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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: January 9, 2012
As the 2012 legislative session begins this month, Georgia Tech’s Office of Government and Community Relations will be focused on conveying Tech’s legislative priorities to Georgia’s leaders.
“Our number one priority for this year is securing $59 million in bonds to fund the construction of the Engineered Biosystems Building (EBB), which will provide 200,000 square feet of multidisciplinary research space,” said Dene Sheheane, executive director of Government and Community Relations. “It’s a facility that will allow for collaboration across campus and across institutions and help provide a competitive advantage for the state.”
If the General Assembly and Governor Nathan Deal approve the funding, Tech will leverage it with $34 million in private philanthropy to build the EBB, which will likely attract nonstate investment and economic development opportunities to the area.
Sheheane and his colleagues will also advocate for the following initiatives:
Government and Community Relations staff will also be keeping close tabs on ongoing discussions regarding the HOPE Scholarship.
"As the legislature begins to assess last year's work to save HOPE and future prospects for the scholarship program, we will be at the table to share Tech's perspective," Sheheane said. "It's our goal to ensure that Georgia Tech remains a value for our students."
“Thanks to the focus of President Peterson and his Executive Leadership Team, we have been able to forge great relationships with legislative leaders, and we have already been working over the past few months to share our priorities,” Sheheane said. “The impact of Georgia Tech and our other university system institutions is well known at the Capitol, and we will work to continue sharing this story.”
During the legislative session, the Office of Government and Community Relations also engages external partners in sharing Georgia Tech’s story.
Members of the Capitol Jackets group, made up of alumni across the state and partners on campus, receive a biweekly newsletter with updates and calls to action. Those interested in the group can click here.
For more information, contact Sheheane.