As the state of Georgia’s 2017 legislative session begins this week, Georgia Tech’s Office of Government and Community Relations is set to promote Tech’s legislative priorities to Georgia’s state leaders.

“The multiyear renewal project of Price Gilbert Library and Crosland Tower continues to be the Institute’s top priority,” said Vice President for Government and Community Relations Dene Sheheane. “Securing the $47.4 million initial-phase construction funding for the comprehensive renewal project would enable us to vastly increase core campus space for students. Planning, design, and preconstruction for the project is underway as a result of previous years’ allocations.”

Sheheane and his colleagues will also work to strengthen partnerships for advanced manufacturing initiatives in Georgia among higher education institutions, government, and industry to position Georgia as a competitive leader for 21st century manufacturing.

Together with the University System of Georgia (USG), the Georgia Tech team will also work to secure important system-wide priorities:

• Secure $66.7 million in new Formula Funds for enrollment growth to be shared among all USG institutions. 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 USG. Georgia Tech’s allocation will be directed toward important 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 state Capitol.

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the Georgia Tech community along with the USG’s other research institutions will convene at the state Capitol for the annual Georgia Tech Student Day at the Capitol to share appreciation for the ongoing support from state lawmakers and showcase some of the great research and initiatives happening at Georgia Tech.

Each session, Georgia Tech students have the opportunity to serve as full-time interns to legislators, legislative committees, or legislative staffers through the Georgia Legislative Internship Program, offered in collaboration with colleagues and universities throughout Georgia and the Georgia General Assembly. This year, Georgia Tech has several interns at the state Capitol serving in various capacities. 

To learn more about these events and programs, and to sign up for email newsletter updates about Georgia Tech’s community, state, and federal relations efforts, visit gov.gatech.edu.