C12.04 - Receive Input on Issues of Importance for the 2020/2021 Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Legislative Priorities (Government Affairs)

The 2020/2021 HCPS legislative priorities, both state and federal, summarize the district's position on priority policy and funding issues. These priorities will guide staff and our contracted lobbyists on issues that (1) are important to the district; (2) are items that are actionable in the 2021 legislative session; and (3) could impact the district's policy and operations.

The state and federal HCPS legislative priorities will include policy and appropriation requests on issues of importance to our district. The priorities will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to meet the needs of our district.

With respect to legislative priorities in 2019/2020, HCPS:

• Secured in the budget a $500,000 state appropriation for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) funding (vetoed by the Governor on June 29, 2020)
• Submitted a federal appropriation request in support of the renovation and expansion of facilities at Tinker K-8 School (pending Congressional approval)
• Submitted letters to members of Congress and federal agencies in support of HCPS funding matters, including federal stimulus legislation, and communicated stories of our district's successful transition to eLearning in March-May 2020 

Gather input on public education issues to steer our legislative lobbying efforts during the 2021 legislative session. Priorities will serve as a guide in the district's advocacy efforts and provide a framework for our contracted lobbyists to demonstrate clearly defined results and successes with respect to legislative support and outcomes.

* Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child

* Continuously improve processes and systems

* Establish a strong foundation of financial stewardship

* Construct and maintain facilities that create an environment conducive to teaching and learning

To discuss and receive input on the 2020/2021 HCPS legislative priorities

Kristin Davis, Department Manager, Government Relations, kristin.davis@hcps.net, (813) 272-4055