2015 LEGISLATIVE ISSUES/AGENDA
Port Everglades Deepening & Widening Project
Ensuring Permitting Process is completed; Federal cost-share funding for Pre-Construction Engineering and Design (PED) phase
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
FAA Reauthorization push, specifically focused on increased Passenger Facility Charges; Increased CBP funding levels as well as increased funding for new Federal Inspection Services Facility in Terminal 1; Ensuring proper training for Air Traffic Control professionals.
Segment II Beach Renourishment
Pushing for a completed Project Participation Agreement with the US Army Corps of Engineers which would allow construction to start at the end of Turtle Nesting Season
New Federal Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale
Expediting the GSA review of courthouse community’s proposed PPP to fund a new federal courthouse
Veteran’s Affairs
The Delegates will support the Veteran Education Empowerment Act, which if passed, will launch a grant program in the Department of Education to help institutions of higher education establish veteran student centers.
Energy
Encouraging parity for incentives for diverse energy technologies
Transportation
Complete the Surface programs (highway) reauthorization bill with additional funds in the Highway Trust Fund; Create new funding streams for public transportation projects including the Wave and BC Transit system
Environment
US Army Corps of Engineers should include funding in FY16 Workplan to move forward on the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) as well as expedite other projects related to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP); Advocate for additional Department of Defense funding to support tire removal efforts off the Broward County coast.
Health and Human Services
Advocate for prompt pay legislation/report language to expedite formula funding from federal government to Broward County’s Ryan White Care Act Part A office, so that additional constituents with HIV/AIDS; Oppose any further cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs. Increase funding to HUD McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants Programs as well as remove the cap on Housing Tax Credits available to Local Housing Finance Authorities; Revisit Immigration reform to create an expeditious but fair path to citizenship for all immigrants along with increased border security with defined metrics for success.
Civil Rights
Provide additional grant funding opportunities for local law enforcement agencies to fund body camera pilot programs.