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Support for Higher Education
Support of higher education has been a core principle of the SPDP. Our support for academic programs as well as the creating and nurturing of research and entrepreneurial enterprises grounded in marine science remains one our touchstones. Legislative support for the many initiatives in this sector remains essential to our momentum and identity as a leader in marine science.
Support of SPC and its capacity to address pressing workforce needs, including the development of apprentice programs, certificate programs, and bridge programs to USF is significant to members of the Partnership and the St. Petersburg business community. These needs are amplified by COVID and the shifting needs for workforce development driven by analytics. The Partnership is working on a plan to fund a technical database and is providing access to key stakeholders to ensure our workforce programs are targeted to the correct industries.
Funding for academic clusters to ensure the continued implementation of USF consolidation is critical to the SPDP and the community. As the Legislature confronts budget challenges, the Pinellas Delegation has our support in ensuring directed funding to the USF St. Petersburg campus to continue to build our academic programs for our students.
Second District Court
Finding a new home for the Second District Court of Appeals has been identified as a top need by the judiciary. The existing facility in Polk County are inadequate and there is urgency in identifying and funding a new facility. While $21 million for the project was included in the 2020 appropriations act, it was vetoed due to the unknown implications of COVID.
A top priority for the SPDP is to secure funding for the facility to be located in St. Petersburg. While the revenue sources for the 2021-2022 year has some ambiguity as the Florida economy recovers, funding could come from federal assistance as part of a economic stimulus initiative or state funding, including the possibility of bonding.
The SPDP encourages the Pinellas Delegation, with the strong leadership of Chairman Brandes, to securing the funding of the DCA a top priority.
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