March 18th eView

The hiring and retention of the right talent is critical to remaining competitive in today’s economy. At this event we will discuss recruiting and retaining veteran and military spouse talent with guest speakers Crystal Lewis of HNTB, Jessica Long of Hiring Our Heroes, and Rebecca Mohan-Gonzales of Raymond James Financial.

Don’t miss out on this insightful discussion that could impact how you hire!

Thank you to our sponsor, USAA!

• Three percent raise for state employees;
• $1.8 billion increase in public school funding, or $240 more per-pupil;
• $2.4 billion for state colleges, $3.7 billion for state universities and $243 million for HCBUs;
• $80 million to VISIT Florida;
• $75 million to the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund;
• $46 billion for healthcare items, including $717 million set aside for Live Healthy legislation, a Chamber-supported bill.

Specific to the transportation referendum, our Chamber members expressed their disappointment with the legislature regarding their decision to return less than half of the 2018 Hillsborough County transportation sales tax referendum funds. The Florida Legislature appropriated just $256 million of the $570 million in escrow to be set aside for transportation projects. This final vote happening despite 700+ letters from Chamber Members concerned about Hillsborough County’s $13 billion backlog in transportation projects. Each elected official acknowledged the frustrations and dissatisfaction of Chamber members, and courteously explained their position regarding the matter.

We truly appreciate Senator Jay Collins, Senator Darryl Rouson, Representative Mike Beltran, Representative Berny Jacques, and Representative Fentrice Driskell for taking time out of their schedule to join us.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Tampa Electric!

The Hillsborough County Commission met this week to discuss moving forward on placing the Community Investment Tax (CIT) renewal on the 2024 ballot. The CIT is a half-percent sales tax that was approved by Hillsborough County voters in September 1996 for a period of 30 years. It expires November 30, 2026.

The sales tax helps fund a variety of capital improvement projects in Hillsborough County and the cities of Plant City, Tampa, and Temple Terrace. These projects include construction, as well as improvements, for schools, infrastructure, public safety, libraries and other community projects.

Unfortunately, there is consideration by the Hillsborough County Commission to remove schools from this iteration of the CIT and we need your support in urging our commission to reverse course.

Since 1996, Hillsborough County Public Schools has received $655 million in CIT funds, directly impacting the lives of more than 220,000 students and 24,000 employees each year. Our schools are key to our region’s future success.

Leadership Tampa is an intensive executive leadership program that introduces a diverse group of participants – to GAIN insight into the major facets of the greater Tampa Bay community through educational sessions, tours and candid conversations with community leaders. Class members participate in a “behind-the-scenes” look of Tampa Bay and take part in experiences and other activities that provide an in depth look at Tampa Bay, challenging them to GIVE back and GROW their community.

Voting ends Monday, April 8th, so let’s make every day count! Show your support for this amazing community asset by voting daily and spreading the word!

You can help TPO and help shape the future of transportation in Hillsborough County by completing the following survey:

SOLD OUT: Join us for our next Get Connected on April 18th!