An Act To Promote Economic Development by Enhancing Educational Opportunities

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  this legislation needs to be an emergency so that the savings can be realized in the 2005-06 fiscal year; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. Adult education college transition programs; selection of sites. The Department of Education shall collaborate with representatives of adult education programs, the Maine Community College System, the University of Maine System, the Maine Compact for Higher Education, the MELMAC Education Foundation, the Maine Adult Education Association and other interest groups identified by the Commissioner of Education to establish criteria for selecting sites for adult education college transition programs.

Sec. 2. Expansion of college transition programs. The Department of Education shall work with stakeholders to expand the number of college transition programs offered in an adult education setting to 30 over a 5-year period. The department and its collaborators shall use the 7 pilot programs in operation in the 2005-2006 school year as a model for additional programs.

Sec. 3. Progress reports. The Department of Education shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters no later than January 15, 2007 on progress made in expanding college transition programs offered in an adult education setting. By January 15, 2008, the Department of Education shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters on the implementation of the number and location of college transition programs established, the number of students served, completion rates and number of participants enrolled in college. The report must also include a plan for complete implementation of a program at 30 sites by 2011.

Sec. 4. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF

Homestead Property Tax Exemption Reimbursement 0886

Initiative: Deappropriates excess funds in fiscal year 2006-07.

GENERAL FUND	2005-06	2006-07
All Other	$0	($5,100,000)
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$0	($5,100,000)

Debt Service - Government Facilities Authority 0893

Initiative: Deappropriates excess funds in fiscal year 2005-06.

GENERAL FUND	2005-06	2006-07
All Other	($700,000)	$0
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	($700,000)	$0

ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
DEPARTMENT TOTALS	2005-06	2006-07
GENERAL FUND	($700,000)	($5,100,000)
DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS	($700,000)	($5,100,000)

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM, BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE

Educational and General Activities - UMS 0031

Initiative: Provides for additional ongoing funds for general operating costs.

GENERAL FUND	2005-06	2006-07
All Other	$0	$4,200,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$0	$4,200,000

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM, BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
DEPARTMENT TOTALS	2005-06	2006-07
GENERAL FUND	$0	$4,200,000
DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS	$0	$4,200,000

COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM, BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MAINE

Maine Community College System - Board of Trustees 0556

Initiative: Provides for additional ongoing funds for general operating costs.

GENERAL FUND	2005-06	2006-07
All Other	$0	$1,600,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$0	$1,600,000

COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM, BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MAINE
DEPARTMENT TOTALS	2005-06	2006-07
GENERAL FUND	$0	$1,600,000
DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS	$0	$1,600,000

SECTION TOTALS	2005-06	2006-07
GENERAL FUND	($700,000)	$700,000
SECTION TOTAL - ALL FUNDS	($700,000)	$700,000

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.