<p>Call to Action On Friday, Governor Scott delivered a crushing blow to the students and families of Polk County. With the stroke of a pen, Governor Scott vetoed $3 million, or 6 percent of Polk State College's operating budget. These funds were allocated to Polk State in 2011-12 and were incorporated into the College's general operations in order to expand access to education in southeast Polk County. As a result of this recurring funding, the College has been able to open and operate the Polk State JD Alexander Center which serves an average of 1,600 students per year. Of these students, 64% are female, 43% are minorities, and 41% are 25 years of age or older. The College has also been able to operate the Polk State Lake Wales Arts Center and expand arts programming which has led to an increase in enrollments in College music, visual arts, and theatre courses. Please join us in demanding that the members of the Polk County delegation reject any action that hurts the residents in our community who are working toward better jobs and quality of life through a Polk State College education. Demand that the delegation use their time during this week’s special session to work to restore the College’s base funding and to allow the College to continue to fulfil its mission of providing affordable, accessible higher education to the citizens of Polk County.</p><p>You may contact the Polk County Legislative Delegation at the following: Senator Denise Grimsley, Senate District 21 Email: [email protected] Phone: (863) 465-2626 / (850) 487-5026 Senator Tom Lee, Senate District 20 Email: [email protected] Phone: 813) 653-7061 / (850) 487-5020 Senator Kelli Stargel, Senate District 15 Email: [email protected] Phone: (863) 668-3028 / (850) 487-5022 Representative Neil Combee, House District 39 Email: [email protected] Phone: (863) 968-5666 / (850) 717-5039 Representative Colleen Burton, House District 40 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (863) 413-2640 / (850) 717-5040 Representative Sam Killebrew, House District 41 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (863) 291-5254 / (850) 717-5041 Representative Mike LaRosa, House District 42 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (407) 891-2555 / (850) 717-5042 Representative Ben Albritton, House District 56 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (863) 534-0073 / (850) 717-5056</p>