Legislature(2017 - 2018)BUTROVICH 205
04/04/2017 03:30 PM Senate EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB96 | |
| SB102 | |
| SB103 | |
| SB104 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 102 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 103 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 104 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 96 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 102-INTERNET FOR SCHOOLS; FUNDING
3:47:54 PM
CHAIR HUGHES announced the consideration of SB 102.
3:48:16 PM
BRITTANY HUTCHINSON, Staff, Senator Anna MacKinnon, Alaska State
Legislature, presented information about SB 102, SB 103, and SB
104 on behalf of the Senate Finance Committee. She related that
there are high achieving students, great teachers, and great
schools and districts in Alaska. However, there are also many
schools that are not achieving and there is a large achievement
gap for many Alaskan students. Outcomes are not where they
should be for students to be prepared for life after high
school. The goals of the three bills are to prioritize K-12
education as the state's constitutional responsibility and to
prioritize how the state's limited funds are spent. Other goals
are to improve outcomes for Alaska's students and to provide for
efficiency and streamlined deliveries of education processes and
procedures. Alaska's students deserve a 21st Century education.
3:49:50 PM
MS. HUTCHISON provided the sectional analysis of SB 102:
Section 1 AS 14.03.127(a)
Increases the floor of internet download speed from 10
megabits per second (Mbps) to 25 megabits per second
(Mbps) for every school in Alaska.
Section 2 AS 37.14.750(a)
Puts into statute that the legislature may pay for
internet services through the Higher Education Fund.
Section 3 AS 37.14.750
Conforming language that allows the legislature to pay
for internet services through the Higher Education
Fund.
CHAIR HUGHES asked if there is any background information to
share.
3:50:19 PM
MS. HUTCHISON said the reason 25 Mgbs was chosen for the bill
was because all schools could increase to that amount without
any additional infrastructure. She said that amount is based on
the federal E-rate Program, which covers 70 percent to 90
percent of internet services, depending on how many students are
on the free or reduced lunch program. For every state dollar,
schools receive about $7 federal dollars.
All school districts utilize the E-rate Program. Only 29 school
districts used the Broadband Assistance Grant. She estimated
that the bill will bring 197 schools up to 25 Mgbs.
CHAIR HUGHES asked how much funding will be available.
MS. HUTCHISON said they don't have a fiscal note yet, but they
estimate about $16 million will be needed to bring all schools
up to 25 Mgbs, tapering off each year.
3:52:33 PM
SENATOR BEGICH asked if they calculated the ability for each
school to make use of that 25 Mgbs by various methods. He did
not want to see any schools left behind.
MS. HUTCHISON said all schools can come up to 25 Mgbs.
SENATOR BEGICH pointed out that the download is often absorbed
by other users in the community. He suggested making it a
dedicated 25 Mgbs for schools.
MS. HUTCHISON said it was an excellent idea.
3:54:14 PM
SENATOR BEGICH said it should be easy to add language. He
suggested an addition of "an applicant's share to a dedicated 25
Mgbs" would ensure that it would not be consumed by the
community.
CHAIR HUGHES noted a new satellite launch and the potential for
expansion of internet in Alaska.
She asked how many schools would be upgraded.
MS. HUTCHISON said 197 schools, according to 2016 FCC
information.
3:56:33 PM
SENATOR BEGICH asked if the suggestion of 25 Mgbs came from the
FCC.
MS. HUTCHISON replied that is was from the Alaska Telephone
Association.
3:56:59 PM
CHAIR HUGHES held SB 102 in committee.