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

Welcome Back to the University of Freezing

I've heard several people say that Gainesville has two seasons: Sumer and Not Summer.  So far, this week definitely falls into the "Not Summer" category with all the cold weather that the polar vortex is sending down to ruin our usually moderate winters.  The good news is that forecasters are expecting Saturday to warm up to 80º...only in Florida.  In the mean time, bundle up and stay warm.

Several days ago, we turned calendars over and celebrated the beginning of the new year.  Monday marked the beginning of a new semester.  The start of both the new year and the new semester present a time where students can make goals or resolutions about the coming semester or year.  Regardless of if your goals are to achieve a greater level of fitness or to earn a 4.0 for the semester, Student Government is here and ready to help.

I am looking forward to an active spring semester and finishing my term as Student Body President as strong as when I took office.  There are a number of things in the works for the spring semester.  First is the Mobile Blue Light Application that Student Government has been working on for some time.  We are expecting to launch the app later this month, so be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks.

Another one of my primary focuses this semester will be to secure funding for Newell Hall.  Anyone who tried to use the library to study for final exams at the end of last semester is sure to realize that UF is lacking in study space.  Newell Hall will meet the needs of the student body by providing a 24-hour study facility that will provide students with the space and technologic infrastructure that we need to succeed in our classes.

Finally, Student Government is hosting an Open House on the 3rd floor of the Reitz Union this Thursday (tomorrow) from 12:00-3:00.  We will have light refreshments and information about everything we're doing this semester.  I hope to see you there!