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Early Childhood Learning Finance Division

EIGHTH MEETING

2007-2008 Regular Session - Thursday, February 8, 2007

STATE OF MINNESOTA EIGHTH MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EIGHTY-FIFTH SESSION


EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING FINANCE COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES


Representative Nora Slawik, Chair, called the eighth meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2007 in Room 200 of the State Office Building. Quorum was present.


SLAWIK, Nora - Chair EASTLUND, Rob
BLY, David - Vice Chair MURPHY, Erin
LAINE, Carolyn NORNES, Bud
WARDLOW, Lynn WINKLER, Ryan
WARD, John FRITZ, Patti
PETERSON, Sandra GOTTWALT, Steve
KRANZ, Scott MURPHY, Mary Ex-Officio
GAROFALO, Pat


Zoe Nicholie, Director of Public Policy, Ready 4 K
Testified on mission of Ready 4 K.

Representative Nornes moved approval of the minutes for Tuesday, February 6, 2007. THE MOTION PREVAILED and the minutes are approved.

Karen Cadigan, Director of Outreach and Public Policy, Center for Early Education and Development
Testified on the mission of CEED providing training, research and community involvement.
Ann Kaner-Roth, Executive Director, Child Care WORKS
Testified on mission of Child Care WORKS
Carole Specktor, Advocacy and Legislative Affairs Director, MN Children's Defense Fund (CDF)
Testified on mission and priorities of CDF and support for CCAP.
Chad Dunkley, President, Minnesota Child Care Association
Testified on waiting lists, rates and importance of child care assistance and quality care.
Lois Engstrom, Director, MN Association for Family and Early Education (MNAFEE)
Testified on importance of family and parent education and the effect of family income on learning.
Ann McCully, Executive Director, Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral Network (MCCRRN)
Testified on mission of MCCRRN and the importance of access to information and improving quality.
Gayle Kelly, Executive Director, MN Head Start Association
Testified on programming and mission of Head Start and how they support families through educating children.
Katherine Blauvelt, Community Relations Coordinator, SEIU
Testified on Kids First campaign and the need to support FFN caregivers and choices for families in greater Minnesota.
John Thorson, Legislative Staff, Child Care Providers Together—AFSCME
Testified on the importance of early education.
Deborah Fitzwater-Dewey, Executive Director, Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MNAEYC)
Testified on the background and mission of MNAEYC specifically literacy revitalization, professional growth, development for providers and accreditation.
Elaine Keefe, YMCA
Testified on mission and effect of cuts made in 2003 and importance of continuous care and quality programming.
Tom Cytron-Hysom, Legislative Chair, Literacy Minnesota
Testified on ABE programs, the impact of ABE on children and families and the impact of funding cuts.
Steve Kerr, Director of Community Education, Anoka-Hennepin School District and President, MN Community Education Association
Testified on benefits and challenges of community education.
Trixi Golberg, Executive Director, Lifetrack Resources
Testified on programming of Lifetrack Resources.


Jim Scheibel, Vice Chair, MN Children's Platform Coalition
Testified about the importance of their platform approach from early childhood through the juvenile justice system.
Jim Bartholomew, Education Policy Director, MN Business Partnership
Testified on the focus of the MN Business Advisory system and importance of early education especially for low-income families.
David Rooney, Director, Dakota County Community Services, Metro Alliance for Healthy Families
Testified on importance and cost benefit of early childhood education and its consistency, especially on low-income families.
Chuck Slocum, President, The Williston Group and consultant/founder, Minnesota Business for Early Learning (MnBEL)
Testified on background and focus points of MnBEL and that early childhood programs should be a priority over All Day K.
Mark Scally, Chair, Oxygen Plus, and member of the Executive Committee of Minnesota Business for Early Learning (MnBEL)
Testified on MnBel's perspective regarding hiring issues and importance of early childhood professionals.
Ruth Krueger, MACSSA (Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators)
Testified on MACSSA and what happens when funding is cut for early childhood programs.
Tom Prichard, Minnesota Family Council
Testified on priorities of Minnesota Family Council and that funding should focus on high risk areas and empowering the private sector.


Meeting was adjourned at 5:38 p.m.



_______________________________________
Representative Nora Slawik, Chair



_______________________________________
Tricia Kiefer, Committee Legislative Assistant
More Info On This Meeting..

Early childhood education, child care and lifelong learning group introductions and agendas