K-12 Education Funding:
The clock continues ticking on the efforts to early and
forward fund K-12 education. The most likely vehicle (HB
273) was moved back to the House Finance committee to
address some questions on the pupil transportation
costs. The hope is to have the legislation on the House
floor early next week.
Last week, NEA-Alaska testified on the companion
legislation before Senate Finance. The main hold up
appears to be the legislators unwillingness in this
unprecedented era of a surplus of more than $3 BILLION
to fund Governor Palin’s request of a $200 increase to
the BSA. This would cost the state an extra $22 million
next year. NEA-Alaska read into the record the language
from the fiscal note prepared by the Department of
Education. This is not NEA-Alaska spin but the actual
language of the fiscal note. The real new money for FY
09 is $42 million. A nice increase to be certain but
not a budget buster. Here are the minutes from Friday:
JOHN ALCANTRA, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, NATIONAL
EDUCATION ASSOCIATIONS (NEA), applauded the efforts
of the Committee and JFELT. He acknowledged
the delicate balance of negotiations and
consensus regarding the recommendations outlined in
the bill. He read from Fiscal Note #1: "The
Legislature funded 50 percent of ISER in FY 2008
outside the formula for approximately $50 million
and the School Improvement Grant for approximately
$20 million. If the $70 million provided in FY 08
is taken into consideration, then the actual
increase in FY 09 over FY 08 is approximately $42
million dollars". He elaborated saying that the
real increase in new money for FY 09 is $42 million.
He asserted that if the BSA is increased to $200
it would provide another $22 million for K-12,
increasing new money to approximately $64
million. He acknowledged comments by
Senator Stevens regarding the $252 million increase,
but
maintained that $70 million should be subtracted out of
that number. He noted the significance of the
Legislature dealing with educational funding early in
the session.
PERS/TRS Cost Sharing:
Another significant piece of legislation working its way
through the process is SB 125. This would fix the cost
of PERS at 22% and TRS at 12.56%. Conference Committees
have been appointed and now a new conference committee
with additional powers to address issues “know as a free
conference committee” must be appointed to address the
unresolved issues. This is a critical piece for school
districts and municipalities.
Operating Budget:
The House Finance Committee will hear the operating
budget tomorrow night and this weekend. Look for the
budget to be on the House floor as early as next week.
Public testimony will be taken tomorrow night and
Saturday. Stay tuned for an update in Tuesday’s LCS/LU
If you know anyone who wishes to
receive the LCS/Legislative
Update, please send us an e-mail with their home e-mail address if
possible, and we’ll add them to the growing list of K-12
education advocates.
