STATE OF MINNESOTA THIRTY-FIFTH 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 09, 2010 in Room 200 of the State Office Building.
The Committee Legislative Assistant noted the roll.
House Members Present:
Slawik (Chair)
Rosenthal (Vice-Chair)
Downey
Greiling
Jackson
Laine
Mack
Mariani
Nornes
Peterson
Ward
House Members Excused:
Bly
Buesgens
Hamilton
A quorum was present.
Representative Greiling moved that HF3209 (Greiling), Child care centers required to develop a risk reduction plan, and the term nonmaltreatment mistake defined, be heard and laid over for possible inclusion in the Omnibus Early Childhood Finance & Policy Division bill.
Testifying in favor of HF3209:
Cisa Keller, Director of Government and Community Relations, New Horizon Academy
Ms. Keller answered the question: Is there agreement among childcare centers over the proposed language?
Representative Greiling laid over HF3209 for possible inclusion in the Omnibus Early Childhood Finance & Policy Division bill.
Representative Jackson moved that the minutes from Thursday, March 4, 2010 be adopted. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
Representative Hayden brought HF3088 (Hayden), Children and family service technical and policy provisions changed, Minnesota family investment program and adult supports provisions changed, and child welfare provisions changed, before the committee to be heard on an informational basis.
Providing information on HF3088:
Deb Swenson-Klatt, Manager, Early Childhood Development, Minnesota Department of Human Services
Ms. Swenson-Klatt answered the questions: What change will result with a language switch from district to regional? Are all areas of the state going to be touched by this legislation? The proposed language changes will be easier for the department to administer? The CCDF proposal: is it based on the districts?
Representative Abler brought HF3239 (Abler), Licensing provisions changed, and background study requirements, disqualifications, and data classification modified, before the committee to be heard on an informational basis.
Providing information on HF3239:
Laura Plummer-Zrust, Legal Manager, Licensing Division, Minnesota Department of Human Services
Jerry Kerber, Director, Licensing Division, Minnesota Department of Human Services
Ms. Plummer-Zrust and Mr. Kerber answered the questions: What is the definition of "helper"? Is the helper registered or identified by the provider?
Vice-Chair Rosenthal assumed the gavel at 5:12 pm.
Representative Rosenthal moved that HF3407 (Slawik), Early childhood education provided, be heard and laid over for possible inclusion in the Omnibus Early Childhood Finance & Policy Division bill.
Representative Slawik moved the
A10-2262 amendment (attached). THE AMENDMENT WAS ADOPTED.
Representative Slawik moved to incorporate an oral amendment to HF3407 as follows:
Page 3, Line 26, after "as well as" insert "quality assurance and improvement,"
Page 4, Line 26, after "screening" insert "within 90 days of program enrollment"
THE AMENDMENT WAS ADOPTED.
Testifying on HF3407, as amended:
Lisa Barnidge, Government Relations Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Education
Karen Carlson, Early Learning Services Director, Minnesota Department of Education
Representative Slawik and Ms. Carlson answered the questions: Is section four connected to the challenge grants and how does section four fit into the agency’s vision? Are there limitations to the state’s role in section four? What was the impetus for the new language in section four? Looking at the language in line 3.31 would any childcare provider be able to exist outside the public system?
Representative Rosenthal laid over HF3407 for possible inclusion in the Omnibus Early Childhood Finance & Policy Division bill.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:34 pm.
Representative Nora Slawik, CHAIR
Matthew M. Collie
Committee Legislative Assistant