Relates to the creation of an early learning council

1 Co-sponsor

• David J. Valesky

BILL NUMBER:S6961

Title of bill

An act to amend the social services law, in relation to the creation of the early learning council

Purpose or general idea of bill

To create opportunities for investments into early learning.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:.

Section one of the bill establishes the Early Learning Council ("ELC") with the purpose of securing public and private support for early learning program for children up to the age of 5.

Section two of the bill sets forth the membership of the ELC; at least 4 business leaders appointed by the Governor, 2 by the Speaker and 2 by the Temporary President of the Senate, the commissioners of the Office of Children and Family Service, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the State Education Department and the Economic State Development Corporation, and the Director of the Division of the Budget.

Section three of the bill sets forth the powers and duties of the ELC including meeting twice per year, increasing awareness of early learning programs and developing an annual report to the Governor and Legislature.

Section four of the bill sets forth the term that members of the ELC would serve to be 3 years for appointed positions and for all others so long as they hold remain in titles with state government.

Section five of the bill would allow the ELC to receive non-protected and non-identifying information from State and local governmental agencies.

Section six of the bill would set an immediate effective date, except that the annual report would be due September 1, 2015 and annually thereafter.

Justification

Decades of research have demonstrated the social, academic, and economic gains that result from increased investment in high quality early childhood education programs. Children who participate in quality early learning programs have higher rates of high school graduation and college enrollment and decreased rates of incarceration and reliance on public assistance. Early childhood programs produce a high rate of return, mostly due to the societal savings resulting from decreased reliance on criminal justice and safety net programs. In addition, increased investment in early learning has been shown to increase the productivity of the current workforce and provides an economic boost for local economies. It is therefore important to engage members of the business community in the discussion on early learning funding, and to encourage such persons to seek out investments both private and public to the greatest extent possible.

This bill would create an Early Learning Council, modeled off of the one in Pennsylvania, to create greater opportunities for investments in early learning programs.

Prior legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

None known.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately provided that the first annual report required pursuant to section 458-N shall be due September 1, 2015 and annually thereafter.