Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2001-02-23 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2001-02-23 House Journal Page 0412 HB 139 HOUSE BILL NO. 139 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to increasing the base student allocation and the maximum amount of quality school funding grants for public schools; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Education, and the Health, Education & Social Services, and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 20, 2001, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: A new investment in education is necessary as the next step toward school excellence in Alaska. This bill I transmit today takes that step by increasing the per student allocation in school funding as well as the quality schools grants. This legislation is built on the recommendations of the Education Funding Task Force that identified specific initiatives and programs over a five-year period to improve student achievement in Alaska. The legislation increases the base student allocation in the funding formula in the first year by $115 per student, from the current $3,940 to $4,055. The base student allocation will increase approximately 2001-02-23 House Journal Page 0413 $63 per year in each of the remaining four years of the plan. These increases will help provide the resources to ensure that all of Alaska's children have opportunities to meet the high academic standards we all know are necessary to succeed in today's world. The base student allocation increase is just one piece of a funding commitment we need to achieve academic excellence in our schools. Another piece is raising the quality schools grant, which this bill proposes, from $16 to $65 per average daily membership. The Legislature last year provided one-time funding for learning opportunity grants. Improvement in student performance requires a continuous commitment of resources so that all students meet high academic standards. By providing the additional support through the quality schools grant, Alaskans can be assured the money will go to support student success in a standards-based instructional program. This legislation is an investment in our children and Alaska's future. If we are serious about preparing all of our children for the workforce and the challenges of this new century, we must provide the resources for students to meet high academic standards and to hold schools accountable for their students' performance. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor"