Sign Up for Rally in Tally 2014

Rally in Tally is an annual event hosted and produced by the Florida Student Association.  Students from Florida's public universities come together to lobby on behalf of the 300,000 students that attend Florida's public universities.  Transportation to and from Tallahassee is covered by Student Government.  Students that choose to attend will be responsible for their own lunch.  Space is limited and is reserved on a first come, first served basis.  Sign up below to reserve your spot!

Legislative Preview

As we enjoy Spring Break next week, the Florida Legislature will begin its 60 day session.  In preparation for the upcoming Session, I wanted to provide a quick update on our lobbying efforts.

Veterans Tuition

Both Speaker Weatherford and President Gatez have supported a large bill that would make Florida one of the friendliest states for veterans.  Included in this legislation is language that would grant in-state tuition to veterans at all public Florida institutions.  I thank Reps. Peters and Fitzenhagen as well as Sen. Latvala for their leadership on this important issue.  I also thank Speaker Weatherford and President Gatez for their support of our veterans that have chosen to live in Florida after their service to our country.

Newell Hall

Securing funding to transform Newell Hall into a student study center is one of, if not my biggest priority this session.  Inadequate study space on campus has been an issue for far too long, and repurposing Newell Hall is a fantastic solution to that problem.  I look forward to working with Chairman Negron in the Florida Senate and Chairman McKeel in the Florida House of Representatives to secure the funding we need to make this plan a reality.  

Renewing PECO Funding

A proud UF alumnus and Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam recently unveiled a plan to help Florida Businesses and Florida's Schools.  Historically, the construction of educational buildings and maintenance of school facilities was funded through Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO).  Over the past few years, the funding for PECO has nearly dried up and florida schools are left with infrastructure that is rapidly deteriorating.  Commissioner Putnam, along with the leadership of fellow Gator Sen. Flores and Rep. Hill, proposes cutting corporate energy taxes in half and redirecting the remaining revenue to the PECO program, which provides funding for Florida's university system as well as K-12 schools.  

This plan benefits UF students in two obvious ways: First, the State of Florida will now have a dedicated funding source for PECO and will be able to allocate money for new facilities and maintain existing infrastructure.  Second, the reduced tax burden on businesses will make Florida more competitive, attracting more businesses to Florida and creating more jobs for Floridians (including college graduates like us!).

Stay tuned to my blog and SG's social media for more information about how you can help lobby the Florida Legislature.

Go Gators!

UF is Dedicated to Creating More Study Space

Check out my Letter to the Editor that ran in the Alligator today:

President Machen recently unveiled a plan to create more student study space on the first floor of Marston Science Library.  I could not be more supportive of this decision.  According to the Student Experience in the Research University (SERU) survey, UF students identify more study space as the biggest need at UF. 
 
The plan to add study space for nearly 700 students is a much needed improvement.  Student Government recognizes the need for more study space, and we are working to create even more study locations on campus.
 
One of my biggest priorities this semester is to secure funding to transform Newell Hall into a study space equipped with the latest technology and infrastructure to support the needs of students in the 21st century.  Newell Hall, when combined with the new plans for Marston, will increase student study space by 40 percent.
 
I will be working with External Affairs Chair, Abby Whiddon to lobby the state legislature in the upcoming session, but we are going to need some help.  We will need the entire student body to help us show the elected officials in Tallahassee that renovating Newell Hall is a project worth investing in.
 
Go Gators,
Christina Bonarrigo
UF Student Body President

2014 Legislative Agenda

Last Monday I traveled with External Affairs Director Abby Whiddon to meet with some of our state legislators.  As the Florida Legislature starts their September committee meetings, Student Government is formulating our legislative agenda.  Our meetings were positive and productive, and I am looking forward to a great legislative session.

I want to make sure that students' needs are at the forefront of this year's legislative agenda.  Please complete the survey below to let me know which issues are most important to you!

Second Lunch on the Lawn with Bon

Today I will be hosting my second Lunch on the Lawn during my administration! Make sure to stop by today for some free food and information about the different Agencies inside Student Government to learn more about getting involved. Here is a brief overview of the diverse agencies inside the Executive Branch of SG, all of which aim to accomplish a different, important goal.

ACCENT Speaker's Bureau is the largest student-run speaker's bureau in the nation, and has provided the University of Florida with many big name speakers in its 30-year existence, including past Presidents, Prime Ministers and business and sports legends. Action SG serves students by providing transparency and accountability to our Student Government. Its main goal is to publicize all events and services that Student Government puts on. If you are interested in the election process, then the Elections agency is the spot for you. They are the people that run the largest one of the largest student-run elections in the country.

External Affairs is an agency that is responsible for representing student opinion and views on key legislative government priorities on the local, state, and federal level. They are a representative voice for the student body when it comes to different political views and standpoints on many important topics. Freshman Leadership Council is one of my personal favorite agencies on campus, as it provides an amazing opportunity for freshman to get involved in and learn about Student Government, while also getting a chance to get involved in the Gainesville community early on in their collegiate careers.

Gator Innovators is one of the newest agencies on campus, geared towards students who have interest in entrepreneurial startups in the Gainesville communities. It is one of the most innovative agencies we have, and proves that SG is always striving to push the limits and better the community around us. Gators Going Green is responsible for advocating sustainability issues and ensuring that the University of Florida stays ahead of the curve with the nationwide push to "go green".

STAAR is an agency that has been educating students for over 10 years about racism all over the Gainesville community and striving to ensure equality for all student and residents in the area. Last but not least, Student Government Productions (SGP) provides a wide and diverse array of popular entertainment to students for free or at a reduced cost.

As you can see, there are a plethora of different agencies to get involved in in Student Government, so stop by Lunch on the Lawn today to learn more details about each and how to apply!