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Chamber of Commerce is on board with Hillsborough schools referendum

 
Published Sept. 27, 2018|Updated Sept. 27, 2018

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce's governing board voted Thursday to support the Hillsborough County School District's bid for a half-cent sales tax hike.

"This tax would help to provide our students with a suitable and productive learning environment, as part of a long-term sustainable plan for the Hillsborough County School District," says a statement from the business organization.

"In alignment with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce's guiding principle on workforce development, our business community is committed to partnering with stakeholders and policy makers to advocate for adequate resources to help recruit, develop, and retain talent in Hillsborough County. This initiative requires support from multiple funding sources and elected officials, and to help satisfy those critical funding needs the Chamber supports the education referendum."

Voters will decide the question at the polls on Nov. 6. With early voting under way, many will decide even sooner.

Superintendent Jeff Eakins, who has been touring the county to discuss the district's capital needs, will appear 8 a.m. Friday at Cafe Con Tampa, a breakfast gathering at the Oxford Exchange book store and restaurant.

He has these town hall appearances scheduled next week, all at 7 p.m.: Monday, Wharton High; Wednesday,  Westchase Recreation Center; and  Thursday, 7 p.m., Pizzo Elementary.