establishing an early childhood literacy program.
last updated 03/15/03, 3:30PM
03/04/03 - House Education Committee Reports
From House Journal No. 19, 03/07/03
HB 621-FN-A-LOCAL, establishing an early childhood literacy program.
MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS.
MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Nancy Scovner for the Majority of Education: This bill implements
an early childhood literacy program in the Department of Education,
modeled after the National Parents as Teachers Program. It makes an
appropriation of $1,000,000.00 of Federal and other funding for the
purpose of this program, without state funds. This program has been a
success as a pilot in Claremont and testimony was clear and
overwhelming in favor of continuing and expanding. The majority of
the committee believes this is an educational policy that confirms
this is the best money that we can spend. Vote 14-4.
Rep. Barbara J. Hagan for the Minority of Education: The minority of
the committee felt that the negative results of passage outweighed
any merits, established a precedent in favor of the "It takes a
village to raise a child" mentality and that, lacking evidence of
long-term (High School graduates) results. Adopting this program by
state statute is premature even though no state funds will be used
at this time.