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FIU is actively developing new strategies to support and implement President Rosenberg's transition goals outlined in his white paper, "Hit the Ground Running."

In Washington, we are finalizing the requests for FY 2010 funding which Congress has been considering over the course of the year.  So far, we are pleased to report that in the House of Representatives, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart has secured $1 million for our Wall of Wind project, an important project to develop the best construction methodologies to withstand hurricane force winds.  In the Senate, both Senator Nelson and former Senator Martinez helped to secure $100,000 to continue development of our new prototype storm surge model.

We have also been monitoring healthcare reform legislation for ways to elevate awareness of the first in the nation NeighborhoodHELP program developed by our new Wertheim College of Medicine.  While Congress has yet to specifically adopt FIU's program as a national model, we continue to raise awareness of FIU's  unique aproach to community health and medical education.

In addition, we are seeking a federal University Transportation Center designation for FIU's Lehman Transportation Research Center as part of the pending federal highway reauthorization bill.  Click here for more information about the Lehman Center.   This legislation is under active consideration even though final passage is not expected until after the 2010 elections.

We appreciate the active support of our friends who represent Florida International University in Congress.  Congratulations to Senator LeMieux on his appointment to the U.S. Senate and best wishes to Senator Martinez.

Staff News.  The FIU Federal Relations team is actively searching for a replacement for Susan Moya, FIU's Director of Federal Relations, who retires January 4th.  Interested candidates should apply on-line at www.fiujobs.org

Best wishes to Susan in her retirement to Florida and thanks for your service these past 8 1/2 years.  She leaves a legacy of interns who came under her tutelage and who are now launching successful careers of their own.  Before she leaves, Susan is working hard to help us develop our FY 2011 requests for Congressionally-directed funding to FIU.

In Tallahassee, the Florida Cabinet has passed a resolution requested by Vice President Steve Sauls in support of Florida's $2.9 billion Hi Speed Rail application pending review by the U.S. Department of Transportation.  Florida is competing for its share of $8 billion in federal funds that has been appropriated to start a national high speed rail network.  FIU has been actively engaged with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in support of this new national transportation system which could transform economic development in Florida. 

Florida Senate President Jeff Atwater has called for a Special Session to address commuter rail issues vital to favorable federal approval of Florida's Hi Speed Rail application.  No session has yet been scheduled.

For a preview of FIU's 2010 Legislative Session priorities, click here.  We are in the process of planning FIU Day 2010 on March 3rd. 

Friends of the university are encouraged to thank their legislators for supporting Florida International University.  To determine who  your  legislators are, click on the following link and enter your zip code, Legislator Contacts.

Watch this space for weekly updates and follow FIUgov on Twitter for headline news on FIU's legislative issues.

Thank you for your interest and support for Florida International University.

Steve Sauls
Vice President Governmental Relations
govtrel@fiu.edu