House Committee on Education (02/15/2010)

Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Date:	02/15/2010	ATTENDANCE

Time:	03:13 PM to 03:27 PM	Benefield
		Massey
Place:	SupCt	McNulty
		Middleton
This Meeting was called to order by		Murray
	Representative Merrifield	Peniston
		Scanlan
This Report was prepared by		Schafer S.
	Katey McGettrick	Summers
		Tipton
		Todd
		Solano
		Merrifield
		X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call

Bills Addressed:		Action Taken:
Budget Balancing Bills		Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only

03:13 PM -- Budget Balancing Bills

Representative Pommer discussed the budget balancing package for the Department of Higher Education (Attachment A), noting that state funding for higher education has been cut because federal stimulus moneys are being used to backfill the state cuts. He noted that in future years, the state will need to find state funding when the stimulus funding ends. He responded to a question from Representative Middleton about the strategic plan. Representative Pommer stated that he believes it is too late for a strategic plan and that the need for higher education is funding. He discussed "high tuition-high financial aid" funding models for higher education.

Representative Middleton also asked whether the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) has looked at any models to provide increased flexibility to higher education institutions and what support the education committee members can provide in thinking about alternative models. Representative Pommer responded that many of the creative solutions on the table do not solve the funding issue, and the ones that could would most likely be vetoed by the Governor.

Representative Summers asked about the stimulus funding, specifically about the amount that is being backfilled. Representative Pommer explained how the money is reflected in the budget balancing packet. Representative Schafer asked about raising tuition, and if that occurred, who would decide the tuition raises. Representative Pommer noted that the state colleges and community colleges are charging close to the maximum tuition that the market will bear, but noted that Colorado State University, the University of Colorado, and Colorado School of Mines could raise tuition as their tuition rates are generally lower than similar institutions in other states.

Representative Middleton asked if the cuts to the 2005 levels are equal across institutions, or if the cuts vary depending on the institution. Representative Pommer explained that the reductions were made in proportion to past increases.

03:23 PM

Representative Pommer then discussed the supplementals for the Colorado Department of Education (Attachment B). He explained how the state arrives at the minimum state aid for school finance. He explained why the committee is recommending to suspend the minimum state funding for certain school districts. He further noted that the cuts will be in effect for five fiscal years.

03:27 PM

The committee adjourned.