Tampa Bay Chamber’s Post

The Tampa Bay Chamber Board of Directors unanimously supports both the Community Investment Tax (CIT) renewal and the education millage increase as critical investments in Hillsborough County's future. The CIT renewal would provide $3.8 billion over 15 years for essential infrastructure projects, with major allocations for transportation (41.4%), public safety (23.4%), and other vital services that support economic growth and quality of life. The education millage would generate $177 million annually to address severe staffing shortages in schools, with 92% dedicated to raising teacher and support staff pay to competitive levels, as Hillsborough currently faces critical vacancies and Florida ranks 50th nationally in teacher compensation. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eYbEUjXz

At Feeding Tampa Bay, we believe that every citizen of our country should exercise their right to vote. There are a few things on the ballots this year that we'd like to recognize: The Millage Referendum - The education of children in our community is critical for both the students, but also our region. The long-term investment in education always lifts communities and for this reason, Feeding Tampa Bay supports the millage referendum. A millage #referendum can ensure our #Hillsborough County Public Schools have the resources to retain and recruit excellent educators, providing the best educational experience for our future #leaders. The Community Investment Tax - The Community Investment Tax (CIT) will support the long-term viability and livability of our community.  Investment in critical infrastructure like roads and other measures ensures families can get to and from work, and provides an adequate foundation that helps prevent losses during storms. For these reasons, Feeding Tampa Bay supports the CIT.  #OurStudentsOurFuture #InvestingInStudents #Vote 

Recently, I had the opportunity to contribute to a discussion on the increasing number of school bond and operational funding referendums throughout the Midwest with my colleague David Erdman. The article highlights several districts who have put their issues on the ballot. As I mentioned in the article, there is a potential for some taxpayer opposition, especially given the current economic climate. Many states require large-scale capital improvements to go through a referendum, which can be time-consuming and expensive. This often leads to districts deferring maintenance and opting for larger projects when they decide to go to the voters. However, the downside of waiting is that deferred maintenance costs keep increasing and the list of needs continues to grow. The full article can be accessed by clicking the link below:

In Medford, Massachusetts, three separate budget override ballot questions will be up for consideration, each with significant implications for the community. Ballot Question 7 proposes a $3.5M override to stabilize the schools and Department of Public Works (DPW). This would provide $3M to Medford Public Schools to address staffing shortages for teachers, literacy coaches, behavior specialists, and more. The DPW would receive $500K for road and sidewalk repairs. Without this funding, essential services could be underfunded, impacting the quality of education and infrastructure in the city. Ballot Question 8 seeks an additional $4M to invest in the future of Medford Public Schools, focusing on expanding vocational programming, arts, and classroom opportunities. This measure would improve educational diversity and potentially enhance teacher retention. However, this added funding could raise property taxes, placing a burden on residents, particularly homeowners. Ballot Question 6 proposes a debt exclusion to fund a new Fire Station Headquarters. Financed through bonds, this would result in short-term tax increases to cover the construction. The goal is to improve emergency services and community safety by building a modernized facility. If all three measures pass, Medford residents would face increased property taxes to fund these vital services and infrastructure upgrades. While this could strain some residents financially, particularly those on fixed incomes, the improvements to education, infrastructure, and emergency services are intended to boost overall quality of life. Failure to pass these measures could result in budget shortfalls, potentially leading to cuts in school services, infrastructure delays, and an outdated fire station. What are your thoughts on these proposals? #Community #Medford #PublicServices #Education #Infrastructure

The Tampa Bay Chamber Board of Directors unanimously supports both the Community Investment Tax (CIT) renewal and the education millage increase as critical investments in Hillsborough County's future. The CIT renewal would provide $3.8 billion over 15 years for essential infrastructure projects, with major allocations for transportation (41.4%), public safety (23.4%), and other vital services that support economic growth and quality of life. The education millage would generate $177 million annually to address severe staffing shortages in schools, with 92% dedicated to raising teacher and support staff pay to competitive levels, as Hillsborough currently faces critical vacancies and Florida ranks 50th nationally in teacher compensation. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eYbEUjXz

Governor Shapiro's budget and plan aim to revitalize Pennsylvania’s higher education system by increasing access and affordability. Key initiatives include: 🔹 State Board of Higher Education: Greater support and coordination to meet workforce needs. 🔹 Performance-Based Funding: New funding formula for state-related universities. 🔹 Increased Funding: $15.7M (6%) boost for community colleges, $35.1M (6%) boost for PASSHE schools. 🔹 Scholarships & Grants: Over $120M in additional funding, including $54M for PHEAA grants and $5M for disadvantaged students. This bipartisan effort is set to create more opportunities for students and families across Pennsylvania.

New York City's Government Approved a Budget for the Upcoming Fiscal Year It literally came down to the last day, but both the city's legislature (the City Council, who must vote in favor of a budget) and the city's executive (the Mayor, who can veto the City Council's decision, subject to a possible override vote) came to an agreement and approved a budget for the fiscal year beginning tomorrow, July 1. In total, the budget provides for the city to spend $112 billion; it was approved by the council with three dissenting votes. Among the more contentious issues, the final budget allocates $100 million for early children's programs, $2 billion for various housing programs and other housing-related issues, and enough money to allow the city's library systems to reopen on Sundays. This article discussing it was posted by NY1 News on June 30, 2024. #governmentfinance #budgeting #newyorkcity #budgets #governmentbudgeting https://lnkd.in/etZcemZ8

The Chicago Park District General Superintendent & CEO Rosa Escareño presents the $598.5 million 2025 Budget Recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. The 2025 financial plan is a responsible, balanced budget that does not impose any new taxes on Chicagoans. -->It supports Chicago residents by maintaining park programs affordable and accessible, and, -->Invests in its workforce to strengthen the pipeline for youth employment necessary to bolster robust, quality programming.  -->The spending plan also reinforces the Park’s role as wellness and environmental stewards while funding essential neighborhood infrastructure projects. --> Read more about the 2025 Budget Recommendations at https://lnkd.in/g7Ccs7PE

From the start, leaders knew funds from sales tax would be necessary to meet the needs of Lee County’s growing population including education, but no one could have known just how rapid Lee County’s population growth would become. Our 2023 Annual Report found that there are 11,000 employees serving nearly 100,000 students in the District. In fact, one out of three Lee County residents are impacted through education or employment by the District. As the population grows, facilities age and other sources of capital funding have decreased or been eliminated, the power of ½ cent sales tax is even more significant. Here are some ways the funds have already contributed to a better education in Lee County.🎓 #HorizonFoundation #LeeCounty

Our team at City Forward Collective has analyzed the nearly 1,000-page MPS FY2025 budget proposal, and we've distilled the key findings into a concise, easy-to-understand brief. Discover what's in store for Milwaukee's students and schools, and learn why your voice matters in the upcoming budget adoption process. Key questions we address: - What are MPS' academic goals, and how will the budget help achieve them? - Is there a plan for rightsizing the district? - How will the referendum funds be allocated? - Are all students receiving fair and equal funding? Read our brief now and get informed before the crucial budget meetings take place. Your input can make a difference in shaping the future of Milwaukee's education landscape https://lnkd.in/g8btRWGT