EIGHTEENTH MEETING

STATE OF MINNESOTA EIGHTEENTH MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EIGHTY-SIXTH SESSION

EARLY CHILDHOOD FINANCE & POLICY DIVISION

MINUTES

Representative Nora Slawik, Chair of the Early Childhood Finance & Policy Division, called the meeting to order at 4:36 pm on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 in Room 200 of the State Office Building.

The Committee Legislative Assistant noted the roll.

House Members Present:

Slawik (Chair)
Rosenthal (Vice-Chair)
Bly
Buesgens
Downey
Greiling
Hamilton
Jackson
Laine
Mack
Nornes
Peterson
Ward

House Members Excused:

Mariani

A quorum was present.

Informational presentation by Representative Ryan Winkler on H.F. 1188, E-16 reforms pursued to improve and expand opportunities for all students to attain educational success, and E-16 advisory subcommittees established.

Presenting in favor of H.F. 1188:

Angie Eilers, Research & Policy Director, Growth & Justice

Representative Winkler was asked whether the prenatal provisions were mandatory or voluntary; if H.F. 1188 is dependent on additional funding or if the framework could be done independently; to explain the make-up of majority and minority members of the proposed subcommittee; to explain the reappointment process regarding the subcommittee; and to explain how the proposal differs from H.F. 106.

Ms. Eilers was asked to explain the response Growth & Justice has received from the public on this proposal; how long Growth & Justice has been conducting research; and what the research has cost the organization.

Representative Hamilton moved that the minutes from Thursday, March 12, 2009 and Tuesday, March 17, 2009 be adopted. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

Presentation by the Minnesota Department of Human Services on the Governor's supplemental budget recommendations:

Chuck Johnson, Assistant Commissioner for Children and Families

Mr. Johnson was asked if the Department of Human Services could be able to budget for the biennium without cutting CCAP; to advise the committee on how the committee should line up their proposals to match the Department; to explain the procedure for the Department having different priorities than the Legislature on federal stimulus funds; and if the Governor allocated money to scholarships or allowances.

Deb Swenson-Klatt, Manager of Early Childhood Development at the Minnesota Department of Human Services was asked to if the federal stimulus funds were intermingled with the budget; when the requirements on appropriating the federal stimulus funds will be known; explain the typical circumstances for federal fund appropriations; if the Department plans on presenting a bill on spending federal stimulus funds; and if the Department of Human Services would have federal funds flow through the Department.

Presentation by Karen Effrem, Policy Analyst and Board Member, EdWatch

The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 pm.


Representative Nora Slawik, CHAIR


Matthew M. Collie
Committee Legislative Assistant