Fiscal responsibility was the name of the game Thursday night at the Student Services Finance Committee meeting, as the Student Leadership Program and Law Student Center pitched their budgets for the 2007-08 fiscal year.

Both SLP and LSC fielded questions from the board regarding whether specific portions of the budgets were appropriate.

SLP outreach coordinator Jenna Looney led the group's presentation for $55,704.05. The figure includes funding for a two-day Wisconsin Dells training session for 50 out of the approximately 100 members, as well as operational costs for various events.

"We are a valuable and effective organization with a strong presence on campus," Looney said. "We support and encourage any well-organized group that strives to increase leadership initiatives here at UW-Madison."

SLP organizational management coordinator Neha Sehgal explained food costs for banquets and events hosted by SLP include meals ranging from $8.40 to $10.95 each. Both SLP and LSC argued food is essential to maintaining attendees at various events.

SSFC representative Mike Manuel said the group must look at both Wisconsin food budget standards and the need for the advancement of the organization.

"We have to follow state guidelines in terms of per person food items with state maximums," Manuel said. "We also look [to see] if food is a necessary part of the program — if it's contingent or significantly affecting what's going on with the program."

Lauren Wolf, director of LSC, answered budget inquiries from SSFC members as they examined LSC's $17,645.68 request. The recently relocated organization houses law student volunteers holding bachelor's degrees who provide advice on legal issues to students as well as the community.

"A lot of our expenses are coming from the fact that we do have a move," Wolf said. "We don't have any funding this year, so we're not going to have money this year to advertise."