Gov. Sean Parnell signed $12.1 billion in operating and capital spending budgets into law Monday, including about $100 million specifically for Juneau, but also raised concerns with some of his few vetoes.
Parnell appeared before the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce to announce he was signing 2013 budgets for Alaska that he called “clear-eyed, clear-headed and fiscally smart” for the state.
Despite battles over education funding during most of the regular legislative session, Parnell praised legislators and himself for the budget’s strong commitment to education.
Acknowledging “some measure of disagreement early in the session,” Parnell praised the final budget agreement that added $50 million in education spending over what he’d first proposed.
Parnell was accompanied at an Anchorage budget-signing ceremony by key players on both sides of the education funding debate.
Much of the debate revolved around one-time versus continuing funding for education. In the end there was a compromise with some continuing and some one-time money, they said.
Sen. Kevin Meyer, R-Anchorage, was Senate majority leader and said eventually pupil transportation money will be allocated based on costs, not per student to better reflect district costs.
No local capital projects were among a handful of vetoes from Parnell. Last year the governor set a veto record when the House and Senate failed to agree on budgets and left Parnell to sort out competing priorities.
Rep. Cathy Muñoz, R-Juneau, said this year’s process clearly worked much better with the House, Senate and governor agreeing to a certain capital budget number and sticking to it.
All the Juneau projects came through intact under that process, she said.
“That has worked well, obviously,” she said.
Highlighting the list was $49 million for the state Library, Archives and Museum project, but additional key appropriations included $6.25 million to finish the University of Alaska Southeast’s Banfield Hall project and $50 million for an Alaska-class ferry.
Parnell called the budget a responsible one, with Alaska’s oil running out.
“The goal was to get legislators to slow our rate of spending, given the decline in production,” he said.
Parnell’s largest veto, $50 million out of a total cut of $67 million, was for a lump-sum contribution to the underfunded Judicial Retirement System.
Parnell said he wanted to retain funding flexibility by keeping the $50 million in the treasury, and solve the JRS retirement system funding issue at the same time other retirement funding problems are addressed.
Parnell’s cuts to education were questioned by Rep. Beth Kerttula, D-Juneau, including the early education programs designed for children before they start kindergarten, which she called “short-sighted.”
“We absolutely know that children who get pre-K early do better their entire lives, it’s not something you can wait on,” she said.
Parnell questioned whether that was the responsibility of the government or parents, though he acknowledged some parents were unable to provide that on their own.
Still, he questioned what he called a “headlong rush into public school funding of early learning.”
That may be something that faith-based groups or the Department of Health & Social Services should be providing, he said.
Parnell said the total spending increase by the state was a reasonable 3.3 percent, mostly driving by formula programs.
The budget also targets some stubborn Alaska problems, and includes funding for 15 new Village Public Safety Officers, along with associated Trooper support.
• Contact reporter Pat Forgey at 523-2250 or at patrick.forgey@juneauempire.com.
Comments (23)
Add commentAs usual, Beth Kerttula does
As usual, Beth Kerttula does not read the results of years of the "head start" program that even the Obama administration says has no lasting benefits. Read below: excerpt from
http://blog.heritage.org/2010/01/14/long-overdue-head-start-evaluation-s...
"Taxpayers have been on the hook for more than $100 billion for the Head Start program since 1965. This federal evaluation, which effectively shows no lasting impact on children after first grade and no difference between those children who attended Head Start and those who did not, should call into question the merits of increasing funding for the program, which the Obama administration recently did as part of the so-called “stimulus” bill."
Oh Tiki
Don't you know? When you quote the Heritage Foundation you've already lost all credibility.
Wow. What a bunch of bs. I
Wow. What a bunch of bs. I wok with children and I can say, ad every teacher can back me up, when a child attends a good preschool they are YEARS ahead of children that don't. When kids leave a good preschool they start kindergarten with basic math reading and social
Emotional skills. There are K kids that come to school unable to dress them selves.
This isn't even a debate if you look at actual studies, it's a huge landslide on the lasting positive effects on a persons life when they attend a GOOD preschool.
Show me the landslide
Preschool is not the difference. That is the load. Parents are the difference. I structured my home to be home with my children until school. They went into school better developed and disciplined than many of their daycare/preschool counterparts.
Children that are farmed out and left to others to raise are not as well balanced and often become behavior problems. If the only stucture a child receives is at headstart that is a problem. This is not a slam on preschool, but a reality check. Parents still need to parent. Please do not spout off that preschool or headstart will do all the work and parents can continue to be lazy.
Lazy?
I resemble that remark. Here is the reality I am most familiar with. Both parents working, or a single parent holding down two jobs, to make ends meet. Clothes, food, shelter, extra-curricular activities, college savings, orthodontics, the list goes on. Our "farmed" children were not being "raised" by the daycare provider anymore than they were "raised" by public education. Staying home with the kids 24/7 is a great gig if you can pull it off but to be labeled "lazy" when the parent is anything but is a cheap shot.
Not a shot at working parents
Shot at those who farm out their kids for others to raise. Those who drop their kid off at daycare and in front of the video games rather than engage. The parent that even if they are at home spend more time updating their facebook status with horrible grammer than making lunch and having tickle fights.
I am talking about those who think that preschool will prepare their child for school. That myth doesn't wash, and offends me that people continue to spread it. I am offended by lazy parents. Let's be honest, not all lazy parents have jobs.
Where's your proof? I work
Where's your proof? I work with 40 plus preschool age children year round. For years. The children that leave the place I work at are much more prepared then those children that are passed around family members homes and friends and random daycares. Not just from my experience, from the school teachers that I talk to that have the kids I send they're way.
There is some confusion though, I feel children being RAISED by mom and/or dad have the best advantage.
There is a wide range of quality preschool and day care facilities.
What you mentioned that you provide in your home is what a good center offers. Not knocking active parents raising children in anyway.
Parnell's vetoes
First, give the governor credit for sticking to his word. Before the special session he indicated he would go light on vetoes, and even offered an aside of "if any." He also disavowed he would used the capital budget to negotiate for his oil reduction bill in the coming special session.
Obviously, the results of the special session didn't leave the governor a happy camper. However, the governor stuck to his word. The one thing missing is the guidance needed to help shape capitol budget policy in regards to our local governments, and with regard to the fiscal capacity of those governments. We do have an "anything" goes capital budget and an almost indistinguishable capital budget process.
Early childhood programs? Head Start? Obviously for families who are struggling this is a haven for the child, and also for nurturing parents in their relation to school, child, and their role. Parent interest in their child's education is paramount, but not all parents are equal in their capacity to do so. Today we have 30 percent single parents, and many two-parent families under stress. If you think not as for our 'social carnage' statistics . . . child abuse, sexual abuse, spousal abuse, our drop out rates, alcohol, drugs, our rate of incarceration compared with other jurisdictions.
Early childhood is good for children and good for parents, our opportunity to reach parents, also educate them. We talk-the-talk of parents and schools, parental responsibility, but we neglect 'how we get there."
Rep. Kertulla and others are invested in this issue, and perhaps in these days of partisanship that labels 'early' childhood programs as "Democrats."
If so, and it probably is, it's unfortunate. It seems to me a sound conservative position that we should: Get kids in school, make sure they get there, that they stay there, that they don't drop, and that 'mandatory school attendance' includes parent. Early childhood is out opportunity to reach parents early - to educate them to.
We have just ended another tough legislative session. Whether I 'agree or not,’ a thanks to tour lawmakers for their effort, time, and the sacrifice their families make for their service.
- Michael Bradner
- Michael Bradner
"I am talking about those who
"I am talking about those who think that preschool will prepare their child for school. That myth doesn't wash, and offends me that people continue to spread it."
Kids that go to grade school from here can ready simple books and do simple math. Can dress, feed, wash themselves. If you think these are the basics being taught by parents then get a reality check. A surprising number of 5 year olds can do none of those.
Again, I am not talking about active good parenting. A good preschool is far better then what many many of JuneauS children get at home.
Define "good preschool"
You are spreading a myth. Where are the studies that show preschool is better than good parenting? I know there are studies that show it better prepares a child who does not have hands on parents. I am not disputing that.
But what I see as a problem is by taking your stance and spouting from your soap box, you are giving those lazy parents all the excuse they need to continue to be lazy. They tell themselves they send their child to preschool so they are a good parent. No interaction, or reinforement required.
I am not opposed to funding headstart or preschool. I don't have an issue with those who use those services. But I have a problem with over selling their impact and taking the responsibility away from parents. I have seen just as many students leave preschool go on to school and fail to do as well as children with active and engaged parents.
I would love to think that the preschool is teaching these parents to be engaged, but I just don't see it.
I never said preschool is
I never said preschool is better then good parenting. I actually said the opposite.
You have not visited a good preschool if this is your view of them. We have very active parents and we act as partners with parents. Constant communication and an open dialog. Nothing I said implies parents can send them to school and consider their job done. Im not responsible for what people choose to use as an excuse for being a lazy parent. I can speak from years of personal experience and tell you that after seeing hundreds of children pass through the facilities that I have worked at, they were prepared for school.
I'd love it if every child were raised by a solid family with a stay at home parent that was active in preparing the child for life. That's not the average family. Actually that type of family is the minority. So, instead of telling parents they're doing it wrong, I'm of the mind to do what it takes to help these kids get ready for life.
Thanks for clarifying.
Preschool for 3 hours a day is helpful in teaching children routine and structure. Scholastics is not the emphasis. These kids, in my view, are better prepared for the school settings because they have been exposed to it. Preschool teaches structure. How to sit still for ten minutes to listen to story-time, how to get from one event to another, how to interact with their peers, etc. It is no surprise preschool children do better because the initial orientation has already been covered. If parents want their kids to be better prepared but don't want to 'farm' their kids out to preschool they need to do more than have 'tickle fights'. Visit a preschool. Speak to the preschool providers. Incorporate what can be into the daytime home environment. Quality time is important, but it should also be targeted towards the ultimate goal: immersion into the school environment.
Just my opinion.
Neglect
I certainly hope as a mandatory reporter you are reporting 5 yo that are unable to feed or clothe themselves. That would be an obvious sign of neglect.
I remember when I started school I was not able to read or write. I was not able to do math. But I was able to sit in a chair and listen. I understood that hitting, yelling and talking back were not helpful. I knew to respect my elders. Most of my peers didn't go to preschool either. We learned our academics in school, that is why we went. Preschool was a luxury back then.
Despite that lack of early formal education, we grew up to be rather successful and reasonably eduated individuals. But then our parents would accept nothing less.
Thanks ken. You were able to
Thanks ken. You were able to explain a very good opinion that is right on.
I just spent a few mins looking for some links to help prove my points. After a short time it was too obvious that anyone that doubts it and needs proof needs no more then a few mins looking. The evidence is everywhere. Going to go play with some kids and help them remember to share the toys :)
Great article
This is great reporting. We have Rep. Munoz talking constructively about working with the governor and the rest of the legislature. There is no mystery why Juneau did so well in the budget and why no one is debating the capital move. We have the governor giving his reasons for what he approved and didn't approve, and speaking very positively and rationally.
Reflecting on this article, I cannot help but wonder if Petersburg would have been distressed at all if the redistricting plan now disapproved by the court had placed them in the Mendenhall Valley district instead of the downtown district.
I stand corrected.
My son, who works in the special ed field, just set me straight. Preschool preparation is not as important as preparing the child to meet expectations of kindergarten. If kids are prepared for this level they will do better. Structure will fall in line. Kids who are more successful coming into kindergarten with what is expected of them scholastically will do much better, and this can be done at home.
However, if the child's needs are not being met at home preschool is the next best thing. Never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. :)
It is amazing, isn't it,
how Juneau's ideological demographics have so starkly split the community geographically? I can understand how like-minded individuals would gravitate towards one another in a neighborhood setting, but how did the Valley and Downtown become so polarized?
Quality preschool versus preschool
I think there is mostly agreement between posters above on how important it is for a child's mind to be engaged from 0-5 years. Whether that happens at home or in a quality preschool (many are substandard) is irrelevant as long as it is happening.
Alaska is one of 12 states that offers no public preschool. I've seen research that shows the payoff for every dollar invested at the preschool level has a return of between $7 and $17 realized long-term in better academic performance (less need for intervention), higher high school graduation rates, less juvenile delinquency and lower prison bed numbers, to name a few. The evidence is clear that investing in our children as early as possible has clear and substantial benefits.
I take issue with the broad brush used to classify parents as lazy whose kids are not prepared for kindergarten. I'm sure some of them are, but I doubt it is the majority or even near that. We should stop demonizing our neighbors and look for ways to improve outcomes without judgment, in my opinion. The only way to break the cycle of neglectful parenting is through education. If those parents were never taught at a young age to learn colors or were never read to, how should we expect them to know that those behaviors are important?
Some of the issues are cultural and some are social. We need a variety of approaches to deal with such a complex issue - some will work, some won't, but the important thing is to try.
Unfortunately, with the state of the national debate focused on how lazy, incompetent, and deserving of our scorn are the poor and uneducated, I doubt we are going to see much success. I am still willing to try. I hope you are too.
If anybody has doubt about
If anybody has doubt about preschool, they need to check out the wonderful and new (within the last year) staff at Spunky Sprouts (preschool, not the toddler or baby location). They are amazing. They inform you with daily, weekly, and monthly reports, they give you the opportunity to be included in EVERYTHING, and also institute curriculum, nutritional guidelines, and a very nuturing environment. I put my daughter there part time because I, with work and a new baby to bring to work, did not have the time that they can give to her. She goes for 5 hours a day. She was a great kid before them, smart and sweet, and she is thriving even more so now. Ilvmykyk- you really shouldn't talk down on all preschools... judgement is not the answer. I work my tail off extra hours every week just so I can pay for that wonderful place that my child adores. She wakes up on Saturday mornings asking if she can see her teachers and her friends... it is fantastic to see. And she is already happy about doing her homework at 3 years old! They also take her on field trips to places like NOAA and have (almost) daily outdoor time. We are a proud supporter of preschool... whether it be done at home or at a (qualified) facility, there is no denying that you cannot start teaching a child too early. I hope that is something everyone can agree on...
Where did I talk down?
Did I say preschool was bad? Did I say only bad parents send their children? Nope, sure didn't.
What I did say is that it should not be put on a pedestal and espoused to be the grand fix. We should be selling hands on parenting to families not preschool. We shouldn't be telling parents preschool is the only way to get your child ready for school. It isn't.
The best preparation for school is an engaged parent. Preschool can supplement but not replace. It is like sports and clubs are a great supplement to a students education. Wonderful tools, great additions. Community involvement, activism, all wonderful things to add to a child's tool box. But none of it replaces or makes up for an involved parent.
I am not saying stay at home mom's are the only involved parents. I see many today that are even more disconnected than mom's and dad's working 60hr weeks.
Every week there is someone blogging about how our teacher's can't teach because of bad parenting. Let's address that, because the set up starts here. Where we are told if your child doesn't go to preschool they won't learn how to dress or feed themselves. Like teachers are supposed to parent. I say it is bunk, and let's not put that burden on our teachers and kick our collective parental tush in gear.
I can agree with that
I can agree with that completely. There is no substitute for a good home with engaged parents. No one said preschool>parenting. Not even the discussion. But advocating for preschools is not bashing parenting. That's what happened here I think.
Interestly enough, I have heard multiple times from parents that watching they're children in the preschool has taught them to be better parents. Just because you have a child doesn't make you a good parent. It's a team/community effort to raise children. The more we work together the better chances they'll have.
When a child fails its on all of us.
"When a child fails its on all of us."
Awesome... and perfectly put. You've been dead on all day today, Alaskastu!
Missing the point?
I think the consensus is that children do better when they are prepared prior to pre-school.
Children do better if they attend pre-school than if they don't.
Being a bad parent doesn't necessarily mean you are lazy it just means you are a bad parent.
and.....
I think that the Governor's veto of the JRS was largely a political move to make him look like a fiscal conservative. Ultimately it is a wash. The money will remain with the state treasury for now but will still need to be transferred to JRS at a later date.