Legislature(2013 - 2014)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/05/2013 08:00 AM Senate EDUCATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB82 | |
| HB87 | |
| SB6 | |
| SB91 | |
| HB180 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 82 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 6 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 91 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 180 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| = | HB 87 | ||
SB 82-BROADBAND DISCOUNTS FOR SCHOOLS
8:00:49 AM
CHAIR STEVENS announced the consideration of SB 82. He noted
that CSSB 82, version O, was before the committee. He said the
fiscal note was updated and is now about $11 million.
8:01:06 AM
DAVID SCOTT, Staff, Senator Donny Olson, explained the changes
in version O of SB 82 on behalf of the sponsor. He stated that
one-third of all schools in Alaska are below 10 mega-bits per
second, roughly 170 schools. The fiscal note reflects the
expense of roughly $7.3 million to bring those schools up to the
minimum of 10 mega-bits per second. Under the current E-rate
Program, for every dollar spent in Alaska, the Universal Service
Fund pays $4. That totals about $29 million leveraged for
additional internet services for schools.
He stated that the increase in broadband is necessary to assist
with distance delivery courses and on-line state assessments. He
concluded that SB 82 would bring all schools in Alaska to a
minimum level of internet service and allow them to better
educate Alaska's children.
8:03:47 AM
LES MORSE, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Education and
Early Development (DEED), answered questions related to SB 82.
LINDA THIBODEAU, Director, Division of Libraries, Archives, and
Museums, Department of Education and Early Development (DEED),
answered questions related to SB 82.
MR. MORSE requested that Ms. Thibodeau explain the federal
funding component of the bill.
MS. THIBODEAU explained that the E-rate Program provides a
percentage discount for internet services.
MR. MORSE noted that federal dollars are not subject to
sequestration.
SENATOR HUGGINS asked what percentage E-rate provides.
MS. THIBODEAU replied that the Alaska discount ranges from 60
percent to 90 percent with an average of 75 percent.
CHAIR STEVENS removed his objection.
8:05:59 AM
SENATOR DUNLEAVY SENATOR moved to report CSSB 82, version 28-
LS0637\O from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note.
CHAIR STEVENS announced that without objection, CSSB 82(EDC) was
reported from the Senate Education Standing Committee.