Dear <<Salutation>> <<Last Name>>,
 
The Legislature held its first of five Committee Weeks prior to the start of the 2021 Legislative Session.   Session will begin on March 2, 2021.  The committees primarily held budget workshops and heard overview and update presentations.

This year, both chambers created new committees to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The House Pandemics & Public Emergencies Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Pandemic Preparedness and Response will study multiple issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The committees will make recommendations or introduce legislation. We are following both committees and will notify you of any proposed bills and other developments.

If you would like the Department of Governmental Relations to track a specific bill this session, please email Lynne Shaw at cshaw@fiu.edu.

As usual, this year’s session represents an opportunity for us to advocate for FIU’s priorities. We may need to reach out to you to gather information and resources for the Department of Governmental Relations to effectively engage state lawmakers on behalf of our university.
 
Finally, FIU Day in Tallahassee is scheduled for March 10, 2021. We will be asking for your support in promoting our priorities and thanking our legislative champions via social media.
 
Thank you for your support.
 
Sincerely,
Michelle L. Palacio
Vice President, Governmental Relations

The Senate Education Committee had an overview presentation on State Financial Aid Programs.   Florida has three types of aid programs:  merit-based, need-based and tuition assistance.  The presentation included a description, participation history, and funding history of the various programs with emphasis on the larger programs such as Bright Futures and the Florida Student Assistance Grants.  Meeting Materials (beginning on page 66).

The Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee heard HB 7 - Civil Liability for Damages Relating to COVID-19 by Representative Lawrence McClure.  The bill provides specific COVID-19-related liability protections for businesses, educational institutions (including postsecondary), government entities, religious organizations, and other entities.  A covered entity that makes a good faith effort to substantially comply with COVID-19 guidance is immune from civil liability from a COVID-19-related civil action.  Bill text and Staff Analysis.

The House Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee held a budget workshop.  The Chair gave an overview of Florida’s fiscal outlook.  The state is facing General Revenue deficits of $2.75 billion for FY 2021-22 and of $1.9 billion for FY 2022-23.  The proportionate share of the FY 2021-22 deficit for the subcommittee’s jurisdiction is $357 million.  The subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes the State University System, the Florida College System, state financial aid, workforce education and vocational rehabilitation.  The subcommittee has been tasked with making recommendations for budget reductions of at least $357 million for entities and programs under its jurisdiction. Meeting Materials.

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education heard presentations on amounts and uses of funding from the CARES Act for Florida’s K-20 education system.  Chancellor Marshall Criser presented the update on the State University System. Of the $14 billion funded in the CARES Act, the State University System received $288.5 million.  The system has distributed $122.8 million for student financial assistance and spent $92.0 million on other allowable expenses. Meeting Materials (beginning on page 3).