Thanks to the strong support and involvement of our Gators for Higher Ed (G4HE) advocates, like you, the University of Florida had a successful legislative session. Please find important updates about the University of Florida below, including details on how the university faired this legislative session.
2017 LEGISLATIVE RECAP
The 2017 Florida Legislative Session ended on Monday, May 8, 2017. The State Budget, as passed by the Florida Legislature, totaled $83 billion. Higher Education was a legislative priority this year, and the University of Florida received approximately $120 million in new funding as a result.
The following is a breakdown of funding for the University of Florida:
$52 million to help us achieve our goal of becoming a top-ranked public research university. These funds will be used to grow junior and senior faculty, increase faculty compensation and provide graduate students with higher stipends. The resources come from Preeminence and Performance funds, as well as two new initiatives, the World Class Faculty and Scholars and Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence programs.
$33 million for completion of the renovation of Norman Hall, completion of the Engineering Nexus Building and the planning of renovations and additions to the School of Music building. The Legislature also approved $17 million for building maintenance for UF.
Also important are the appropriations we received for various programs at UF. They include:
* Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Research: $1.5 million
* College of Pharmacy Medical Marijuana: $2 million
* Zika Infrastructure: $1.5 million
* Veterinary Institute for Comparative Diagnostics: $1.5 million
* Integrated Pediatric Research and Education: $1.25 million
* Lastinger Center- Access to Abuse Prevention & Trauma Informed Care: $2 million
* IFAS workload: $1 million
* Lastinger Center- Algebra Nation: $1 million
* IFAS Water Quality Best Management Practices: $800,000
* IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center: $750,000
* Program to Cure Dystonia and Other Muscle Disorders: $500,000
* St. Augustine Roofs: $250,000
* Early Childhood Music Education Incentive: $250,000
* Advanced Training of Pediatric Child Abuse Specialist: $300,000
All of the bills passed during session are subject to the Governor’s veto, and we will be working with the Governor’s staff to inform them of the importance of our projects to the university and the state.
TAKE ACTION GATORS!
The Gator Nation is everywhere! We appreciate the legislative support of higher education and the University of Florida. Please take a few minutes to contact your local state senator or representative to say thanks! You can find your legislator through the G4HE website.
And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
FEEDBACK
We welcome your feedback and suggestions on how we can improve. Please send your comments to gfhe@ufl.edu.
We need Gators like you lending your voice and getting involved. Together we WILL make a difference! Thank you for supporting Gators for Higher Education and the University of Florida!