Institute Looks Toward New Legislative Session
As the 2016 legislative session begins this month, Georgia Tech’s Office of Government and Community Relations will be focused on conveying Tech’s legislative priorities to Georgia’s leaders.
“Among our top priorities this year is securing $47.4 million for the renewal of Price Gilbert Library and Crosland Tower,” said vice president Dene Sheheane. “This initial-phase construction funding of the comprehensive renewal project would enable us to vastly increase core campus space for students. Planning and design for the project is underway as a result of the $1.7 million state allocation in FY15.”
Sheheane and his colleagues will also advocate for the following initiatives:
- Secure $1.62 million to expand startup incubator ATDC. The second of a two-year expansion project, this funding would provide additional professional coaching staff to support creation of new start-up companies in Georgia.
- Strengthen partnerships with Georgia AgriTech Innovation Initiative. This GTRI-led initiative involves building industry-focused partnerships to pursue and solve grand challenges in agriculture and to position Georgia as the leader in cutting-edge research, technology development and education.
Together with the University System of Georgia (USG), the Georgia Tech team will also work to secure important systemwide items:
- Secure renewal of the provision allowing carry-forward of certain USG funds. Under this provision, USG institutions can carry a small amount of funds from one fiscal year to the next, allowing for better planning and allocation of resources.
- Secure $54.45 million in new Formula Funds to be shared among all USG institutions. This funding supports critical day-to-day operations and is essential to maintaining academic quality.
- Secure $60 million in Major Repair and Rehabilitation Funds to repair aging facilities across the System. Georgia Tech’s allocation will be directed toward more than $100 million in deferred maintenance needs.
During the legislative session, the Office of Government and Community Relations also engages external partners in sharing Tech’s story. Members of the Capitol Jackets advocacy network, which includes alumni and partners on campus, receive a biweekly newsletter with updates from the Gold Dome. (Learn more or sign up.)
To demonstrate their appreciation for ongoing support from state lawmakers, the Georgia Tech community will convene at the State Capitol for the annual Georgia Tech Student Day at the Capitol on Feb. 1. (Learn more.)
Each session, Georgia Tech students have the opportunity to serve full-time as interns to legislators, legislative committees, or legislative staffers through the Georgia Legislative Internship Program, offered in collaboration with colleges and universities throughout Georgia and the Georgia General Assembly. (Learn more.)
Learn more about these events and programs, and sign up for newsletter updates about Tech’s state and federal relations efforts, at www.gov.gatech.edu.