MINUTES SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE 3 February 1998 9:08 A.M. TAPES SFC-98, #15, Sides A and B CALL TO ORDER Senator Bert Sharp, Co-chair, convened the meeting at approximately 9:08 a.m. PRESENT In addition to Co-chair Sharp, Senators Phillips, Donley, Torgerson and Parnell were present when the meeting was convened. Senators Pearce and Adams did not attend. Also present: Senator Gary Wilken; Jerry Burnett, staff to Senator Randy Phillips; Eric McDowell, Jim Calvin and David Teal from The McDowell Group; Mike Greany, Director, Division of Legislative Finance; Dave Tonkovich, Fiscal Analyst, Division of Legislative Finance; aides to committee members and other members of the legislature. Via teleconference: listen only from various LIO's. SUMMARY INFORMATION SENATE BILL NO. 36 An Act relating to transportation of public school students; relating to school construction grants; relating to the public school foundation program and to local aid for education; and providing for an effective date. Senator Randy Phillips, sponsor of SB 36, presented his statement to the committee. The bill was held in committee pending further public testimony this evening at 6:30 p.m. and further action of the committee. SENATE BILL NO. 142 An Act relating to formation of and taxation in regional educational attendance areas; and providing for an effective date. Senator John Torgerson, sponsor of SB 142, presented his statement to the committee. The bill was held in committee pending further public testimony this evening at 6:30 p.m. and further action of the committee. SENATE BILL NO. 146 An Act relating to the public school funding program; relating to the definition of a school district, to the transportation of students, to school district layoff plans, to the special education service agency, to the child care grant program; imposing a school tax in the unorganized borough; and providing for an effective date. CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 146(HES) An Act relating to the public school funding program; relating to the definition of a school district, to the transportation of students, to school district layoff plans, to the special education service agency, and to the child care grant program; imposing an employment tax in the unorganized borough as a local contribution to public schools; and providing for an effective date. Senator Gary Wilken, sponsor of SB 146 presented his statement to the committee. The bill was held in committee pending further public testimony this evening at 6:30 p.m. and further action of the committee. SENATE BILL NO. 193 An Act relating to a limitation on administrative expenditures of school districts; and providing for an effective date. Senator John Torgerson, sponsor of SB 193 presented his statement to the committee. The bill was held in committee pending further public testimony this evening at 6:30 p.m. and further action of the committee. Following sponsor statements Mr. Eric McDowell, Jim Calvin and David Teal, The McDowell Group, gave a presentation on the Alaska School Operating Cost Study. There followed a brief questions and answer by the group and the Senate Finance Committee members. A copy of the study is attached. The meeting was recorded and handwritten log notes were taken. A copy of the tape, log notes and/or Alaska School Operating Cost Study handout may be obtained by contacting either the Legislative Finance Division, P.O. Box 113200, Juneau, Alaska 99811-3200 (Phone: (907) 465-3795) or the office of the Senate Finance Committee Secretary (Phone: (907) 465-2618). ADJOURNMENT Co-chair Sharp adjourned the meeting at 11:05 a.m. He reminded committee members and their staff that there would be public testimony on the four bills this evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. SFC-98 1 2/3/98