Legislature(2007 - 2008)CAPITOL 106
03/06/2008 03:00 PM House HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB332 | |
| HB384 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 332 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 384 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 332-PRE-ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS 3:04:36 PM CHAIR WILSON announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 332, "An Act relating to elementary and pre- elementary schools." 3:05:05 PM REPRESENTATIVE BRYCE EDGMON, Alaska State Legislature, introduced HB 332 as the sponsor. Representative Edgmon informed the committee that the bill will allow Head Start and preschool facilities to quality for federal funding under the Schools and Libraries Universal Services Support Mechanism (E- Rate) program. He explained that the E-Rate federal program provides funding under the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to promote the use of telecommunication among schools and libraries. In 2004, the USAC issued a decision to drop Alaska preschools and Head Start facilities from this funding due to Alaska's statutory definition of preschool and Head Start facilities. The state is in opposition to the federal decision; however, HB 332 attempts to provide clarification in terms of the definition of preschool and Head Start facilities and to satisfy the federal requirement to participate in the E-Rate program. Representative Edgmon stated that the bill has a zero fiscal note as this is a redistribution of federal funds. He then pointed out, with the passage of the bill, Head Start facilities will be required to apply for a new qualification from the Department of Education and Early Development (EED). 3:08:49 PM CHAIR WILSON recalled that the E-Rate program gives the schools an opportunity to connect to the Internet for a reduced cost. 3:09:22 PM REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON affirmed that, when schools and libraries provide telephones, computers, and software, federal funding allows for a discount rate to be applied for the use of Internet services. The discount rate is based on the urban rural distinction and also on the level of poverty of the facilities. 3:09:53 PM CHAIR WILSON asked whether each state gets a certain amount, and whether some schools will get less if Head Start facilities are added to the program. 3:10:24 PM REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON said no. Allowing preschool and Head Start to participate will increase the total amount of federal funding that Alaska receives under this program. 3:10:52 PM REPRESENTATIVE ROSES related testimony from the Juneau library director that the amount of paperwork required for the E-Rate program cost more money than the discounts saved. He assumed that when a Head Start facility is connected with an existing school program, there would be no cost; however, adding a new school would have start-up costs. He then asked whether, when certification is required from the EED, it then becomes responsible for filing E-Rate documentation. 3:12:19 PM REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON deferred part of the question to the EED. He did say that his research shows that Head Start facilities feel this program saves money. 3:12:45 PM REPRESENTATIVE ROSES expressed his support of Head Start, but said that he wanted to verify the position of the program. He also stated his interest in the position of the EED. 3:13:32 PM REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON expressed his understanding that the funding flows directly from the federal government to the entity, without going through the EED. 3:13:52 PM EDDY JEANS, Director, School Finance and Facilities Section, Department of Education and Early Development (EED), informed the committee that the E-Rate program has a direct relationship with school districts and libraries, and does not flow through the EED. Mr. Jeans pointed out that the program is voluntary, and an entity can decide whether there is a fiscal benefit. The passage of HB 332 will add state qualified preschools and Head Start facilities to the definition of public schools. 3:15:14 PM REPRESENTATIVE ROSES expressed his understanding that funding for Head Start flows through the EED and establishes its qualification. 3:15:37 PM MR. JEANS explained that the definition of "schools" in Alaska's statute determines the qualification; therefore, referring to Head Start facilities in the definition will allow Head Start to participate in the E-Rate program. 3:16:14 PM REPRESENTATIVE ROSES surmised that the EED is satisfied with the language in the bill. 3:16:14 PM MR. JEANS expressed his comfort with the language; however, he said that he did not know whether the language will satisfy the federal government. The EED has made multiple unsuccessful efforts to contact the USAC for clarification on this issue. 3:17:01 PM CHAIR WILSON asked whether this bill will require the state to fund preschools and Head Start facilities. 3:17:33 PM MR. JEANS pointed out that the bill eliminates pre-elementary students from the average daily membership under AS 14.17, the statute that provides for school foundation funding. He noted that there are two components to HB 332; that preschools and Head Start facilities are recognized by the state, and that they have state and federal funding associated with them. 3:18:15 PM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA asked whether HB 332 will decrease the funding sources available to Head Start. 3:18:29 PM REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON said no. In fact, there will be an increase. The funding comes from the national government, and is estimated to be near $20 million. 3:19:01 PM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA surmised that, although the E-Rate program is expensive to administer, that cost can be factored in. 3:19:40 PM REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON re-stated that the USAC has not responded to the Department of Law, perhaps due to the possibility that additional funding for Alaska may undercut other states' allotments. 3:20:40 PM REPRESENTATIVE ROSES moved to report HB 332 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. Hearing no objection, HB 332 was reported out of the House Health, Education and Social Services Standing Committee.
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