Legislature(2007 - 2008)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/29/2007 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB137 | |
| HB2 | |
| HB61 | |
| HB29 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 2 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 29 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 61 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 137 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE BILL NO. 2
"An Act relating to the vocational education account
and appropriations from that account; and providing for
an effective date."
REPRESENTATIVE MARK NEUMAN, sponsor, explained that HB 2 is
a way to obtain private industry's money for vocational
education. He cited problems related to No Child Left
Behind and the need to assure credits for vocational
education classes. He related statistics regarding
graduation rates and the need for skilled labor. He noted
support for the bill by AFL-CIO.
2:08:49 PM
Co-Chair Chenault asked who would control the money that is
put into this account.
REX SHATTUCK, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE MARK NEUMAN, replied
that the legislature has total appropriation of that money.
Recommendations would be made by the Department of Labor and
Workforce Development (DLWD) in consultation with the
Department of Education and Early Development (DEED).
2:09:55 PM
Representative Gara wondered if this bill would divide the
money going to the general fund instead of bringing in new
money. Representative Neuman indicated out that that
information is in HB 61.
Representative Foster pointed out that a handout from Carl
Rose, Executive Director of AASB, states that under the
current foundation formula 20 percent of school education
funds are for special education, bilingual education, and
vocational education. In the Bush, no money is left for
vocational education. He asked if HB 2 might alleviate this
problem. Representative Neuman agreed that that situation
happens. This bill would allow private industry to put
money into vocational education.
Vice Chair Stoltze inquired what percentage of kids do not
go on to college. Representative Neuman reported that 47.3
percent of Alaska Natives and 62.2 percent of other races
graduate high school. Overall, about 8 percent go on to a
4-year college program.
2:13:16 PM
CARL ROSE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA ASSOCIATION OF ALASKA
SCHOOL BOARDS, reported on the history of the 20 percent
block grant. In 1999, the 20 percent block grant was put
into place to share the responsibility for special
education, vocational education, and bilingual education.
Currently, with the immigration policy, those requirements
can't be met. There is no money left for vocational
education. He questioned, "Don't we want to say what we
mean and mean what we say?" If vocational education is a
priority, there should be an account for it. He testified
in support of the bill.
2:15:22 PM
Co-Chair Meyer asked how the money would be appropriated.
PAULA SCAVERA, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, explained that the bill creates a
special account in the general fund. The funds are
appropriated by the legislature to the Department of Labor
for programs approved by the Commissioner of the Department
of Education and Early Development. Co-Chair Meyer wondered
if the account could be susceptible to being swept into the
CBR.
Co-Chair Meyer asked if the Alaska Workforce Investment
Board would develop criteria for the programs. Ms. Scavera
replied that there is no criteria and the board serves to
advise.
2:19:14 PM
Representative Foster emphasized how important training
programs are in his district for jobs that are not state
jobs. Less than 1 percent of jobs in his district are state
jobs and require training which is not available in the
area. Often workers are imported from other areas to do the
work.
Representative Thomas related how workers in his area were
trained by unions and then had no jobs to come back to. He
requested follow up after training is completed. Ms.
Scavera recalled the example Representative Thomas was
referring to. She reported that this is a concern of the
new commissioner. Representative Thomas added that it is
difficult to get hired without work experience.
2:23:05 PM
Representative Kelly asked about the Department of Labor's
role. Representative Neuman repeated that the Department of
Labor would work in consultation with the Department of
Education. Representative Kelly voiced concern about the
Department of Labor's role. Representative Neuman addressed
who controls the funds; the Department of Labor has the
awareness and flexibility to meet the demands of the state
where they are needed. He suggested that the two
departments would work together. Representative Kelly
voiced a preference for it to be handled in the Department
of Education. Representative Neuman explained that the
needs of No Child Left Behind have to be met. Grade level
standards have to be met. Representative Kelly repeated his
concern.
2:27:12 PM
Vice Chair Stoltze thought that the Department of Labor was
the right place for this account. He wondered what issues
arose in the previous committee regarding this bill.
Representative Neuman reported that over the past two years
there was some discussion about structure. He questioned if
a board was necessary. He thought the commissioners could
do the job.
Representative Joule recalled a time when post-secondary
level vocational training programs were in the Department of
Labor. He pointed out the advantage of the fund coming
before the legislature to be appropriated.
2:31:34 PM
Representative Gara said he is not overly concerned about
where the money goes because it goes into the general fund.
He thought the worry about the language was not a big
concern.
Representative Crawford related his experience with
apprentice training programs for construction workers. He
noted a problem with trained workers not getting employment.
Representative Neuman reported how helpful the applied
sciences are.
2:34:09 PM
Representative Foster recalled a survey of his district. He
pointed out how training has improved.
Representative Foster MOVED to REPORT HB 2 out of committee
with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal
note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
HB 2 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with zero fiscal note #1 by the
Department of Administration.
2:35:56 PM
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