Following a very difficult and contentious legislative session, ABE once again 'dodged a bullet.' We emerged with our allocation, including a 3% overall increase, intact.  (Please note that if overall growth in contact hours statewide exceeds 3%, which seems highly likely, the contact hour rate will still go down.)

There is a funding shift which affects the timing of payments; this could create some costs for districts that need to pursue short term borrowing.

 

Overall, ABE emerged in far better shape than would have seemed possible at the beginning of the session. Sherry Munyon and Linda Sandvig, our lobbyists, worked constantly to safeguard the interests of our learners and the field as a whole. Members of our Legislative Committee also monitored the situation ongoing. Thanks to everyone for their very hard work!

 

As the 2010 Minnesota Legislative session approaches, the Literacy Minnesota Legislative Committee is making the point with legislators that ABE continues to be a crucial educational and economic development program. The funding shortfall for the state will place great pressure on the legislature. It is crucial we continue to increase legislators' knowledge of and support for ABE.

 

Click here for the 'Talking Points' document for use with legislators. It can be printed out and used when talking with them, as well as handed out. The main points we are making include:

Please make it a point to invite your legislators to visit your program, or meet with them in their offices. Share what you are accomplishing locally, as well as our work around the state.

 

Literacy Minnesota members are asked to keep the Legislative Committee Chair up to date on legislative contacts.  Please send an e-mail to the Literacy Minnesota office (info@literacyactionnetwork.org) when you meet or speak with a legislator. Our lobbyists, Sherry Munyon and Linda Sandvig, are also available to provide information and support, as well as to meet with you and your legislators.

 

Thank you for all of your work in support of ABE!

 

SF1569 was introduced 2 weeks ago and originally proposed to transfer ABE programming out of the Department of Education and into MnSCU.  The bill was heard in the Senate Committee on Business, Industry and Jobs on Friday and was amended to encourage DEED, DHS, MDE (K-12 and ABE) University of MN and MnSCU to work together in local collaboratives.  It also established four collaboratives in each the following areas: urban, suburban, greater MN regional and rural.   There is no funding in this bill and it was expected that federal stimulus dollars or grant dollars might be found in the future to cover future collaborations.  A hearing has not been scheduled in the House.  Click here to see the revised bill.

 

The response from our membership to the recent Legislative Alert regarding SF 1569 has been overwhelming - and effective. 

 

Substitute language will be included in the bill:  Local technical colleges are encouraged to work with local ABE programs and local work force councils to address the skill gaps of low-income, low-skilled adults who lack the basic skills and knowledge needed to enter and successfully complete short-term training programs for specific entry level jobs; to obtain entry-level employment; and/or to begin the process to prepare for promotion from initial entry-level jobs.

 

In addition, ABE would be required to be represented on the Governor's Workforce Development Council, and on all local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs).  Final agreement on language has not been reached.

 

A Senate bill has been introduced to transfer ABE programming out of the Department of Education and into MNSCU. If passed, SF 1569 would take effect July 1.  Click here to see the bill as introduced. 

 

Why moving ABE out of MDE without careful planning is problematic:

1) Minnesota ABE services, recognized nationally for their high quality, are coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) through 53 regional consortia throughout the state.
2) Adult Basic Education (ABE) is an education program, enabling participants to attain high school level skills in basic academic areas of reading, writing, computing and speaking English.
3) ABE programs throughout Minnesota are recording increases in utilization, due to the recession. Changing ABE to a different department would be disruptive to service delivery at a time when demand is high.
4) The delivery of ABE services through community education programs in school districts provides for a flexible, client-driven delivery system.
5) Payments for state funding of ABE programs are calculated and paid through the MDE K12 program finance system. Service delivery and licensure requirements are aligned with public school programs and teacher licensing. Most ABE services are delivered through Community Education. Any reorganization needs to take these factors into account.

 

Literacy Minnesota members are encouraged to contact their legislators to express concern with SB 1569/HF 1850, which would transfer Adult Basic Education from MDE to MNSCU.  Click here to find your legislators.

 

The Governor issued his budget proposals on January 27, 2009.  The good news for ABE is that we were not slated for any cuts, and appear to have retained the 3% growth rate. There was a funding shift, which means part of the allocation will actually be paid in the year following, but this does not affect the total allocation.
 
While this is a good news, it is only the first step, the opening salvo in what will be a long process. There were many proposed cuts in other important programs that will be controversial; the legislature will be under intense pressure to make tough budgetary choices. It is possible that either the House or Senate education committees could reduce funding for ABE when they propose their budgets.
 
It is absolutely crucial that ABE managers and staff around the state continue to let their state representatives and senators know of the positive work we do, continue the Postcards for Literacy campaign, and respond to legislative alerts that we send out.
 
Need help identifying your legislators?  Click here to find your legislator.

 

"Adult Basic Education: A Tool for Economic Growth" details the high return on investment through ABE, the accomplishments of ABE, and how ABE assists with economic recovery during recession.  Click here for the 2009 Platform/Fact Sheet.

 

Maintaining core program funding will be Literacy Minnesota's primary focus for the 2009 legislative session. We will not be seeking any new funding.  Two other planks are included in the Literacy Minnesota platform: