The De Anza Associated Student Body Senate approved a $8,000 budget for the program Higher Education for AB 540 Students on Nov. 9, following two hours of non-stop debate.

Shaila Ramos, 20, DASB executive vice president and one of HEFAS’ administrators, said the program is designed to help undocumented students come forward and seek help and is not to be compared to the Integral Movement for AB 540 Student Success, which is a support club.

Due to a conflict of interest, Ramos was prevented from voting on the program’s budget.

While the debate was focused on the finer points of the budget and prioritization of expenditures, the length of the debate left members of the Senate frustrated. “I’ve been working on this project for two years and I am emotionally very attached to it now,” said Ramos.

Following the appropriations vote, Senator Christian Aguilar expressed his disappointment in the number of senators who did not show up for the Mobilize.org meet-up, and the sentiment was echoed by John Cognetta, ex-officio and adviser to the DASB Senate. 

“It is one thing to endorse and another thing to support,” said Cognetta. “Please support whatever you endorse.”

The Senate also gave its endorsement to Occupy De Anza hosted by the De Anza Restoring Education group and Students for Justice.

Finally, the Senate announced the introduction and approval of three new senators. Nicholas Lacroix, Nadine Talaat and Shreya Shankar. 

A spokesman for the Senate said it is always looking for new, passionate energy to join its team. Positions are open to all De Anza students.