NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

State Department of Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of SEC Amendment

The Senate Education Committee amendment increases the appropriation to $225.0 from the $25.0 in the original bill. The $225.0 general fund appropriation is the amount requested by SDE and is a $25.0 increase over FY2000.

Synopsis of Original Bill

Senate Bill 72 appropriates $25.0 to the State Department of Education for support of a dual language immersion program under provisions of the Bilingual Muticultural Education Act.

Significant Issues

The analysis prepared by SDE states the appropriation is insufficient to continue the programs initiated in FY2000 in 10 school districts. Funds used were appropriated during the 1999 session. The analysis further states that this program is an initiative of SDE and is included in its strategic plan.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The general fund will be reduced by $25.0. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance at the end of FT2001 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

Current SDE staff administer existing bilingual programs and five pilot programs. The SDE analysis indicates additional staff will be needed if the legislature supports the program for a second year at the $200.0 level.

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