January 12, 2001
The meeting of the Legislative Audit Commission was called to order by Representative Dan McElroy on Friday, January 12, 2001 at 12:10 P.M. in Room 316, State Capitol.
Members Present:
| Representative Mindy Greiling | Senator Bill Belanger, Jr. |
| Representative Dan McElroy | Senator Thomas Neuville |
| Representative Wes Skoglund | Senator Deanna Wiener |
Members Excused:
| Representative Dave Bishop | Senator Doug Johnson |
| Representative Lynda Boudreau | Senator Dave Johnson |
| Representative Chris Gerlach | Senator Sheila Kiscaden |
| Representative Philip Krinkie | Senator David L. Knutson |
| Representative Peggy Leppik | Senator Keith Langseth |
| Representative Mary Jo McGuire | Senator James Metzen |
| Representative Jim Rhodes | Senator Roger Moe |
| Representative Steven Sviggum | Senator Claire Robling |
| Senator Jim Vickerman |
Other Legislators Present:
| Representative Gregory Gray |
Representative McElroy indicated the purpose of the meeting was to review the program evaluation report on Early Childhood Education Programs. He recognized Roger Brooks, Deputy Legislative Auditor for Program Evaluation. Mr. Brooks informed members of the schedule for releasing program evaluation reports on district courts, affordable housing, insurance for behavioral and mental health care, chronic offenders, and the State Archaeologist.
Mr. Brooks reviewed the reasons the commission chose the topic of early childhood education for study. He introduced Joel Alter, project manager. Mr. Alter introduced Leah Goldstein, who had worked on the study. He noted that Judy Randall had also worked on the study but was unable to attend due to the recent birth of her child.
Mr. Alter reviewed the purpose of the study, areas that were studied and those that were not and gave an overview of each of the different early childhood education programs. He reviewed the study's findings and recommendations and answered questions from members.
Representative McElroy recognized Karen Carlson, Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Children, Families and Learning. Ms. Carlson introduced Cherie Kotilinek, Manager of Early Childhood Programs, and Katie Shea, Agency Finance Director. Ms. Carlson presented the department's response to the report and answered questions from members.
The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Representative Dan McElroy, Chair
Jean Barnhill, Recording Secretary
