HB 5103 by Rep. Coley (R-Marianna)- SB 1974 by Sen. Simmons (R-Altamonte Springs)

 HB 5103 is a budget conforming bill is intended to address recent findings in an Auditor General’s Report on Early Learning.  The goal of this legislation is to create a more efficient and effective school readiness program that serves Florida’s work poor families.  Specifically, the bill requires OEL to adopt a standard provider contract without addendum, it creates a standard monitoring method for ELCs to monitor performance of providers, it creates an 18% spending cap on early learning coalitions and reallocates this money for direct services to the children of Florida’s working poor, it provides a clear definition of allowable quality expenditures to specifically address concerns raised in Auditor General’s report, it reprioritizing children that will be served, it empowers OEL to create a statewide curricula list for providers, it requires pre and post assessments to evaluate children learning gains, it includes provider and parent fraud language, and a redesigned funding formula that is more equitable across the state with a three year phase in.  Click here to read the the legislation for your review. 

HB 5103 passed the Florida House by a vote of 82-32 and the Florida Senate by a vote of 37-1.  The bill now heads to Governor Scott for his approval. 

Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program

HB 7085 by Rep. Fresen (R-Miami)

 This legislation increases accountability of early learning coalitions by requiring auditor general audits of early learning coalitions, mandating that OEL adopt a statewide provider agreement  to be used by each early learning coalition that cannot include addendum, repeals the aspiration goals for VPK and repeals the Florida Early Learning Advisory Council.  This legislation has also been included in HB 7119.

This legislation did not pass into law during the 2012 Legislative Session.

Early Learning Legislation

SB 1758 by Sen. Flores (R-Miami)- HB 7119 by Rep. Ahern (R-St. Petersburg)

Given the unfortunate findings of the recently released Auditor General’s Report on Early Learning Programs FACCM asked Sen. Anitere Flores (R-Miami) to file legislation to help create a more efficient and effective early learning program that better serves Florida’s children.  The legislation, SB 1758, removes some rule authority for the Office of Early Learning, defines what an affordable parent contribution is for school readiness and creates a statutory formula for reimbursement for school readiness dollars, limits what addendum can be added to statewide contracts and requires school districts that offer optional VPK program to separately account for the revenues and expenses outside the general ledger.

These bills did not become law during the 2012 Legislative Session.  Similar language was passed in HB 5103.

Child Safety Devices in Motor Vehicles

SB 196 by Sen. Altman (R-Melbourne) – HB 151 by Rep. Steinberg (D-Miami Beach)

This legislation increases the child safety requirements for children in motor vehicles from 5 years old to 7 years old if the child is less than 4 feet 9 inches in height.  The infraction would be a moving violation with limited exceptions.  The legislation will take effect January 1, 2013.  There is no exception for child care facilities.

 These bills did not become law during the 2012 Legislative Session.

Child Restraint Requirement Additions

HB 1223 by Rep. Albritton (R- Bartow)- SB 1122 by Sen. Latvala (R-St. Petersburg)

This legislation is the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles package.  The bill contains language clarifying the child restraint requirements.  Specifically the language clarifies that the child restraint requirements in s. 316.613 do not apply to a bus, van or several other vehicles if the operator and the motor vehicle are hired and used for transportation of the person for compensation.  Click here to read the legislation.   (See page 27, section 13 of HB 1223, language begins on lines 807-814)

HB 1223 passed the Florida House by a vote of 115-0 and the State Senate by a vote of 40-0. The enrolled text has been filed and once signed by the presiding officers will be presented to Governor Scott for his consideration.

Transportation Alarms

SB 274 by Sen. Sachs (D-Delray) – HB 419 by Rep. Berman (D-Delray Beach)

This bill would require that by January 1, 2013, vehicles used by child care facilities and large family day care homes to transport children be equipped with DCF approved transportation alarms that prompt the driver to check for children before exiting the vehicle.

These bills did not become law during the 2012 Legislative Session.

Teacher Credentials in VPK

SB 856 by Sen. Rich (D-Sunrise) – HB 793 by Rep. Jenne (D-Ft. Lauderdale)

This legislation, if passed, would require that by January 1, 1015 private prekindergarten providers and public schools offering school year prekindergarten program must use bachelor degreed teachers.

These bills did not become law during the 2012 Legislative Session.

Child Care Facilities

SB 1222 by Sen. Detert (R-Venice)

This legislation would add “appropriate use of confining equipment, periods of physical activity and limited screen time” as defined by DCF rule to the required written plan of activities already required under s. 402.305, F.S..

This bill did not become law during the 2012 Legislative Session.

HB 5103 by Rep. Coley (R-Marianna)

SB 1974 by Sen. Simmons (R-Altamonte Springs)

 HB 5103 is a budget conforming bill that removes discretion from ELC’s to set their individual school readiness funding formula and places caps on excessive spending by the early learning coalitions.

The House and Senate conferees have completed negotiations on HB 5103 and come to an agreement on early learning reform.   The agreement on this legislation includes a standard provider contract, standard monitoring method, an 18% spending cap on early learning coalitions – moving more funds to direct services, definition of quality expenditures, a requirement for OEL to establish uniform chart of accounts, reprioritizing children that will be served, improvements for basic health and safety, a statewide curricula list, pre and post assessments, provider and parent fraud language, and a redesigned funding formula that is more equitable across the state with a three year phase in.

 The bill will now be drafted in its final form and presented to the Legislature for final passage during Week 9.

Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program

HB 7085 by Rep. Fresen (R-Miami)

 This legislation increases accountability of early learning coalitions by requiring auditor general audits of early learning coalitions, mandating that OEL adopt a statewide provider agreement  to be used by each early learning coalition that cannot include addendum, repeals the aspiration goals for VPK and repeals the Florida Early Learning Advisory Council.  This legislation has also been included in HB 7119.

HB 7085 passed the House of Representatives during Week 8 by a vote of 100-18.

Early Learning Legislation

SB 1758 by Sen. Flores (R-Miami)

HB 7119 by Rep. Ahern (R-St. Petersburg)

Given the unfortunate findings of the recently released Auditor General’s Report on Early Learning Programs FACCM asked Sen. Anitere Flores (R-Miami) to file legislation to help create a more efficient and effective early learning program that better serves Florida’s children.  The legislation, SB 1758, removes some rule authority for the Office of Early Learning, defines what an affordable parent contribution is for school readiness and creates a statutory formula for reimbursement for school readiness dollars, limits what addendum can be added to statewide contracts and requires school districts that offer optional VPK program to separately account for the revenues and expenses outside the general ledger.

These bills did not move during Week 8.  I do not expect these bills be taken up by either chamber. 

Child Safety Devices in Motor Vehicles

SB 196 by Sen. Altman (R-Melbourne) – HB 151 by Rep. Steinberg (D-Miami Beach)

This legislation increases the child safety requirements for children in motor vehicles from 5 years old to 7 years old if the child is less than 4 feet 9 inches in height.  The infraction would be a moving violation with limited exceptions.  The legislation will take effect January 1, 2013.  There is no exception for child care facilities.

 There was no activity on these bills during Week 8.

Child Restraint Requirement Additions

HB 1223 by Rep. Albritton (R- Bartow)

SB 1122 by Sen. Latvala (R-St. Petersburg)

This legislation is the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles package.  The bill contains language clarifying the child restraint requirements.  Specifically the language clarifies that the child restraint requirements in s. 316.613 do not apply to a bus, van or several other vehicles if the operator and the motor vehicle are hired and used for transportation of the person for compensation.

 HB 1223 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 115-0.  SB 1122 passed the Senate Budget Committee and is now ready for the Senate floor. 

Transportation Alarms

SB 274 by Sen. Sachs (D-Delray) – HB 419 by Rep. Berman (D-Delray Beach)

This bill would require that by January 1, 2013, vehicles used by child care facilities and large family day care homes to transport children be equipped with DCF approved transportation alarms that prompt the driver to check for children before exiting the vehicle.

There was no activity on these bills during Week 8.

Teacher Credentials in VPK

SB 856 by Sen. Rich (D-Sunrise) – HB 793 by Rep. Jenne (D-Ft. Lauderdale)

This legislation, if passed, would require that by January 1, 1015 private prekindergarten providers and public schools offering school year prekindergarten program must use bachelor degreed teachers.

There was no activity on these bills during Week 8.

Child Care Facilities

SB 1222 by Sen. Detert (R-Venice)

This legislation would add “appropriate use of confining equipment, periods of physical activity and limited screen time” as defined by DCF rule to the required written plan of activities already required under s. 402.305, F.S..

There was no activity on this bill during Week 8.

SB 1758 by Sen. Flores (R-Miami)

HB 7119 by Rep. Ahern (R-St. Petersburg)

Given the unfortunate findings of the recently released Auditor General’s Report on Early Learning Programs FACCM asked Sen. Anitere Flores (R-Miami) to file legislation to help create a more efficient and effective early learning program that better serves Florida’s children. The legislation, SB 1758, removes some rule authority for the Office of Early Learning, defines what an affordable parent contribution is for school readiness and creates a statutory formula for reimbursement for school readiness dollars, limits what addendum can be added to statewide contracts and requires school districts that offer optional VPK program to separately account for the revenues and expenses outside the general ledger.

HB 7119 is on the calendar awaiting action by the full House of Representatives. There was no action on SB 1758 during Week 7.

Budget Conforming Legislation on School Readiness

HB 5103 by Rep. Coley (R-Marianna)

SB 1974 by Sen. Simmons (R-Altamonte Springs)

HB 5103 is a budget conforming bill that removes discretion from ELC’s to set their individual school readiness funding formula and places caps on excessive spending by the early learning coalitions. According to the legislative staff analysis, HB 5103 will free up an additional $26 million dollars that will be dedicated to slots for children on the waiting list.

The Senate and the House have completed their budget and conforming bills and are now in position to begin the budget conference committee. When the House and Senate complete their budget work the final agreed upon budget conforming bill on early learning will be HB 5103.

Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program

HB 7085 by Rep. Fresen (R-Miami)

This legislation increases accountability of early learning coalitions by requiring auditor general audits of early learning coalitions, mandating that OEL adopt a statewide provider agreement to be used by each early learning coalition that cannot include addendum, repeals the aspiration goals for VPK and repeals the Florida Early Learning Advisory Council. This legislation has also been included in HB 7119.

HB 7085 has been placed on the House Calendar on 2nd Reading.

Child Safety Devices in Motor Vehicles

SB 196 by Sen. Altman (R-Melbourne) – HB 151 by Rep. Steinberg (D-Miami Beach)

This legislation increases the child safety requirements for children in motor vehicles from 5 years old to 7 years old if the child is less than 4 feet 9 inches in height. The infraction would be a moving violation with limited exceptions. The legislation will take effect January 1, 2013. There is no exception for child care facilities.

There was no activity on these bills during Week 7.

Child Restraint Requirement Additions

HB 1223 by Rep. Albritton (R- Bartow)

This legislation is the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles package. In the House Economic Affairs Committee, Rep. Brad Drake (R-DeFuniak Springs) added language clarifying the child restraint requirements. Specifically the amendment clarifies that the child restraint requirements in s. 316.613 do not apply to a bus, van or several other vehicles if the operator and the motor vehicle are hired and used for transportation of the person for compensation. Click here to read the attached amendment language .

HB 1223 passed the Economic Affairs Committee and is on the House Calendar.

Transportation Alarms

SB 274 by Sen. Sachs (D-Delray) – HB 419 by Rep. Berman (D-Delray Beach)

This bill would require that by January 1, 2013, vehicles used by child care facilities and large family day care homes to transport children be equipped with DCF approved transportation alarms that prompt the driver to check for children before exiting the vehicle.

There was no activity on these bills during Week 7.

Teacher Credentials in VPK

SB 856 by Sen. Rich (D-Sunrise) – HB 793 by Rep. Jenne (D-Ft. Lauderdale)

This legislation, if passed, would require that by January 1, 1015 private prekindergarten providers and public schools offering school year prekindergarten program must use bachelor degreed teachers.

There was no activity on these bills during Week 7.

Child Care Facilities

SB 1222 by Sen. Detert (R-Venice) -

This legislation would add “appropriate use of confining equipment, periods of physical activity and limited screen time” as defined by DCF rule to the required written plan of activities already required under s. 402.305, F.S..

There was no activity on this bill during Week 7.

Given the unfortunate findings of the recently released Auditor General’s Report on Early Learning Programs FACCM asked Sen. Anitere Flores (R-Miami) to file legislation to help create a more efficient and effective early learning program that better serves Florida’s children.  The legislation, SB 1758, removes some rule authority for the Office of Early Learning, defines what an affordable parent contribution is for school readiness and creates a statutory formula for reimbursement for school readiness dollars, limits what addendum can be added to statewide contracts and requires school districts that offer optional VPK program to separately account for the revenues and expenses outside the general ledger.

HB 7119 was taken up by the House Economic Affairs Committee during Week 6 and passed by a vote of 11-6.  During this meeting the committee adopted a strike all amendment to the bill that incorporated numerous changes requested by the early learning coalitions.  In addition they added the language in HB 7085 by Rep. Fresen on VPK to this bill.  Click here to read the  attached a copy of the amendment. 

There was no action on SB 1758 during Week 6.

Budget Conforming Legislation on School Readiness Funding

HB 5103 by Rep. Coley (R-Marianna)

SB 1974 by Sen. Simmons (R-Altamonte Springs)

 HB 5103 is a budget conforming bill that removes discretion from ELC’s to set their individual school readiness funding formula and places caps on excessive spending by the early learning coalitions.  According to the legislative staff analysis, HB 5103 will free up an additional $26 million dollars that will be dedicated to slots for children on the waiting list.

HB 5103 is in Senate Messages awaiting a conference committee on the budget. Click here to read HB5103.

SB 1974 is the Senate Budget conforming bill on early learning.  This legislation passed the Senate Budget Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar awaiting passage by the Senate during Week 7.  Once passed by the Senate I expect a conference committee to work out the differences between these bills and submit a conference committee work product for each chamber to consider.  Click on the highlighted links to read the attached SB 1974 and its accompanying staff analysis. 

Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program

HB 7085 by Rep. Fresen (R-Miami)

This legislation increases accountability of early learning coalitions by requiring auditor general audits of early learning coalitions, mandating that OEL adopt a statewide provider agreement  to be used by each early learning coalition that cannot include addendum, repeals the aspiration goals for VPK and repeals the Florida Early Learning Advisory Council.

HB 7085 was passed by the House Education Committee by a vote of 15-0.  The language of this bill was added to HB 7119 in the House Economic Affairs Committee during Week 6.  

Child Safety Devices in Motor Vehicles

SB 196 by Sen. Altman (R-Melbourne) – HB 151 by Rep. Steinberg (D-Miami Beach)

This legislation increases the child safety requirements for children in motor vehicles from 5 years old to 7 years old if the child is less than 4 feet 9 inches in height.  The infraction would be a moving violation with limited exceptions.  The legislation will take effect January 1, 2013.  There is no exception for child care facilities.

 ere was no activity on these bills during Week 6.

Transportation Alarms

SB 274 by Sen. Sachs (D-Delray) – HB 419 by Rep. Berman (D-Delray Beach)

This bill would require that by January 1, 2013, vehicles used by child care facilities and large family day care homes to transport children be equipped with DCF approved transportation alarms that prompt the driver to check for children before exiting the vehicle.

There was no activity on these bills during Week 6.

Teacher Credentials in VPK

SB 856 by Sen. Rich (D-Sunrise) – HB 793 by Rep. Jenne (D-Ft. Lauderdale)

This legislation, if passed, would require that by January 1, 1015 private prekindergarten providers and public schools offering school year prekindergarten program must use bachelor degreed teachers.

There was no activity on these bills during Week 6.

Child Care Facilities

SB 1222 by Sen. Detert (R-Venice) –

This legislation would add “appropriate use of confining equipment, periods of physical activity and limited screen time” as defined by DCF rule to the required written plan of activities already required under s. 402.305, F.S..

There was no activity on this bill during Week 6.

http://www.floridaearlylearning.com/EarlyLearning/OEL_Program_ProposedRulesNotices.html

Workshop:

Friday, 2/17/12

1:00 – 4:00 pm

Florida’s Office of Early Learning

250 Marriott Drive

Tallahassee, FL 32399

Workshop:

Friday, 2/24/12

1:00 – 4:00 pm

Florida’s Office of Early Learning

250 Marriott Drive

Tallahassee, FL 32399

SB 1758 by Sen. Flores (R-Miami)

BCAS 12-04 by Rep. Ahern (R-St. Petersburg)

Given the unfortunate findings of the recently released Auditor General’s Report on Early Learning Programs FACCM asked Sen. Anitere Flores (R-Miami) to file legislation to help create a more efficient and effective early learning program that better serves Florida’s children. The legislation, SB 1758, removes some rule authority for the Office of Early Learning, defines what an affordable parent contribution is for school readiness and creates a statutory formula for reimbursement for school readiness dollars, limits what addendum can be added to statewide contracts and requires school districts that offer optional VPK program to separately account for the revenues and expenses outside the general ledger.

There was no action on SB 1758 during Week 4.

The House Business and Consumer Affairs Committee took up legislation to address issues raised in the recently released Auditor General’s report. This legislation creates the powers and duties of the Office of Early Learning, Early Learning Coalitions, and providers. The legislation creates a new funding formula for school readiness dollars and reduces wasteful overhead in this program and dedicates the savings to reducing children from the waiting list. The bill does not reduce funding for either Gold Seal or School Readiness, but instead reduces coalition spending allowing a corresponding increase in the number of available slots. The bill further details penalties for provider and parent fraud in school readiness. The PCB passed the Business and Consumer Affairs Committee by a vote of 11-4. Click here to read the language of PCB BCAS 12-04 .

Budget Conforming Legislation on School Readiness Funding

HB 5103 by Rep. Coley (R-Marianna)

This legislation is a budget conforming bill that removes discretion from ELC’s to set their individual school readiness funding formula and places caps on excessive spending by the Early Learning Coalitions. According to the legislative staff analysis, HB 5103 will free up an additional $26 million dollars that will be dedicated to slots for children on the waiting list. Click here to read the staff analysis . HB 5103 was taken up by the House Appropriations Committee and passed unanimously.

We expect the Senate to begin work on their conforming bills next week during Week 5.

Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program

HB 7085 by Rep. Fresen (R-Miami)

This legislation increases accountability of early learning coalitions by requiring auditor general audits of Early Learning Coalitions, mandating that OEL adopt a statewide provider agreement to be used by each Early Learning Coalition that cannot include addendums, repeals the aspiration goals for VPK and repeals the Florida Early Learning Advisory Council. Click here to read the staff analysis of HB 7085 .

Child Safety Devices in Motor Vehicles

SB 196 by Sen. Altman (R-Melbourne) – HB 151 by Rep. Steinberg (D-Miami Beach). This legislation increases the child safety requirements for children in motor vehicles from 5 years old to 7 years old if the child is less than 4 feet 9 inches in height. The infraction would be a moving violation with limited exceptions. The legislation will take effect January 1, 2013. There is no exception for child care facilities.

There was no activity on these bills during Week 4.

Transportation Alarms

SB 274 by Sen. Sachs (D-Delray) – HB 419 by Rep. Berman (D-Delray Beach)

This bill would require that by January 1, 2013, vehicles used by child care facilities and large family day care homes to transport children be equipped with DCF approved transportation alarms that prompt the driver to check for children before exiting the vehicle.

There was no activity on these bills during Week 2.

Teacher Credentials in VPK

SB 856 by Sen. Rich (D-Sunrise) – HB 793 by Rep. Jenne (D-Ft. Lauderdale)

This legislation, if passed, would require that by January 1, 1015 private prekindergarten providers and public schools offering school year prekindergarten program must use bachelor degreed teachers.

There was no activity on these bills during Week 4.

Child Care Facilities

SB 1222 by Sen. Detert (R-Venice) -

This legislation would add “appropriate use of confining equipment, periods of physical activity and limited screen time” as defined by DCF rule to the required written plan of activities already required under s. 402.305, F.S..

There was no activity on this bill during Week 4.

Important Dates to Remember

January 10, 2012 – Legislative Session Begins

January 10, 2012 – Deadline for filing bills for introduction

February 28, 2012 – Last day for regularly scheduled committee meetings

March 9, 2012 – Last day of Regular Session

SB 1758 by Sen. Flores (R-Miami)

Given the unfortunate findings of the recently released Auditor General’s Report on Early Learning Programs, we asked Sen. Anitere Flores (R-Miami) to file legislation to help create a more efficient and effective early learning program that better serves Florida’s children.  The legislation, SB 1758, removes some rule authority for the Office of Early Learning; defines what an affordable parent contribution is for school readiness; limits what addenda can be added to statewide contracts; and requires school districts that offer optional VPK programs to separately account for the revenues and expenses outside the general ledger.  We are now working to move this bill through the legislative process.   Click here to review SB 1758.

Auditor General’s Report on Early Learning

 This week the House Economic Affairs Committee directed the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee to review the findings of the Auditor General’s Report on Early Learning and draft legislation that would work the create a more efficient and focused early learning system.

On Tuesday, January 17, 2012 from 12:30pm to 3:00 pm the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee will view a presentation from the Auditor General on their report.  This will be the first step in the process for this subcommittee to begin crafting a proposed committee bill.

Also on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 from 12:30 to 3:00 pm the House K-20 Appropriations Subcommittee will also view a presentation from the Auditor General on their report.  Additionally, they will be hearing a presentation from the Office of Early Learning on a new equity formula for school readiness funding.

Governor Scott’s Executive Order on Special Districts

 Governor Rick Scott issued an executive order (EO 12-10) calling for a review of all special districts in Florida by the Office of Policy and Budget.  The goal is to determine whether they are serving a legitimate public purpose, governed efficiently levying taxes, fees and assessments appropriately, being held accountable to the taxpayers, operating in a transparent manner and prudently spending taxpayer dollars.  Children’s Services Councils are special districts.

Click here to review the Governor’s Executive Order.

DCF’s Proposed Food Hygiene Rule

On Monday, January 9, 2012, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) held a workshop on a proposed draft rule on food safety at child care facilities.  At this meeting, DCF representatives walked participants through the draft rule and answered questions and took testimony regarding the new draft rule.  We attended the meeting and thanked them for pulling back from their last draft food safety rule that we objected to.   We expressed concerns with the requirement that walls and ceilings in rooms that store, handle and prepare food be nonabsorbent.  I specifically asked if drop down ceiling were allowed and if they considered wallboard or sheetrock as a nonabsorbent product.  They did not answer the questions but rather took lots of notes on each issue mentioned.

DCF will continue to take testimony on this rule and I would expect that a revised rule will be published based on this testimony.

Child Safety Devices in Motor Vehicles

SB 196 by Sen. Altman (R-Melbourne) – HB 151 by Rep. Steinberg (D-Miami Beach)

This legislation increases the child safety requirements for children in motor vehicles from 5 years old to 7 years old if the child is less than 4 feet 9 inches in height.  The infraction would be a moving violation with limited exceptions.  The legislation will take effect January 1, 2013.  There is no exception for child care facilities.

SB 196 is awaiting action by the Senate Budget Committee.  The House bill has been referred to three committees and has not been heard in any committee at this point.

Transportation Alarms

SB 274 by Sen. Sachs (D-Delray) – HB 419 by Rep. Berman (D-Delray Beach)

This bill would require that by January 1, 2013, vehicles used by child care facilities and large family day care homes to transport children be equipped with DCF- approved transportation alarms that prompt the driver to check for children before exiting the vehicle.

SB 274 has been referred to three committees and has passed its first committee.  HB 419 has been referred to four committees and has yet to be heard in its first committee of reference.

Teacher Credentials in VPK

SB 856 by Sen. Rich (D-Sunrise) – HB 793 by Rep. Jenne (D-Ft. Lauderdale)

This legislation, if passed, would require that by January 1, 1015 private prekindergarten providers and public schools offering school year prekindergarten program must use bachelor degreed teachers.

The Senate bill has been referred to two committees and has not been heard by the first committee of reference, while the House bill has been referred to four committees and has also yet to be heard in the first committee of reference.

Child Care Facilities

SB 1222 by Sen. Detert (R-Venice) -

This legislation would add “appropriate use of confining equipment, periods of physical activity and limited screen time” as defined by DCF rule to the required written plan of activities already required under s. 402.305, F.S.

The bill has been referred to the Children, Families and Elder Affairs and Budget committees.

Legislators have wrapped up their final round of committee meetings in 2011 and are prepared for the start of the 2012 Legislative Session, which begins January 10, 2012.

We are laser-focused on priorities for 2012 that will benefit your child care centers and students. Backed by our well-connected lobbying team of Smith, Bryan & Myers, FACCM heads into the upcoming session in strong standing, having secured victories in 2011 that laid the groundwork for a successful 2012 Legislative Session. Below is a pre-session report for your review:

State Budget Outlook