Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-300
EDU 300
Regional School Transportation
Messrs. Downing, Rosenberg, Knapik, Wolf, Tarr, Michael O. Moore and Richard T. Moore and Ms. Donoghue and Ms. Chandler moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7035-0006, by striking out the figure “$43,521,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$45,521,000”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-301-R2
2nd Redraft EDU 301
Common Credits at Community Colleges
Messrs. Moore and Knapik moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, <w:p><w:r><w:t xml:space="preserve">by striking out item 7066-0002 and inserting in place thereof the following item:-
“7066-0002 For costs related to the development and implementation of the degree auditing and transfer system and the adoption of a standard core of course offering and numbering for common credit toward degrees and certificates across the colleges and universities; provided, that the department may enter into an interdepartmental service agreement with the executive office of education for the implementation of the degree auditing and transfer system; provided further, that the department shall collaborate with the colleges and universities in the development of the degree auditing and transfer system and the common course offering and numbering and reimburse the institutions for reasonable costs associated with said activities, including faculty stipends; and provided further, that the department of higher education shall file a report with the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than January 11, 2013 detailing campuses receiving funds through this item...$4,000,000”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-302
EDU 302
Scholarships for In Demand Professions
Messrs. Moore, Knapik, Joyce and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7070-0066, by striking out the figure “3,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$5,000,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-303
EDU 303
Schools of Excellence
Ms. Chandler and Mr. Michael O. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7066-0024, by striking out the figure "$1,300,000 and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$1,400,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-304
EDU 304
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
Mr. Michael O. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7077-0023, by striking out the figure “2,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,500,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-305
EDU 305
Extended Learning Time
Messrs. Rodrigues, Brownsberger and DiDomenico and Ms. Chang-Diaz and Mr. Knapik and Ms. Clark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-9412, by striking out the figure “$14,042,764” and inserting in place thereof the following figures:- “$14,918,030”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-306
EDU 306
Community College Faculty
Mr. Moore and Ms. Creem and Messrs. Rosenberg, Rodrigues, Pacheco and Knapik moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 133 by inserting after the word “designee”, in line 1844, the following words:- “a member of the community colleges faculty chosen by the Massachusetts Teachers Association;”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-307
EDU 307
Child Care Rate Reserve
Mr. Moore and Ms. Spilka and Messrs. DiDomenico, Rodrigues, Donnelly, Brownsberger and Hart and Ms. Clark and Mr. Rosenberg and Ms. Donoghue and Ms. Chang-Diaz and Messrs. Keenan, Knapik, Joyce, Welch and McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 1599-1301 the following item:-
“1599-xxxx For a reserve to further improve the quality, infrastructure and capacity of the early education and care system in the commonwealth; provided further that these funds shall be used to ensure stability in programs funded in items 3000-3050, 3000-4050 and 3000-4060; provided further, that the increase shall be directed to expenditures for salaries for staff, employee and employer benefit costs; provided further that, payments from this reserve shall be distributed by the department of early education and care to increase reimbursement rates for subsidized early education and school age care; provided further that funds appropriated herein shall be used to increase such rates by an equal percentage for all said providers…………………$25,000,000 "
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-311
EDU 311
Advanced Placement Math and Science Programs
Messrs. Rodrigues and Hart and Ms. Chandler and Messrs. Rush, Petruccelli, Welch, Brownsberger, Knapik, Finegold, Joyce, Michael O. Moore, Timilty, Wolf and Kennedy and Ms. Candaras moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7035-0035, by striking out the figure “$2,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$2,400,000”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-312
EDU 312
Literacy-Based Mentoring Initiatives
Mr. Rodrigues moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0033, by inserting, after the word "programming" the following:- "provided further that funds may be expended for literacy-based mentoring initiatives that combat the chronic dropout of at-risk youths that were approved by the department and funded in item 7061-9404 of section 2 of chapter 27 of the acts of 2009 in fiscal year 2010."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-314
EDU 314
Community College Board of Trustees
Messrs. Timilty and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in Section 40 by striking the words: “provided, however, that in the case of Community Colleges, the Board of Trustees shall recommend to the Governor three nominees for the position of Chairperson who shall reside within the geographic region of the Community College and the Governor shall appoint one of those nominees as Chairperson”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-315
EDU 315
Community College Fees
Messrs. Timilty and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in Section 35 by striking the words “and fee” in lines 454, 458,462, 464, and 466;
and in the same section by adding at the end thereof the following:- “provided further, that the Department of Higher Education shall do an analysis of the current fee structure of the Community Colleges and forward said analysis to the House and Senate Committee on Ways and Means and the House and Senate Committees on Higher Education on or before December 31, 2012.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-316
EDU 316
ELL Professional Development
Ms. Jehlen and Messrs. Finegold and DiDomenico moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7027-1004, by striking the figure $514,937 and inserting in place thereof the figure of $1,214,937.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-317
EDU 317
Clemente Course
Messrs. Hart, Montigny, Rosenberg, Rodrigues and McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7003-0803, by inserting after "career services" the following: "; provided further that no less than $150,000 be allocated for the Clement Course in the Humanities, administered by the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities in partnership with the University of Massachusetts Boston and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and local social service agencies, which provides college-level humanities instruction and support service free of charge and for college credit to low income adults; provided, that the funds shall be contingent upon a match of not less than $1 in federal contributions or $1 in private or corporate contributions for every $1 in state grant funding; and provided further, that all contributions be invested in a permanent endowment for the benefit of the Clemente Course in the Humanities and other humanities programs designed for low income communities in Massachusetts"; and in said item by striking out the figures "$4,494,467" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$4,644,467".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-318
EDU 318
STUDENT INVESTMENT FUND
Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting, after section ___, the following new section:-
“SECTION __. Chapter 23A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2010 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 10A the following new section:-
Section 10B. (a) There shall be established and set upon the books of the commonwealth a separate fund to be known as the Student Entrepreneurial Development and Economic Investment Fund, hereinafter referred to as the Student Investment Fund, to which shall be credited any appropriations, bond proceeds, or other monies authorized by the general court and specifically designated to be credited thereto and additional funds designated for deposit to the student investment fund, including any pension funds, federal grants or loans, or private donations made available to the secretary of economic development. The secretary of economic development shall hold the student investment fund in an account separate from other funds or accounts. Amounts credited to the student investment fund shall be available to the investment board as established in subsection (b) to carry out the purposes of subsection (c).
(b) The investment board shall consist of the following members: the secretary of economic development or his designee, who shall serve as the chairperson of the board; the chairman of the board of higher education or his designee, who shall serve as the vice-chairperson of the board; the president of the Massachusetts technology development corporation, or his designee; the executive director of commercial ventures and intellectual property, or his designee; two private Massachusetts-based investors to be chosen by the chairperson in consultation with the president of the Massachusetts technology development corporation; one student representative selected by the university of Massachusetts representative to the board of higher education; one student representative selected by the state college representative to the board of higher education; and one student representative selected by the community college representative to the board of higher education. The chairman of the board of higher education shall establish a student application program to aid the representatives of the board of higher education in the selection of student members to the board.
Five members of the board shall constitute a quorum and the affirmative vote of five members shall be necessary for any action taken by the board. No vacancy in the membership of the board shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the board.
(c) The purpose of the student investment fund shall be to provide an opportunity for interested students to gain experience in entrepreneurialism and early-stage business development while fostering an economic environment that will attract students to the commonwealth and forge a relationship between the public higher education system and the Massachusetts business community with the intent of driving economic growth. Funds made available to the student investment board from the student investment fund shall be used for a grant program administered by the board for prototype funding of Massachusetts’ student ideas in early development stages; provided however, that the development of such ideas, plans, or business occur within the commonwealth. The secretary of economic development shall promulgate rules regarding the enforcement and penalties for recipients who relocate outside of the commonwealth. The board shall not be limited in the number of grants distributed to students in any 1 year; provided however, that the total monetary amount of all grants distributed by the board in a fiscal year shall not exceed 20 per cent of the fund’s first year balance. The board shall hold periodic hearings to allow selected students, who have submitted a statement of interest and initial business plan, the opportunity to present a comprehensive business plan describing characteristics and proprietary positions of the student’s product or services; present and future markets for such products or services; potential strategies for the future development and funding of the prototype product or service; a statement of amount, timing and projected use of the capital sought by the student; and a statement of the projected growth in employment or other positive economic impacts. Comprehensive business plans may be written and reviewed in consultation with the Massachusetts technology transfer center at the University of Massachusetts.
(d) The board shall, by January 1 of each year, submit a report of its activities for the preceding fiscal year to the governor, the joint committee on economic development and emerging technologies, and the clerks of the house of representatives and senate. Each report shall set forth a complete financial statement covering its operation during the year and shall also include any requests for additional appropriations.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-319
EDU 319
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES DELIVERY
Messrs. Tarr, Knapik and Hedlund moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting, after section ___, the following new section:-
“SECTION __. Salem State University is hereby directed and authorized to study, in consultation with the department of elementary and secondary education, local educational authorities and private educational providers, the delivery of special education services in the commonwealth pursuant to chapter 71B of the General Laws and all applicable federal laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act of 1990.
Said study shall include a comprehensive evaluation of existing and potential models for providing special education, and the associated costs and benefits, including but not limited to the costs of personnel compensation, transportation, housing and assistive technologies. Said study shall also seek to identify means by which services and instruction may be provided in a proactive manner, without the requirement or need for an individual education plan, but so as to maximize learning progress in local educational settings.
Said study, together with any legislative recommendations, shall be filed with the joint committee on education and the clerks of the house and the senate not later than May 1, 2013.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-320
EDU 320
Student Health Insurance
Mr. Downing moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 38 the following section:-
SECTION 38A: Section 18 of said chapter 15A is hereby amended by inserting, in line 4, after the term “program” the following sentence:- “A qualifying student health insurance program under this section shall meet the definition of minimum creditable coverage, as established by the board of the Commonwealth connector authority”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-321
EDU 321
E-Team Machinist Program
Mr. McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7027-0019, by adding the following: “; provided further, that no less than $90,000 shall be provided to the E-Team Machinist Program in the City of Lynn”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-322
EDU 322
School to Career Connecting Activities
Mr. McGee,Ms. Chang-Diaz, Ms. Spilka and Mr. DiDomenico moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7027-0019, by striking out the figure "$2,750,000" and insterting in place thereof the following figure:- "3,200,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-323
EDU 323
Community College Workforce Training
Mr. McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7066-0015, by striking out the figure "1,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the figure "1,250,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-324
EDU 324
Kindergarten Expansion Grants
Mr. Brownsberger moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7030-1002, by striking out the figure “$20,948,947” and inserting in place thereof the figure “$24,948,947”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-325
EDU 325
Commissioner's Districts
Mr. Joyce moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-0029, by inserting the following:-
“; provided further that the district of Randolph shall join the ten districts of Boston, Brockton, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford, Springfield, and Worcester, in the cohort known as the Commissioner’s Districts”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-326-R1
Redraft EDU 326
Randolph Parent Engagement Program
Mr. Joyce moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-9408, <w:p><w:r><w:t xml:space="preserve">by adding the following:-
“; provided further, that funds may be expended for the continuation of a parent engagement program pursuant to section 2 of chapter 182 of the acts of 2008”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-327
EDU 327
GCC Child Care Center
Mr. Rosenberg moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7505-0100, by inserting after the word "College" the following:- "provided that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to satisfy the debt service incurred for construction of a child care center on the grounds of the main campus of Greenfield Community College."; and by striking out the figure "$7,805,889" and inserting in place thereof "$7,955,889."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-329
EDU 329
Performance Incentive Fund
Messrs. Michael O. Moore and Rosenberg moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7066-0025, by striking out the figure “2,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$3,500,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-330
EDU 330
Chapter 70 Pothole Reserve
Mr. Rosenberg moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-0011, by inserting at the end thereof the following:- “provided that priority shall be given to assist level 3, level 4, and level 5 school districts to meet improvement plans”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-331-R1
Redraft EDU 331
Higher Education Financing
Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in Section 2, by inserting after item 7066-0002 the following item:
“7066-XXXX. For the hiring of a consultant or institution with documented expertise in policy and research of community colleges; provided, however, that this consultant shall be selected by the Special Commission on Higher Education Financing….$100,000”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-332
EDU 332
Higher Education Scholarships
Ms. Clark and Messrs. Downing, Knapik, Welch and DiDomenico moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7070-0065, by striking out the figure "87,607,756"and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- ”91,988,144”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-333-R1
Redraft EDU 333
McAuliffe Planetarium
Ms. Spilka moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7112-0100, by inserting at the end thereof the following words:- “; provided, that $200,000 shall be expended for the Christa McAuliffe Challenger Learning Center at Framingham State University”;
And by striking out the figure “$21,266,256” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$21,466,256”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-335
EDU 335
Community Colleges Board Chairs
Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2E, in item XXXX-XXXX, , by striking out Section 42
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-336-R1
Redraft EDU 336
Community Mediation Funding
Messrs. Downing, Berry, Hart, Rosenberg and Wolf and Ms. Creem and Mr. Knapik and Ms. Spilka and Messrs. Brownsberger, Michael O. Moore, DiDomenico, Tarr, Eldridge and McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 7100-0200 the following item:-
“7100-0700 For the operation of the community mediation center grant program administered by the office of public collaboration at the University of Massachusetts at Boston under section 47 of chapter 75 of the General Laws ............................ $925,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-337
EDU 337
Year Up
Mr. Hart moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item XXXX-XXXX, by inserting after the line item 7007-0800, the following:-
7007-0802 “For the Year Up, Inc. program to provide employment, training, and job placement through a one year program for young urban adults ages 18 to 24 that combines an internship with college credits and a stipend, so long as the program demonstrates at least a 6:1 private match and has a proven record of achieving at least an 80 percent positive outcome within 6 months after graduation, defined by either a first job earning $30,000 or full-time enrollment in college…….$200,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-338
EDU 338
Community Mediation Grant Program Administration
Messrs. Downing, Berry, Hart, Rosenberg and Wolf and Ms. Creem and Mr. Knapik and Ms. Spilka and Messrs. Brownsberger, Michael O. Moore, DiDomenico, Tarr and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 75 the following new section:-
SECTION 75A. Said chapter 75 is hereby amended by inserting, after section 46 the following section:-
Section 47. COMMUNITY MEDIATION CENTER GRANT PROGRAM
(a) As used in this section the following words shall the following meanings, unless the context otherwise requires:
“Community mediation center” means a community-based program, of a private non-profit or public agency organized for the resolution of disputes or for a public service or charitable or educational purpose, that provides direct access to free or low-cost mediation services at any stage of a conflict through trained community volunteers and involves community members in the governance of the center.
"Mediator" means an impartial person who assists in the resolution of a conflict or dispute and meets the requirements of section 23C of chapter 233.
“State office” means the office of dispute resolution at the University of Massachusetts Boston authorized under section 46.
(b) There is hereby established a state-wide community mediation center grant program to be funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The mission of the program shall be to promote the broad use of community mediation in all regions of the state. Public agencies are directed to deploy community mediation in support of state-wide and community objectives. The program shall be administered by the state office of dispute resolution. The state office shall be authorized to expend appropriated funds on program administration and operational grants to Massachusetts community mediation centers on the basis of need for dispute resolution in neighborhoods and local communities. The state office shall be authorized to advocate for funding and resources for the state-wide program and for community mediation programming. The state office shall be authorized to establish rules and guidelines to effectuate the purposes of this section, including provisions for grant-making, monitoring and evaluation of the state-wide program and state-funded community mediation centers, and establishment of a quality assurance system for mediator excellence. The state office shall establish a program advisory committee with balanced representation of interests, including representation of state-funded community mediation centers.
(c) Funds appropriated or available for the purposes of this section shall be allocated for eligible community mediation centers through operating grants from the state office. The grants administered under this section are intended solely to provide operational funding for centers to assist them in meeting the needs of local communities. Eligible centers shall be selected for operational grants based on grant applications. Grant applications shall be screened by a grant review committee established by the state office to make recommendations. The state office shall determine the final grant recipients and awards. The state share of the operating cost of any center funded under this section shall include a baseline grant award based on eligibility criteria and a proven track record, and may also include an additional award based on performance levels set by the state office that may include but are not limited to the volume of intakes, sessions and mediations during the immediate past performance cycle, the extent services are being provided to underserved or unserved areas of the state, and the center’s contribution to identified community objectives within the geographical regions served.
(d) Community mediation centers applying for state-funded operating grants must demonstrate compliance with eligibility criteria established by the state office, including operational and structural criteria and requirements for matching funds. To qualify for funding, community mediation centers must also comply with grant application procedures set by the state office. The office shall consult with centers in establishing grant criteria and procedures.
(e) Applications to start a new community mediation center may be submitted at any time in the fiscal year but the decision to provide grants is entirely dependent on available funds. The grant review committee will determine how closely the startup center’s operating philosophy, organization, by-laws, and other supporting documents reflect the state office’s eligibility criteria for community mediation. Priority will be given to eligible start-up centers serving areas that have no existing community mediation center(s).
(f) Payments to centers awarded grants under this section shall be made pursuant to contracts with the University of Massachusetts Boston. The methods of payment or reimbursement for community mediation center operating costs shall be specified by the state office. All such arrangements shall conform to the provisions of this section and the rules and procedures of the state office and the University of Massachusetts Boston.
(g) The state office may accept and disburse from any public or private agency or person, any money for the purposes of this section and perform services and acts as may be necessary for the receipt and disbursement of such funds. A community mediation center funded under this section may accept funds from any public or private agency or person for the purposes of this section. The state comptroller, university controller, the state office director and their authorized representatives shall have the power to inspect, examine and audit the fiscal affairs of state-funded community mediation centers.
(h) Each state-funded community mediation center shall provide the state office with data on operating budgets, mediation and related services, and such other information the state office may require periodically for monitoring, evaluation and reporting purposes. The state office shall provide periodic progress reports to the program advisory committee and shall report annually to the governor, the trial court chief justice, the senate president, the house speaker, and the chairs of the committees on higher education, judiciary, and ways and means, on the operations, activities and accomplishments of the state-wide program and the centers funded pursuant to this section.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-339
EDU 339
METCO
Mr. Ross and Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0012, Mr. Ross moves to amend the bill (Senate No. 4) in section 2, in item 7010-0012, by striking out the figure “$16,892,582” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-
“$18,142,582”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-340-R1
Redraft EDU 340
Internship Incentive Program
Messrs. Rodrigues, Hart and Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7066-0000, by inserting, after the word "finance", the following:-
"provided further, $1,000,000 shall be made available for an Internship Incentive Program for the University of Massachusetts and State Universities; provided further, the commonwealth shall contribute funds to each institution in an amount necessary to match private contributions in the current fiscal year to the institutions internship incentive program; provider further, that the commonwealth's contribution shall be equal to $1 for every $1 privately contributed to each university's board of trustees or foundation; provided further, that the maximum total contributions from the commonwealth shall be no greater than $1,000,000; provided further, that funds from this program shall not result in direct or indirect reduction in the commonwealth's appropriations to the institutions for operations, scholarships, financial aid or any state appropriation and the department shall promulgate regulations and criteria for said program"; and in said item by striking out the figures “$1,843,708" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$2,843,708"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-341
EDU 341
Special Education Stabilization Fund
Messrs. Ross, Knapik, Hedlund and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended Mr. Ross moves to amend the bill (Senate No. 4) by inserting, after SECTION XX, the following new section:-
“SECTION XX. Chapter 40 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding after section 13C the following section:-
‘Section 13D. Any school district which accepts the provisions of this section by majority vote of the school committee and acceptance by a majority vote of the legislative body or, in the case of a regional school district acceptance by a majority vote of the legislative bodies in a majority of the member communities of the district may establish, and appropriate or transfer money to a reserve fund to be utilized in the upcoming fiscal year or years, to pay, without further appropriation, for unanticipated and/or unbudgeted costs of special education out of school district tuition and/or transportation. The balance in such separate stabilization fund shall not exceed 2% of the annual net school spending of the school district.
The district treasurer may invest the monies in the manner authorized by Section 54 of Chapter 44, and any interest earned thereon shall be credited to and become part of the fund. In the case of Regional School Districts, funds may be added to the special education stabilization fund only by appropriation in the annual budget voted at annual town meetings of member towns.’”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-342
EDU 342
North Shore Community College
Mr. Berry moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7511-0100, by striking out the figures “$17,629,906” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$17,729,906”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-343
EDU 343
North Shore Community College Assistance Corporation
Messrs. Berry and McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting, at the end, the following new section: -
"SECTION XX. (a) It is hereby found and declared that the North Shore Community College is a critical element of the commonwealth's higher education system and fulfilling the mission of North Shore Community College to provide educational resources to the citizens of the commonwealth is essential to providing students with skills and opportunities necessary to a full and productive life. It is further declared that providing physical and financial resources necessary to meet the needs of the North Shore Community College now and in the future is critical to the ability of North Shore Community College to fulfill its mission including providing the workforce with skills necessary to allow for the maintenance and expansion of the business, industrial, technological and manufacturing sectors of the commonwealth's economy. It is further found and declared that creation of a nonprofit assistance corporation with certain statutory authority will provide a vehicle with the necessary flexibility to prudently pursue opportunities for the benefit of North Shore Community College, its present and future students and the commonwealth. It is therefore expressly declared that the provisions of this section constitute a needed program in the public interest in furtherance of an essential governmental function and serve a necessary and valid public purpose for which public money may be expended or invested
(b) As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
"Board of directors", the board of directors of the North Shore Community Assistance Corporation created by this section
"Board of higher education", the board of higher education established pursuant to section 4 of chapter 15A of the General Laws.
"Board of trustees", the board of trustees of the North Shore Community College.
"College", the North Shore Community College or, if the North Shore Community College shall be dissolved or fails to qualify either as a political subdivision of the commonwealth or an educational institution exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, then such other educational institution of higher learning established and operating in the commonwealth as shall be designated by the board of higher education, which is either such a political subdivision or such an exempt organization.
"Code", the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as may be amended, from time to time.
"Corporation", the North Shore Community College Assistance Corporation established in subsection (c).
"Educational institution", an educational organization within the meaning of section 170(b) (I )(A)(ii) of the Code.
(c) There shall be a body politic and corporate to be known as the North Shore Community College Assistance Corporation. The corporation shall not be a public agency or state agency as those terms are described in chapter 7 of the General Laws. The corporation shall be governed by a board of directors consisting of: the chairman of the board of trustees of the college, the president of the college, the mayor of the city of Lynn, the president of the Lynn city council, the director of the Lynn Economic Development Industrial Corporation, or a successor thereto, 3 members to be appointed by the governor, at least 1 of whom shall be experienced in the financial aspects of real estate development and management and at least 1 of whom shall be experienced in planning, 1 member to be appointed by the Lynn Chamber of Commerce, or a successor thereto, and 6 members appointed by the president of the college, at least 2 of whom shall be experienced in higher education administration.
(b) The appointed members of the board of directors shall serve 3-year terms. Of those initially appointed by the governor, 1 shall be appointed for 1 year, 1 for 2 years and 1 for 3 years. Of those initially appointed by the president of the college, 2 shall be appointed for 1 year, 2 shall be appointed for 2 years and 3 shall be appointed for 3 years. The individual initially appointed by the Lynn Chamber of Commerce shall be appointed for 2 years. Vacancies arising from other than the expiration of the term shall be filled by the person designated as the appointing authority for the initial appointment. Directors shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties.
(c) The board of directors from time to time shall elect from among themselves a chairman, a vice chairman and a secretary. The secretary shall be the custodian of all books, documents and papers of the corporation and its minute book and seal. Unless otherwise provided in by-laws adopted by the board of directors, the number of directors required to constitute a quorum shall be a majority of the directors then in office. If a quorum is present, a majority of t he directors may take any action on behalf of the board of directors except to the extent that a larger number is required by this section, or other applicable laws or by-laws adopted by the board of directors.
(d) The purposes of the corporation shall be to: (i) promote the orderly growth and development of the college; and (ii) to assist the college in securing physical and financial resources necessary for the acquisition and development of sites for use by the college. In furtherance of such purpose, the corporation shall, subject only to the restrictions and limitations hereinafter provided, have the following powers:
(1) to make and execute contracts and any other instruments necessary or convenient for the exercise of its powers or the discharge of its duties and incur liabilities for any other purposes of the corporation;
(2) to have a corporate seal which it may alter at its pleasure;
(3) to adopt by-laws for the regulation of its affairs;
(4) to accept, acquire, receive, take and hold by bequest, devise, grant, gift, purchase, exchange, lease, transfer, judicial order or decree or otherwise, for any of its objects and purposes, any property both real and personal, reasonably related to the acquisition and development of sites for use by the college and to develop such sites including, but not limited to, the construction, renovation, operation and maintenance of buildings thereon;
(5) to sue or be sued; provided, however, that a director or officer of the corporation shall not be liable for the performance of his duties if he acts in compliance with section 6C of chapter 180 of the General Laws;
(6) to sell, convey, mortgage, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of any such property, both real and personal, as the objects and purposes of the corporation may require;
(7) to borrow money and, from time to time, to make, accept, endorse, execute and issue promissory notes, bills of exchange and other obligations of the corporation for monies borrowed or in payment for property acquired or for any of the other purposes of the corporation and to secure the payment of any such obligation by mortgage, pledge, deed, agreement or other instrument of trust or other lien upon, assignment of or agreement in regard to all or any part of the property rights or privileges of the corporation, whether now owned or hereafter to be acquired;
(8) to receive stocks, bonds, donations and gifts and to otherwise raise money for the corporation's purposes;
(9) to elect, appoint and employ officers, agents and employees, to fix their compensation and define their duties and obligations and to indemnify corporate personnel;
(10) to enter into agreements for other transactions with any person including, without limitation, any governmental instrumentalities or agencies in connection with any of its powers or duties and any governmental agency may enter into such agreements or transactions with the corporation; and
(11) to do all acts and things necessary or convenient to the exercise of any power or the discharge of any duty provided for in this subsection.
(e) The corporation shall be an institution for higher education solely for the purposes such term is used in chapter 614 of the acts of 1968. Any acquisition of property by purchase, lease or otherwise by the corporation shall be deemed a project as such term is used in said chapter 614. The corporation shall be fully eligible to receive any assistance from the Massachusetts Health and Education Facilities Authority established in said chapter 614 in the same manner as any other institution for higher education.
(f) (1) The corporation shall assess the space needs of the college on a regular basis and may acquire sites for use by the college. The corporation may lease or rent land or space in any facility under the control of the corporation to any entities other than the college only after making a determination that the college does not have a foreseeable need for such space or land for the term of the lease or rental agreement.
(2) The corporation shall not sell, convey, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of any real property without notifying, in writing and consulting with, the board of trustees and the board of higher education and, after such consultation, making a determination that such sale, conveyance, transfer or exchange is in the best interests of the college. Any such sale, conveyance, transfer or exchange shall require a vote of two-thirds of the members of the board of directors.
(g) The college or any state agency or entity acting on the college's behalf may enter into an agreement to rent, lease or otherwise utilize any facility owned by or under the control of the corporation. The corporation shall be paid rent and costs for such facilities at a rate agreed to by the corporation and college or state agency or entity entering into an agreement on the college's behalf; provided, however, that such amount shall not exceed the fair market value for the use of such facilities at the time the agreement is made. Subject to such limitation, the college's determination to rent, lease or otherwise utilize any facility owned or under the control of the corporation and any agreement related thereto shall not be subject to chapter 7 of the General Laws.
(h) (1) The corporation shall not engage in any activities which are not in furtherance of its corporate purposes or to support or benefit any organization other than the college and all of the powers granted under this section to the corporation shall be exercised in a manner consistent therewith.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, neither the directors and officers of the corporation nor the corporation shall participate in any prohibited transaction within the meaning of Section 503 of the Code, nor shall the corporation be operated at any time for the primary purpose of carrying on a trade or business for profit.
(i) Subject to this section, the corporation shall use or distribute all property from time to time held by the corporation solely in the furtherance of its corporate purposes in such manner as the board of directors shall determine. No part of the assets or net earnings, if any, of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its directors or officers or private individuals, except that the corporation may pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and make payments and distributions in furtherance of its corporate purposes. The corporation shall not directly or indirectly participate in or intervene in, including the publishing or distributing of statements, any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be for the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, except to the extent the corporation makes expenditures for purposes of influencing legislation in conformity with the requirements of Section 501(h) of the Code. If the corporation is deemed to be a private foundation as defined in Section 509 of the Code, chapter 68A of the General Laws shall apply to it.
(j) (1) The operation and maintenance of projects by the corporation shall constitute the performance of an essential governmental function and the corporation shall not be required to pay any taxes or special, betterment or other assessments within the commonwealth including, without limitation, taxes on real or personal property and any ad valorem taxes, upon any property owned, constructed, acquired, leased or used by it under this section. The corporation shall not be subject to any taxes based upon or measured by income which may be enacted by the commonwealth. Obligations issued by the corporation under this section and any income derived therefrom, including any sale, exchange or transfer of such obligation, shall be free from taxation within the commonwealth.
(2) Land, buildings and tangible personal property of the corporation if leased to the extent permitted under this section for any activity or transaction entered into by the lessee for financial profit or gain shall be taxed or assessed by the city of town in which such land, buildings and tangible personal property is situated to the lessees thereof respectively in the same manner as such land, buildings and tangible personal property would be taxed or assessed to such lessees if they were owners thereof, except as follows:
(A) the payment of the tax or assessment shall not be enforced by any lien upon or sale of such land or buildings, but for the purpose of enforcing the payment of such taxes or assessments by such lessees to the city or town in which such land or buildings are situated, a sale of the leasehold interest in therein may be made by the collection of the city or town in the manner provided by law for selling real estate for the nonpayment of real estate taxes;
(B) such land, buildings and tangible personal property leased to any political subdivision of the commonwealth or to any public charity described in section 8 of chapter 12 of the General Laws for its charitable purposes shall not be taxed or assessed to any such lessees;
(C) in lieu of taxes and any betterment or special assessments, the city of Lynn may determine a sum to be paid to it annually in any year or period or years, such sum to be in any year equal to or less than the amount that would be levied at the then current tax rate upon the then current assessed value of such real estate, including buildings and other structures, the valuation for each year being reduced by all abatements thereon; provided, however, that no amount shall be due prior to the first year in which the corporation has leased some portion of the real property to a third party and has received rental payments for fees in return therefor and any amount so due shall be prorated based upon the percentage of the property for which rental payments or fees have been received;
(D) if any such lessee is subject to the excise levied under sections 30 to 42B, inclusive, of chapter 63 of the General Laws, such tangible personal property shall be treated as though it were owned by such lessee for the purposes of such excise and it shall be valued at 8 times its annual rental rate, unless and to the extent that such property is treated by the lessee as owned by it for federal income tax purposes, in which case, its value shall be its adjusted basis, as defined in the applicable provisions of the Code; and
(E) all tangible property, real or personal, so leased shall be considered tangible property owned or rented and used in the commonwealth by such lessee for the purposes of section 38 of chapter 63 of the General Laws.
(k)(1) The corporation shall not exercise any of the following powers, duties, actions, responsibilities or authorities in the absence of review and comment by the inspector general and such review and comment shall be provided within 2 weeks after submission by the corporation of a plan setting forth the power, duty, action, responsibility or authority proposed to be taken:
(A) entering into a contract requiring an annual expenditure in excess of $100,000 by the corporation; provided, however, that the corporation may enter into those contracts necessary to acquire sites, without further review by the inspector general, but pursuant to a memorandum of understanding with the secretary of administration and finance with respect to the acquisition, renovation, operation and potential disposition of sites;
(B) borrowing monies such that the outstanding amount of monies borrowed by the corporation exceeds $100,000;
(C) entering into a contract requiring the sale of an asset of the corporation purchased with monies appropriated by the commonwealth; and
(D) entering into a contract requiring the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the corporation.
(2) In carrying out this section, the inspector general shall have access to all the corporation's records, reports, audits, reviews, papers, books, documents, recommendations, correspondence, including information relative to the purchase of services or anticipated purchase of services from any contractor by the corporation, and any other data and material that is maintained by or available to the corporation which in any way relates to the programs and operations with respect to which the inspector general has duties and responsibilities under this section, except any record to which section 18 of chapter 66 of the General Laws applies.
(3) The inspector general may request such information, cooperation and assistance from the corporation as may be necessary for carrying out his duties and responsibilities under this section. Upon receipt of such request, the person in charge of the corporation's governing body shall furnish to the inspector general or his authorized agent or representative such information, cooperation and assistance, including information relative to the purchase of services or anticipated purchase of services from any contractor by the corporation except any record to which said section 18 of said chapter 66 applies. The inspector general may make such investigation, audits and reports relating to the administration of the programs and operations of the corporation as are in the judgment of the inspector general necessary and may conduct an examination of any documents of the corporation to prevent or detect fraud, waste and abuse in the expenditure of public funds. The inspector general shall have direct and prompt access to the head of the corporation when necessary for any purpose pertaining to the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this section. The inspector general may request the production, on a voluntary basis, of testimony or documents from any individual firm or nongovernmental entity which relate to his duties and responsibilities under this section.
(4) The inspector general may require, by summons, the production of all records, reports, audits, reviews, papers, books, documents, recommendations, correspondence and any other data and material relevant to any matter under audit or investigation pursuant to the this section, except records to which said section 18 of said chapter 66 apply. Such summons shall be served in the same manner as a summons for the production of documents in civil cases issued on behalf of the commonwealth and all law relative to the issuance of summonses shall apply to a summons issued pursuant to this section. Any justice of the superior court department of the trial court may, upon application by the inspector general, issue an order to compel the production of records, reports, audits, reviews, papers, books, documents, recommendations, correspondence and any other data and material as aforesaid. Any failure to obey such order may be punished by said court as contempt. Any summons issued pursuant to this section shall not be made public by the inspector general or any officer or employee of his department and no documents provided pursuant to this section shall be made public until such time as it is necessary for the inspector general to do so in the performance of his duties under this section. The production of such books and papers pursuant to a summons issued under this subsection shall be governed by the same provisions with reference to secrecy which govern proceedings of a grand jury. Disclosure of such production, attendance and testimony may be made to such members of the staff of the inspector general as is deemed necessary by the inspector general to assist him in the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this section and such members of the staff may be present at the production of records.
(5) The corporation shall submit annually an audited financial statement to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on higher education.
(l) Upon dissolution of the corporation after payment of all of the liabilities of the corporation or due provision therefor, all of the assets of the corporation shall be distributed to the board of higher education, to be held in trust for the benefit and purposes of the college, and shall not inure to the benefit of or be distributed to any private individual.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-344
EDU 344
Clean Slate Program
Mr. Welch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-9611, by adding at the end thereof the following: “provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the Clean Slate Program in the city of Springfield”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-345
EDU 345
Recognizing Higher Education Achievements
Messrs. Rodrigues and Richard T. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting, after section__, the following new section:-
SECTION__. Chapter 69, Section 31A of the General Laws, as most recently amended by the acts of 2009, is hereby amended by striking out Section 31A and inserting in place thereof the following section:-
"Section 31A. No educational institution chartered, located, offering courses, or otherwise doing business within the commonwealth, shall award degrees within the commonwealth unless authorized to do so by the commonwealth. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the ceremonial delivery at a graduation, commencement or similar event in the commonwealth of diplomas acknowledging degrees awarded outside the commonwealth by an educational institution formally recognized by a regional accrediting agency, recognized as such by the United States Secretary of Education; nor shall any educational institution chartered, incorporated or organized in another state conduct within the commonwealth any courses available to residents of the commonwealth leading to the award of a degree, unless such educational institution has received the approval of the commonwealth for such courses. Nothing in this section shall prohibit an educational institution that is formally recognized by a regional accrediting agency, recognized as such by the United States Secretary of Education, from providing to residents of the commonwealth administrative and financial counseling or other support services which are not course-specific.
The board of higher education shall be responsible for the implementation of the provisions of this section."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-346-R1
Redraft EDU 346
Community College Reform
Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended <w:p><w:r><w:t xml:space="preserve">in section 35, by striking out, in line 474, the words “and which shall be authorized by law”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-347
EDU 347
Income Eligible Child Care
Ms. Candaras, Ms. Chang-Diaz and Ms. Clark and Mr. Welch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 3000-4060, Ms. Candaras, moved to amend the bill in section 2, in item 3000-4060, by striking out the figures “$231,370,452" and inserting in place thereof the figures “$231,870,452".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-348-R1
Redraft EDU 348
Department of Higher Education
Mr. Rosenberg moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7066-0000, , in section 2, in item 7066-0000, by inserting after the word "finance" the following:- "; provided further, that $250,000 shall be expended to meet existing statutory requirements and establish trustee recruitment, training and accountability initiatives"; and by striking out the figure "1,843,708" and inserting in place thereof "2,093,708"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-349
EDU 349
Training for Entry Level Employment in Biotech
Mr. DiDomenico moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7518-0100, by inserting after “College” the following:- “provided, that funding shall be expended for Just-a-Start Corporation in collaboration with Bunker Hill Community College to provide training for entry level employment in the biotech and medical fields for 30 unemployed, underemployed or displaced workers, or persons receiving benefits from transitional aid to families with dependent children”; and
by striking out the figure “$17,496,631” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- “$17,596,631.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-350
EDU 350
Expand Scholarships for In Demand Professions
Mr. Michael O. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7070-0066, by striking out the words "For a scholarship program to provide financial assistance to students from the commonwealth who are enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education in the University of Massachusetts, state universities and community colleges designated by the board of higher education to be a training program for an in-demand profession as defined by the executive office of labor and workforce development’s study on labor market conditions; provided, that funds from this item may be expended on the administration of the scholarship program; and provided further, that the commissioner of higher education, in coordination with the Massachusetts state scholarship office, shall adopt regulations governing the eligibility and the awarding of financial assistance" and inserting in place thereof the following:-
"For a scholarship program to provide financial assistance to students from the commonwealth who are enrolled in and pursuing a program in an in-demand profession as defined by the executive office of labor and workforce development’s study of labor market conditions; provided that an eligible student is enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education in an approved Massachusetts public or independent college, university, school of nursing; provided, that funds from this item may be expended on the administration of the scholarship program; and provided further, that the commissioner of higher education, in coordination with the Massachusetts state scholarship office, shall adopt regulations governing the program eligibility, student eligibility and the awarding of financial assistance"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-351
EDU 351
GLBT Commission
Mr. DiDomenico and Ms. Chang-Diaz and Mr. Brownsberger moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0005, by adding after the word “expenditures” the following words:-
“and provided further, that the department, in collaboration with the commission on gay and lesbian youth established by section 67 of chapter 3 of the General Laws, may allocate funds to ensure public schools’ support and safety of gay and lesbian students and the implementation of related suicide and violence prevention efforts and reduction of health disparities for GLBT youth.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-352
EDU 352
Gateway Cities Early Literacy Programs
Messrs. Downing and Rodrigues and Ms. Chandler and Messrs. Knapik, DiDomenico, Finegold and Kennedy and Ms. Donoghue and Messrs. Moore, Montigny, Welch and McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 7009-6402 the following item:-
7009-6403 For grants to provide targeted professional development opportunities for educators working in family child care programs in Gateway Cities, and to provide support to family members of children enrolled in these programs; provided, that funds shall be used to offer multiple types of professional development programs, including job-embedded opportunities, to educators on topics including but not limited to, language and literacy development, especially for students for whom English is not their first language, creating literacy-rich environments, and preparing children for kindergarten; provided further, that funds shall also be used to offer evening and/or Saturday sessions for family members to increase levels of understanding and engagement with literacy development; and provided further, that funds shall also be used to schedule home visits for children and families who need additional literacy support……$575,000
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-353
EDU 353
Gateway Cities Student Support Counselors
Messrs. Downing and Rodrigues and Ms. Chandler and Messrs. Knapik, DiDomenico, Finegold and Kennedy and Ms. Donoghue and Mr. Michael O. Moore and Ms. Clark and Messrs. Montigny and McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 7009-6400, the following item:-
7009-6401 For grants to establish or expand student support councils in school districts located in Gateway Cities, and to place student support counselors in schools within those districts who will coordinate the provision of support services, including but not limited to, health and human services, to students within the school setting; provided, that funds shall be used to establish cross-sector, cross-stakeholder student support councils that will create strategic plans for delivering comprehensive student support services to students and families and also provide practical information and support to school districts and other educational institutions; provided further, that funds shall be used to hire district-level student support coordinators and school-level counselors; provided further, that grant applications may also propose placing such counselors in early education or higher education settings where appropriate……$3,640,000
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-355
EDU 355
Operation A.B.L.E.
Mr. DiDomenico and Ms. Spilka and Messrs. Michael O. Moore and McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7035-0002, by striking out the figure “$30,707,455” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- “$30,857,455”; and
by inserting at the end the following:- “;provided further, that not less than $150,000 be expended for Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston to provide basic workforce and skills training, employment services and job re-entry support to older workers.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-356-R1
Redraft EDU 356
Expanded Learning Time
Ms. Chandler and Mr. Knapik moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-9412, <w:p><w:r><w:t xml:space="preserve">by striking out the figure "$14,042,764" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$14,168,030".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-357
EDU 357
Educational Rewards Grant Program
Mr. Eldridge and Ms. Chang-Diaz moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item XXXX-XXXX, by inserting the following new item:
xxxx-xxxx For the Education Rewards Grant Program Fund established under Ch. 29 Sect. 2SSS of the M.G.L. for the purpose of providing financial assistance to dislocated or incumbent low income workers to enable them to receive education to transition into jobs in targeted high demand occupations. …………………………………..………$1,500,000
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-358
EDU 358
McKinney-Vento Student Transportation costs
Messrs. Welch and Knapik and Ms. Candaras and Messrs. Donnelly and Michael O. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2 by inserting the following item:-
“XXXX-XXXX For reimbursements to cities, towns, and regional school districts for the cost of transportation of nonresident pupils as required by the federal McKinney-Vento act; provided, that the board of elementary and secondary education shall promulgate regulations for the determination of said reimbursements; and provided further, that the commonwealth’s obligation shall not exceed the amount appropriated in this item…………………$11,300,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-359
EDU 359
Special Education Stabilization Fund
Messrs. Welch, Donnelly and Eldridge and Ms. Clark moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting, after section ___, the following new section:-
SECTION XX. Chapter 40 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2010 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding after section 13C the following section:
“SECTION 13D. Any school district which accepts the provisions of this section by majority vote of the school committee and acceptance by majority vote of the legislative bodies in a majority of the member communities of the district may establish, and appropriate or transfer money to a reserve fund to be utilized in the upcoming fiscal year or years, to pay, without further appropriation, for unanticipated and/or unbudgeted costs of special education out of school district tuition and/or transportation. The balance in such separate stabilization fund shall not exceed 2% of the annual net school spending of the school district. The district treasurer may invest the monies in the manner authorized by Section 54 of Chapter 44, and any interest earned thereon shall be credited to and become part of the fund. In the case of Regional School Districts, funds may be added to the special education stabilization fund only be appropriation in the annual budget voted at annual town meetings of member towns.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-360
EDU 360
Youth Venture Program
Ms. Flanagan moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting the following item:-
7066-0038.. For the operation of the youth venture program at Mt. Wachusett Community College…. $100,000
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-361
EDU 361
Reading Proficiency
Ms. Clark and Messrs. Michael O. Moore, Knapik, Welch, DiDomenico, Finegold and Eldridge and Ms. Donoghue and Mr. Joyce moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting, after section ___, the following new section:-
SECTION XX. Whereas, the deferred operation of this act would tend to defeat its purpose, which is forthwith to
improve third grade reading proficiency, therefore, it is hereby declared to be an emergency law, necessary for the immediate preservation of the public convenience.
SECTION 1. It is a goal of the commonwealth to have all students reading proficiently by the end of third grade, thereby increasing students’ potential for academic success.
SECTION 2. (a) The secretary of education, in collaboration with the commissioners of the departments of early education and care, elementary and secondary education, and higher education, shall appoint an Early Literacy Expert Panel of no fewer than 6 and no more than 12 experts on children’s early language and literacy development. Said appointments shall be made in consultation with the senate and house chairs of the joint committee on education and the senate and house chairs of the joint committee on higher education. The secretary and one of the appointees selected by the panel shall be designated as co-chairs. The panel shall advise the 3 departments and the executive office of education on the refinement and implementation of plans for early literacy development including, but not limited to, the Massachusetts Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Plan, the Early Learning Challenge Plan, and Race to the Top, including the activities and programs offered by the District and School Assistance Centers and Readiness Centers to support language and literacy acquisition for children from birth to third grade, inclusive. The council shall conduct its first meeting not more than 60 days after the effective date of this act. The panel shall meet not less than 4 times annually for the first 4 years following the effective date of this act. The panel shall then continue to meet for a time period to be determined by the panel co-chairs. Panel members, with the exception of the panel co-chairs, shall each be appointed for a term of 4 years. No member, with the exception of the panel co-chairs, shall serve for more than 2 consecutive terms. The members of the panel shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses necessarily and reasonably incurred in the performance of their duties. Panel members shall not, by virtue of their membership, be deemed state employees under chapter 268A of the general laws.
(b) The panel shall make recommendations to the secretary and the commissioners of the departments of early education and care, elementary and secondary education, and higher education on the alignment, coordination, and implementation of, but not limited to, the following areas:
(1) comprehensive curricula on language and literacy development for children in early education and care programs and grades pre-kindergarten to third grade, inclusive, that (i) is anchored in rich content to be studied through thematic units; (ii) uses a wide variety of types of text to support content under study; (iii) emphasizes the role of oral language and discussion in promoting early reading skills; and (iv) contains a balanced instructional design focused on developing both meaning-based skills, such as comprehension, conceptual knowledge, vocabulary, and code-based skills, such as letter knowledge, letter sounds and word reading;
(2) effective instructional practices to promote children’s language and literacy development in early education and care programs and grades pre-kindergarten to third grade, inclusive, including tiered instructional strategies and materials;
(3) pre-service and in-service professional development and training for educators on language and literacy development, the administration of screenings and assessments, and the analysis of data gained through screenings and assessments to make instructional decisions to improve language and literacy acquisition in young children;
(4) developmentally appropriate screening and assessment to monitor and report on children’s progress toward achieving benchmarks in language and literacy development across educational levels prior to third grade and measuring school readiness and children’s reading proficiency from pre-kindergarten to third grade;
(5) family partnership strategies for improving the quality, frequency, and efficacy of home-school interactions to support children’s literacy and language development, as well as for building community capacity to support family literacy practices; and
(6) action steps to implement the recommendations contained in “Turning the Page: Refocusing Massachusetts for Reading Success” by Nonie Lesaux.
The panel shall also advise on leveraging existing and new federal grant opportunities and private funding to support language and literacy acquisition for children from birth to third grade, inclusive. Subject to appropriation, the secretary and commissioners may appoint personnel necessary to coordinate the activities of the panel and provide administrative support as needed.
SECTION 3. The secretary, in coordination with the panel co-chair and the 3 commissioners, shall prepare and submit an annual report on the activities of the expert panel in advising the departments. The report shall include information on the alignment and collaboration between the 3 commissioners, as overseen by the secretary, on early language and literacy development for children from birth to third grade, inclusive, and on teacher training and professional development on early language and literacy, and all subject areas covered in (b)(1)-(6). The report shall also include a description of all state and federal funding related to early literacy and the programs such funding supports. The secretary shall submit the report on or before December 31 to the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives, who shall forward the same to the senate and house chairs of the joint committee on education and senate and house chairs of the joint committee on higher education and the chairs of the senate and house committees on ways and means. The report shall also be made available on the websites of the departments of early education and care, elementary and secondary education, and higher education and on the website of the executive office of education.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-362
EDU 362
Student and School Assessment
Mr. Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-9400, by striking out the figure "$23,903,482" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$24,403,482".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-363
EDU 363
University Internship Incentive Program
Mr. Berry moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7066-0000, by inserting at the end thereof the following: “provided further, $1,000,000 shall be made available for a State University Internship Incentive Program; provided further, the commonwealth shall contribute funds to each institution in an amount necessary to match private contributions in the current fiscal year to the institutions internship incentive program; provider further, that the commonwealth's contribution shall be equal to $1 for every $1 privately contributed to each university's board of trustees or foundation; provided further, that the maximum total contributions from the commonwealth shall be no greater than $1,000,000; provided further, that funds from this program shall not result in direct or indirect reduction in the commonwealth's appropriations to the institutions for operations, scholarships, financial aid or any state appropriation and the department shall promulgate regulations and criteria for said program”; and in said item by striking out the figures “$1,843,708" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$2,843,708"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-364
EDU 364
Educational Quality and Accountability
Ms. Chang-Diaz and Messrs. Finegold and Rosenberg moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-0029, by striking out the figure "$959,028" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$1,710,118"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-366
EDU 366
Supportive Child Care
Mr. DiDomenico and Ms. Candaras, Ms. Clark and Ms. Jehlen and Mr. Welch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 3000-3050, by striking out the figure “76,612,276” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “77,330,875”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-367-R1
Redraft EDU 367
Foster and Adopted Child Fee Waivers
Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7066-0021, by inserting at the end thereof the following:- “; provided, however, that if sufficient funds are not appropriated to cover full tuition and fee waivers, the council may adopt guidelines that give preference to qualifying students whose expected family contribution, as determined by the free application for federal student aid, is less than $10,000.”
and by striking out section 39.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-368
EDU 368
Social Worker Loan Forgiveness Program
Ms. Spilka and Mr. Eldridge and Ms. Chang-Diaz and Ms. Clark and Messrs. DiDomenico and McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7070-0065, by inserting after the words “shall adopt guidelines governing the eligibility and the awarding of financial assistance;” the following words:-
“provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be expended for a Social Worker Loan Forgiveness Program, to increase access to child protective services and social work services in geographic and programmatic areas of high need in the Commonwealth;”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-369
EDU 369
Universal Pre-K Program
Messrs. DiDomenico, Michael O. Moore, Knapik and Welch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 3000-5075, by striking the figure “$7,500,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$8,000,000”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-370
EDU 370
Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment (ICE)
Ms. Creem and Messrs. Brownsberger, DiDomenico, Michael O. Moore and Knapik and Ms. Spilka and Mr. McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-9600, by striking the words “the department may encourage planning” and inserting in its place the following words: - “the department shall encourage planning”; and further amend by inserting after the words “program implementation” the following: - “; provided further that the department of elementary and secondary education shall select grant recipients not later than July 15, 2012”; and by striking out the figure “$400,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - “$600,000”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-371
EDU 371
Community Colleges Purpose
Ms. Creem and Mr. Knapik moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting, after section ___, the following new section:-
“SECTION ____. Section 5A of Chapter 15A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2010 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph: “The purpose of the state’s community colleges shall be to provide open access to high quality, affordable academic programs and courses, and grant associate degrees and certificates in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The community colleges shall provide academic preparation for transfer to four-year higher education institutions, career preparation for entry into high demand occupational fields, developmental coursework, lifelong learning opportunities, job training, retraining, certification, and skills improvement.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-372
EDU 372
Child Care Services for Teen Parents in Education Programs
Ms. Chang-Diaz and Messrs. Brownsberger, Michael O. Moore and McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 3000-4060, by inserting, after the words “ provided, that teenaged parents at risk of becoming eligible for transitional aid to families with dependent children may receive services from this item” the following words:- “; provided further, that the department shall provide early education and care benefits to parents who are under 20 years of age, who are currently enrolled in a public school, an alternative education program, a general educational development testing program, or a vocational education program, in a location that is as close to the teen parent’s home, school or program as possible, and who do not have access to other appropriate licensed child care for their children;”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-373
EDU 373
Mentoring
Messrs. Rosenberg, Hart, Rodrigues and Welch and Ms. Clark and Messrs. Eldridge, Michael O. Moore and DiDomenico and Ms. Chang-Diaz and Messrs. Brownsberger and Finegold and Ms. Candaras and Mr. Downing moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-9634, by striking out the figure “$250,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$350,000”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-374-R1
Redraft EDU 374
Regulatory Review and Paperwork Reduction
Messrs. Knapik and Tarr and Ms. Chang-Diaz and Messrs. Ross and Hedlund moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding at the end thereof, the following new section:-
Section XX. The department of elementary and secondary education shall submit a report reviewing the extent to which public school personnel are required to prepare and submit reports and data that are mandated by state and federal laws, regulations, and past practice to determine whether the reports and data are a valuable part of improving student achievement.
The department shall examine mandated reports and submissions of data required by state and federal law, regulation or administrative directive. The department’s analysis shall include, but not be limited to, an examination of the value of such reports in improving student achievement; reducing the achievement gap, so-called, identifying those which are duplicative or redundant; and proposing recommendations that may include, but are not restricted to, elimination, modification, or refinement of those reports and data which are required, or a listing of federal requirements that are duplicative, redundant or inadequately focused on the achievement gap. The report shall also include a description of all current efforts by the department to improve their business relationship with local education authorities, including the use of technology to ease reporting requirements, and to simplify grant application processes.
The department shall work in consultation with the American Federation of Teachers; Massachusetts Association for School Committees; Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents; Massachusetts Elementary School Principals’ Association; Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators’ Association; Massachusetts Parent Teacher Association; Massachusetts Teachers Association; and the members of Mass Partners for Public Schools in preparing said report.
The department shall file the results of its study, together with drafts of legislation, if any, necessary to carry out its recommendations, by filing the same with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate who shall forward a copy of the study to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on education no later than July 31, 2013.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-375
EDU 375
Transportation for Homeless Students
Ms. Jehlen and Mr. Brownsberger and Ms. Clark and Ms. Fargo and Messrs. Rodrigues, Michael O. Moore, Donnelly, Eldridge, Knapik, Hedlund and McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting the following line item:-
7035-0005: For reimbursement to cities, towns, and regional school districts for the cost of transportation of nonresident pupils as required by the federal McKinney-Vento act; provided, that the board of elementary and secondary education shall promulgate regulations for the determination of said reimbursements; and provided further, that the commonwealth's obligation shall not exceed the amount appropriated in this item…………………$11,300,000.00"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-376
EDU 376
Student Medical Expenses Study
Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting, after Section 133, the following section:-
“SECTION 133A. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in consultation with the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy and the Office of the State Auditor, shall conduct a comprehensive study to investigate the cost to municipalities of providing medically necessary treatments for disease, illness, injury or bodily dysfunction which are required by a student’s individual education program, individualized family service plan, individualized service plan or the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act. The study shall include, but not be limited to, possible barriers of transitioning medically necessary costs from municipalities to insurance companies, as well as the potential savings to municipalities. The Department shall file a report of its findings, including recommendations and drafts of any legislation, if necessary, with the clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives within one year of the effective date of this act.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-377
EDU 377
MCAS Low-Scoring Support
Ms. Chang-Diaz and Mr. Knapik moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-9404, by striking out the figure "$9,094,804" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$9,575,175"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-378
EDU 378
Targeted Intervention in Underperforming Schools
Ms. Chang-Diaz and Messrs. Welch and McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-9408, by striking out the figure "$6,849,037" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$9,323,712"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-379
EDU 379
Full-Day Kindergarten
Ms. Chang-Diaz and Messrs. Joyce, Moore, Welch and McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7030-1002, by striking out the figure “$20,948,947” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$24,948,947”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-380
EDU 380
UMass and State University Tuition Retention
Ms. Chandler moved that the proposed new text be amended by striking section 132.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-381-R2
2nd Redraft EDU 381
Bedford Hanscom Education Funding
Ms. Fargo moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-0033, by inserting after the words "military children" the following words:- "provided, that funds be apportioned equally to impacted towns; provided that the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) shall conduct a study and develop recommendations to allow for permanent funding for military children in federally military impacted municipalities, and DESE shall report in the results of said study together with their recommendations in writing no later than January 31, 2013" and in said item, by striking out the figures "$1,300,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figures:- “1,795,000.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-382
EDU 382
DESE Implementation Costs
Ms. Chang-Diaz moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0005, by inserting at the end thereof the following words:- "and provided further, that not less than $60,000 shall be used for implementation of dropout prevention and recovery legislation signed by the governor during fiscal year 2012 or 2013; and provided further, that if said legislation is not signed by the governor, $60,000 shall be used for ongoing dropout prevention and recovery efforts by the department"; and in said item, by striking out the figure "$13,444,998" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$13,504,998"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-383
EDU 383
Rapid Response Grants for Community Colleges
Mr. Donnelly and Ms. Candaras and Messrs. Wolf, Knapik, Rush and DiDomenico and Ms. Spilka and Messrs. Welch, Rosenberg and McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7066-0050, by striking the paragraph in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following new paragraph:-
For the Rapid Response incentive program for the community colleges and vocational technical schools; provided, that these funds shall be distributed by the commissioner of higher education through a competitive grant process, administered by Commonwealth Corporation, jointly applied for by public education institutions which includes a community college or vocational technical school, a representative of the regional workforce development system, and at least one regional employer, to establish workforce training programs, accelerated degree programs or programs for working adults, dislocated workers, underemployed workers, or veterans, scheduled to begin within 3 months of each grantee request; and provided further, that the department of higher education shall file a report with the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than February 15, 2013, detailing grantees receiving funds through this item and the criteria used to award funds, the amount each employer matched for each grant, the number of jobs retained, created or filled by each employer, and the performance metrics utilized to review each grant.
and further, by striking the figure “3,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $6,000,000.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-384-R2
2nd Redraft EDU 384
METCO
Ms. Chang-Diaz and Messrs. Ross and Brownsberger and Ms. Clark and Ms. Creem and Messrs. DiDomenico, Donnelly and Eldridge and Ms. Fargo and Messrs. McGee, Welch and Joyce moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7010-0012, by striking out the figure "$16,892,582" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$17,892,582"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-386
EDU 386
Alternative Education Grants
Ms. Chang-Diaz and Mr. Knapik moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7061-9614, by striking out the figure “$146,140” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$4,783,360”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-388
EDU 388
Relative to Community Colleges
Mr. Brownsberger moved that the proposed new text be amended by striking Outside Section 40 and inserting in place thereof the following:-
“SECTION 40. Section 21 of chapter 15A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the first paragraph and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-
There shall be a board of trustees consisting of 11 members for each of the institutions named in section 5, other than the University of Massachusetts. Each board of trustees shall elect a chairperson; provided, however, that in the case of community colleges, the governor shall appoint the chairperson, who shall reside within the geographic region of the community college. Each community college board of trustees shall include a vocational-technical school district trustee, pursuant to section 4 of chapter 74, representing each vocational-technical school in the region, to serve as a non-voting member.”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-389-R1
Redraft EDU 389
Tuition Retention
Mr. Rosenberg moved that the proposed new text be amended , in section 46, in proposed section 42 of chapter 15A of the General Laws, by adding the following subsection:- “(f) This section shall apply only to those campuses for which the local board of trustees has approved by majority vote to accept this section.”; and
in section 75, by striking out, in line 1088, the words “March 1” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “June 30”; and
in said section 75, in proposed section 8A of chapter 75 of the General Laws, by adding the following subsection:- “(d) This section shall apply to the university only if the board of trustees has approved by a majority vote acceptance of this section.”; and
by striking out section 126; and
in section 127, by striking out, in lines 1772 and 1773, the words “the state universities and the campuses of the University of Massachusetts shall not” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “no state university or the University of Massachusetts that has voted to adopt an in-state tuition retention program under section 42 of chapter 15A of the General Laws or section 8A of chapter 75 of the General Laws, as applicable, shall be”; and
by striking out section 129 and inserting in place thereof the following section:-
“SECTION 129. Not later than October 1, 2012, the commissioner of higher education, in consultation with the secretary of education, the president of the University of Massachusetts and the presidents of the state universities shall submit to the board of higher education a report that includes a review of: (1) the effectiveness of all tuition and fee waivers; (2) the merits and feasibility of changing the name of waivers to “scholarships”; (3) the policies governing and costs related to continuing education programs; and (4) the method in which funds will be appropriated to the University of Massachusetts and the state universities that have approved by majority vote to accept section 8A of chapter 75 or section 42 of chapter 15A of the General Laws to cover the value of tuition and fee waivers authorized by the board of higher education, by the board of trustees of the University of Massachusetts, by the boards of trustees of individual state universities and by the campuses of the University of Massachusetts. The report shall examine the extent to which these waivers are being used by the intended beneficiaries, the cost to the state universities, the University of Massachusetts and the commonwealth of these waivers, and the relative benefits of maintaining these waivers as compared to providing additional support to students through the scholarship programs authorized in section 16 of said chapter 15A. The report shall include recommendations to the board concerning the extent to which such waiver programs should be continued, modified, discontinued or replaced by providing additional support to the state scholarship program and further recommendations to enable campuses to alter the proportion of student charges that are represented by tuition and fees so that fees represent no more than 25 per cent of total student charges. The report shall also include any recommendations for pertinent regulatory or statutory changes. A copy of the report shall be provided to the joint committee on higher education, the house and senate committees on ways and means, the board of trustees of the University of Massachusetts and the secretary of education at the time the report is submitted to the board of higher education.”; and
by striking out section 130; and
by inserting after section 131, the following section:-
“SECTION 131A. The board of higher education, in consultation with the board of trustees of the University of Massachusetts and the board of trustees of each state university shall study and make recommendations on the best method in which to balance the interests of each participating campus and the commonwealth in regard to the payment of fringe costs. The method shall ensure that the state appropriation of each campus that has elected to participate reflects the tuition retained and includes sufficient funding to allow the participating campus to pay the fringe costs. The board of higher education shall submit its report, together with drafts of legislation, to the secretary of education, the secretary of administration and finance, the joint committee on higher education and the house and senate committees on ways and means not later than December 31, 2012.”; and
in section 157, by striking out, in lines 2288, the words “board of higher education” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “the University of Massachusetts board of trustees”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-390
EDU 390
STEM Pipeline Fund
Ms. Spilka and Messrs. DiDomenico, Eldridge, Moore and McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2E, in item 7066-0035, by striking out the figure “$1,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,500,000”.
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-391
EDU 391
Early childhood mental health consultation services
Messrs. Keenan, Welch and Michael O. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 3000-6075, by striking out the figure "$750,000" and inserting in place thereof the figure "$1,000,000".
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-392
EDU 392
Head Start
Messrs. Keenan, DiDomenico, Welch and Michael O. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 3000-5000, by striking out the figure "$8,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$9,000,000”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-393
EDU 393
Foundation Budget Review Commission
Ms. Chang-Diaz, Ms. Spilka and Ms. Candaras and Mr. Rosenberg and Ms. Clark and Messrs. Donnelly and Brownsberger and Ms. Jehlen and Messrs. DiDomenico, Eldridge, Rush, Wolf, Knapik, Michael O. Moore, Keenan, Timilty, Hart and Pacheco and Ms. Donoghue and Messrs. Welch, Downing, McGee, Joyce and Ross moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting, after section _____, the following new section:-
“SECTION ___. Chapter 70 of the General Laws, as appearing in the Official 2010 Edition, is hereby amended by striking out section 4 and inserting in place thereof the following section:-
Section 4. There is hereby established a foundation budget review commission to review the way in which foundation budgets are calculated and to make recommendations to the general court regarding such changes as may be appropriate. In conducting such a review, the commission shall seek to determine the educational programs and services necessary to achieve the commonwealth’s educational goals, including those needed to fully implement state curriculum standards and to prepare students to achieve passing scores on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System examinations. The review shall include, but not be limited to: class size; special education programs, including programs for English language learners; pre-school programs for all 3 and 4 year-olds and full-day kindergarten; additional resources needed to assure educational opportunity for low-income students; salaries needed to attract and retain high quality professionals; technology; extra-curricular programs; remedial programs for students at risk of failing to satisfy graduation requirements; books and other curriculum materials; equipment for science lab programs; and technology. In addition, the commission shall seek to determine how resources can be used in the most effective manner. In carrying out the review, the commission shall examine relevant data and any reports on education funding produced within the ten years preceding the issuance of a commission report. The commission shall include the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on education, who shall serve as co-chairs, the secretary of education, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, the speaker of the house of representatives or his designee, the president of the senate or his designee, the minority leader of the house of representatives or his designee, the minority leader of the senate or his designee, the governor or his designee, the chair of the house committee on ways and means or his designee, the chair of the senate committee on ways and means or his designee and one member to be appointed by each of the following organizations: the Massachusetts Municipal Association, the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, the Massachusetts Superintendents Association, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Parent Teacher Association, the Massachusetts Association for Vocational Administrators and the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools. Members shall receive no compensation for their services but may receive reimbursement for the reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out their responsibilities as members of the commission. The department shall furnish reasonable staff and other support for the work of the commission.
Prior to issuing its recommendations, the commission shall conduct not fewer than four hearings to receive testimony from members of the public. The hearings shall be held in locations that provide opportunities for residents from all geographic regions of the commonwealth to testify.
It shall not constitute a violation of chapter 268A for a person employed by a school district to serve on the commission or to participate in commission deliberations that may have a financial impact on the district employing such person or on the rate at which such person may be compensated. The commission may establish procedures to ensure that no such person participates in commission deliberations that may directly affect the school districts employing such persons or that may directly affect the rate at which such persons are compensated.
The commission’s recommendations, together with any proposed legislation, shall be filed not later than June 30, 2013 and every four years after that, with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives who shall refer such recommendations to the appropriate committee of the general court; provided that the commission may issue an initial interim report prior to June 30, 2013. Within 30 days after such filing, the committee shall hold a public hearing on the recommendations."
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-394
EDU 394
New England Board of Higher Education
Messrs. Kennedy, Moore, Timilty, Eldridge, Finegold and McGee moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7066-0009, Mr. Kennedy moved that the bill be amended, in Section 2, in item 7066-0009, by striking out the figure "$183,750" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-
"$367,500"
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-395
EDU 395
School Transportation Assistance
Mr. Welch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7035-0006, by adding at the end thereof the following:-
“; provided further, that reimbursements shall also be made available to communities that meet all of the following criteria: (a) population greater than 150,000 (b) area greater than 30 square miles and (c) impacted by severe weather conditions during the previous fiscal year”
Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-396
EDU 396
Finish Line Grant
Messrs. Tarr and Knapik moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-
SEction _. Section 16 of chapter 15A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2010 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the fifth paragraph the following new paragraph:-
There shall be a Finish-Line Scholarship Program to provide scholarships to cover the entire cost of tuition and fees for the last year leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree at a Massachusetts public college or university to residents of the Commonwealth in need of financial assistance. The council shall establish guidelines governing the program which shall include, but not be limited to eligibility requirements and selection criteria, including requiring that the applicant show proof of eligibility to graduate by the end of the scholarship year and has, with exceptions granted for illness, military service or other valid reasons, been a student in good standing continuously since first enrolling in a public college or university; provided, further, that no funds from this scholarship program may be used to pay the tuition or fees for any course or program offered or administered by a non-public entity and that no student shall be eligible to receive a scholarship from this program more than one time. If funds appropriated for this program are insufficient to cover its costs, the council shall develop a pilot program that will provide assistance to a subset of the eligible students.