STATE OF MINNESOTA EIGHTH 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 4:34 pm on Thursday, February 5, 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
Downey
Greiling
Hamilton
Jackson
Laine
Mack
Nornes
Peterson
Ward
House Members Excused:
Buesgens
Mariani
A quorum was present.
Representative Downey moved that the minutes from Tuesday, February 3, 2009 be adopted. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
Public Testimony on the Governor’s FY10-11 Budget Recommendations:
Susie Brown, Executive Director, Child Care WORKS
Ms. Brown was asked to comment on dealing with counties who fear overspending on Basic Sliding Fee and, as a result, under spend.
Bridget Bicknel, Assistant in Family Childcare, St. Cloud
Jerrica Walker, Parent
Sue Peneyck-Stafki, Center Director, Children’s Corner, Fergus Falls
Ms. Peneyck-Stafki was asked how far parents drove to reach her center.
Molly Thoulious, Parent
Carole Patrikakos, Parent
Todd Otis, President, Ready4K
Mr. Otis was asked what balance should there be between cuts to K-12 and early education.
Cisa Keller, Director of Advocacy and Government Relations, New Horizons Academy, and member of the Minnesota Child Care Association
Ms. Chase was asked how many families would the budget reductions affect.
Katy Chase, Executive Director, Minnesota Licensed Family Childcare Association
Penny Sheperd, Family Childcare Provider, White Bear Lake
Ms. Sheperd was asked if the Quality Rating System (QRS) was an ill-timed or too expensive program and also asked to expound upon the Urban Teach Program.
Sharna Braucks, Childcare Manager, YMCA of Greater St. Paul
Ms. Braucks was asked for clarification on the type and amount of debt the YMCA carries for their childcare initiatives.
Elaine Keefe, YMCA State Alliance
Ruth Krueger, Director of Employment and Economic Assistance, Dakota County
Laura Le-Croix Dalluhn, Executive Director, Youth Community Connections
Ms. Le-Croix Dalluhn was asked how a community absorbs the closure of a youth center.
Steve Kerr, Director of Community Education, Anoka-Hennepin School District
The meeting was adjourned at 5:58 pm.
Representative Nora Slawik, CHAIR
Matthew M. Collie
Committee Legislative Assistant