison House needs funds to train volunteers, conduct background checks and maintain a consistent level of quality in its programs.
According to Elizabeth Argeris, student co-chair of the Madison House Board of Directors, approximately half of the student body volunteers for at least one Madison House program. She added that Madison House volunteers make up 60 percent of the total number of volunteers in Charlottesville.
"This [bill] demonstrates that service is a long-term value in the University community," Argeris said. "It shows that Student Council recognizes that there is value in filling demonstrated needs in the community."
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