As the 2015 legislative session approaches, 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 $1.9 million to expand our startup incubator, ATDC,” said vice president Dene Sheheane. “This funding would enable us to build out existing space and staff to support new companies in clean energy, nanotechnology and advanced computing. By capitalizing on strong momentum and expertise in entrepreneurship at Tech, we would be helping create more companies and more jobs in Georgia.”

In addition, Sheheane and his colleagues will also advocate for the following initiatives:

• Secure $5 million for the modernization and expansion of the Holland Plant. This upgrade would provide additional capacity to provide air conditioning to 75 of Tech’s 200 buildings on campus, including the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons, the Campus Recreation Center, as well as several residence halls and academic buildings.
• Strengthen support for Georgia Tech “B-Units.” The “B” budget supports non-academic economic development programs. This funding maintains our ability to leverage state funds and attract significant external funding through the Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2) and Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI).

Together with the University System of Georgia, the Georgia Tech team will also work to secure important budgetary items:

• $44.4 million in new Formula Funds to be shared among all University System of Georgia institutions. Funding supports critical day-to-day operations and is essential to maintaining academic quality.
• $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.

“Georgia Tech has consistently benefitted from strong support from the state,” said Sheheane. “Last year we received planning funds for the renewal of the Georgia Tech Library, which will be moving forward over the next year.

“We are fortunate that Georgia has the seventh highest appropriation for higher education in the nation,” he added.

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 January 13, the second day of the 2015 session. Learn more about Student Day at the Capitol >

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. Learn more about Capitol Jackets >