As part of “Oil Can,” additional Oil and Gas Town Hall Meetings have been scheduled for November 11 & 12, 2008 in Bowbells, Powers Lake, Parshall, Stanley, and Killdeer. "Oil Can" is a Petroleum Council program designed to open the lines of communication and improve understanding between the petroleum industry of North Dakota and key stakeholder groups, such as property owners, policy makers, community leaders, media reporters, and the general public.
Attached is a copy of the advertisement. Listed below is the scheduled agenda.
Let’s Talk… Bakken
A Focus on the Basics of Drilling and Completing a Bakken Well
November 11
Bowbells: 10:00 am CST at the Bowbells High School
Powers Lake: 2:00 pm CST at the Powers Lake High School
Stanley: 7:00 pm CST at the Stanley High School
November 12
Parshall: 10:00 am CST at the Parshall High School
Killdeer: 6:30 pm MST at the Killdeer High School
(Coffee and cookies are provided at all locations)
Agenda
15 Minutes Welcome/”Oil Can” Program
Vicky Steiner, Association of Oil and Gas Producing Counties
Ron Ness, North Dakota Petroleum Council
20 Minutes Drilling 101 - How we drill and complete Bakken wells
Larry Dokken, BTA Oil Producers
15 Minutes Oil and Gas Industry Overview
Lynn Helms, Department of Mineral Resources
10 Minutes Pipeline Capacity and Oil/Gas Movements
Justin Kringstad, North Dakota Pipeline Authority
15 Minutes Bakken Water Opportunity Assessment
John Harju, Energy and Environmental Research Center
15 Minutes Questions and Closing Comments
Brought to you by:
The North Dakota Petroleum Council and the North Dakota Oil & Gas Research Council
Supporting Partners for this event are:
North Dakota Association of Oil and Gas Producing Counties
North Dakota Farm Bureau
North Dakota Stockmen’s Association
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008 ----- Higher Education News
AACTE Weekly News Briefs | October 28, 2008_____________
. . . delivered to your inbox so you can enjoy up-to-date news on Colleges of Education, Teaching and the Classroom, Campaigns, Legislation, STEM Teacher Issues, International Teacher Issues, Grants, and Upcoming Events. Please click on linked headlines for full story.
AACTE ANNOUNCEMENTS
GET OUT AND VOTE! NATIONAL ELECTION DAY NOV. 4TH!
AACTE strongly encourages representatives at its member schools, colleges, and departments of education to make their voices heard this November 4th. Visit your local voting booths to cast your vote for the 44th President of the United States! For more information on the education platforms of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, click here!
NATIONAL NEWS
Education on the Ballot
From Education Week
The results of the elections are likely to have a significant impact on the way schools are financed, governed, and held accountable for the academic performance of their students.
Portfolio Confusion and the Education Advisers' Debate
From Education Week
Barack Obama spokeswoman Melody Barnes' statements on NPR about her candidate's support of student portfolios as a method of assessment have caused quite the dust-up. It even came up at last week’s debate between the education advisers to the campaigns—Lisa Graham Keegan for John McCain and Linda Darling-Hammond for Obama.
Schools in need employ teachers from overseas
From USA Today
A growing number of school districts are hiring teachers from foreign countries to fill shortages in math, science and special education. The trend is most evident in poor urban and rural districts, according to educators
Announcement of Final Title I Regulations
From the U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings today announced final regulations to strengthen and clarify No Child Left Behind (NCLB), focusing on improved accountability and transparency, uniform and disaggregated graduation rates and improved parental notification for Supplemental Education Services and public school choice.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
FSU Special Education Program Receives $800,000 Visual Impairment Grant
From Florida State University
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services has awarded faculty members within the Florida State University College of Education a four-year, $800,000 grant to support teacher education in the field of visual impairment.
Education initiative receives recognition for case study
From Arizona State University
Arizona State University has been selected to participate in a case study by the Teachers for a New Era Learning Network, which will examine the university’s ambitious initiatives to improve teacher education as a university-wide endeavor.
Technology key for Broad Prize winner
From eSchoolnew.com
The annual Broad Prize for Urban Education--the largest education prize in the United States, which honors the nation's most improved urban school district--has been awarded to Texas' Brownsville Independent School District for its outstanding achievement gains, and district officials say technology has played a large part in that success.
Other Announcements
Webcast Archive: Education and the Next President
From Education Week
View “Education and the Next President,” a live debate that took place at Teachers College, Columbia University, between Linda Darling-Hammond, education adviser to Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama, and Lisa Graham Keegan, education adviser to Republican nominee John McCain.
AACTE 61st ANNUAL MEETING & EXHIBITS
February 6 - 9, 2009
Hyatt Regency Chicago - Virtual Tour
Chicago, IL
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Click Here to register for the 61st Annual Meeting & Exhibits. This will lead you through creating an account which you can use for future meetings. If you registered for the Accountability, Accreditation, and Quality Conference, Click Here to use the account you set up when registering for that meeting.
Alyssa J. Mangino
Communications Manager
AACTE
1307 New York Ave., NW Suite 300
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 478-4596 -Direct
(202) 457-8095 -Fax
amangino@aacte.org
. . . delivered to your inbox so you can enjoy up-to-date news on Colleges of Education, Teaching and the Classroom, Campaigns, Legislation, STEM Teacher Issues, International Teacher Issues, Grants, and Upcoming Events. Please click on linked headlines for full story.
AACTE ANNOUNCEMENTS
GET OUT AND VOTE! NATIONAL ELECTION DAY NOV. 4TH!
AACTE strongly encourages representatives at its member schools, colleges, and departments of education to make their voices heard this November 4th. Visit your local voting booths to cast your vote for the 44th President of the United States! For more information on the education platforms of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, click here!
NATIONAL NEWS
Education on the Ballot
From Education Week
The results of the elections are likely to have a significant impact on the way schools are financed, governed, and held accountable for the academic performance of their students.
Portfolio Confusion and the Education Advisers' Debate
From Education Week
Barack Obama spokeswoman Melody Barnes' statements on NPR about her candidate's support of student portfolios as a method of assessment have caused quite the dust-up. It even came up at last week’s debate between the education advisers to the campaigns—Lisa Graham Keegan for John McCain and Linda Darling-Hammond for Obama.
Schools in need employ teachers from overseas
From USA Today
A growing number of school districts are hiring teachers from foreign countries to fill shortages in math, science and special education. The trend is most evident in poor urban and rural districts, according to educators
Announcement of Final Title I Regulations
From the U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings today announced final regulations to strengthen and clarify No Child Left Behind (NCLB), focusing on improved accountability and transparency, uniform and disaggregated graduation rates and improved parental notification for Supplemental Education Services and public school choice.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
FSU Special Education Program Receives $800,000 Visual Impairment Grant
From Florida State University
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services has awarded faculty members within the Florida State University College of Education a four-year, $800,000 grant to support teacher education in the field of visual impairment.
Education initiative receives recognition for case study
From Arizona State University
Arizona State University has been selected to participate in a case study by the Teachers for a New Era Learning Network, which will examine the university’s ambitious initiatives to improve teacher education as a university-wide endeavor.
Technology key for Broad Prize winner
From eSchoolnew.com
The annual Broad Prize for Urban Education--the largest education prize in the United States, which honors the nation's most improved urban school district--has been awarded to Texas' Brownsville Independent School District for its outstanding achievement gains, and district officials say technology has played a large part in that success.
Other Announcements
Webcast Archive: Education and the Next President
From Education Week
View “Education and the Next President,” a live debate that took place at Teachers College, Columbia University, between Linda Darling-Hammond, education adviser to Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama, and Lisa Graham Keegan, education adviser to Republican nominee John McCain.
AACTE 61st ANNUAL MEETING & EXHIBITS
February 6 - 9, 2009
Hyatt Regency Chicago - Virtual Tour
Chicago, IL
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Click Here to register for the 61st Annual Meeting & Exhibits. This will lead you through creating an account which you can use for future meetings. If you registered for the Accountability, Accreditation, and Quality Conference, Click Here to use the account you set up when registering for that meeting.
Alyssa J. Mangino
Communications Manager
AACTE
1307 New York Ave., NW Suite 300
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 478-4596 -Direct
(202) 457-8095 -Fax
amangino@aacte.org
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 -- Kildeer Mountain Manufacturing / Don Hedger Honored
NEWS from the N.D. Department of Human Services
600 E Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck ND 58505-0250
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2008
Contacts: Nancy McKenzie, Vocational Rehabilitation Division Director, 701-328-8983, or Harley D. Engelman, Rehabilitation Consulting & Services (RCS) Marketing and Business Relations Director, 701-471-0130 (cell), or 701-328-8957 (office).
State and Regional Employer of the Year recipients announced
Governor Hoeven presents disability-related awards
MINOT, N.D. – Governor John Hoeven and the North Dakota Department of Human Services announced today that Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing was named the North Dakota Employer of the Year for its business practices and community involvement in efforts supporting the employment of people with disabilities. The department’s Rehabilitation Consulting & Services initiative (RCS) selected the Killdeer, N.D., business from among eight regional Employer of the Year honorees.
Regional award recipients included: City Laundry and Dry Cleaners, Inc., of Williston; Envision of Minot; Hexagon Farm LLP of Cando; Concrete, Inc., of Grand Forks; Hornbacher’s at South 45th Street in Fargo; Leever’s County Market of Jamestown; and Wal-Mart Supercenter, North location, in Bismarck. Hoeven presented the awards during the 2008 North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation annual awards banquet and training conference, held at Minot’s Grand International Inn.
“It is a pleasure to honor these companies,” Hoeven said. “Their progressive attitudes and business practices have enabled individuals with disabilities to put their abilities to work.”
Nancy McKenzie, director of the department’s Vocational Rehabilitation Division, said the eight companies are models for other North Dakota businesses. Their efforts and the efforts of other employers, she said, are the reason North Dakota ranks first among states in the percentage of individuals with disabilities who are employed.
North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation is a division of the North Dakota Department of Human Services. It works to assist individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment opportunities. The division’s Rehabilitation Consulting & Services initiative helps North Dakota business owners and employers find solutions to disability-related issues.
For information about the awards and services available to help employers and employees address disability-related issues, contact Rehabilitation Consulting & Services at
701-328-8957.
# #
600 E Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck ND 58505-0250
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2008
Contacts: Nancy McKenzie, Vocational Rehabilitation Division Director, 701-328-8983, or Harley D. Engelman, Rehabilitation Consulting & Services (RCS) Marketing and Business Relations Director, 701-471-0130 (cell), or 701-328-8957 (office).
State and Regional Employer of the Year recipients announced
Governor Hoeven presents disability-related awards
MINOT, N.D. – Governor John Hoeven and the North Dakota Department of Human Services announced today that Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing was named the North Dakota Employer of the Year for its business practices and community involvement in efforts supporting the employment of people with disabilities. The department’s Rehabilitation Consulting & Services initiative (RCS) selected the Killdeer, N.D., business from among eight regional Employer of the Year honorees.
Regional award recipients included: City Laundry and Dry Cleaners, Inc., of Williston; Envision of Minot; Hexagon Farm LLP of Cando; Concrete, Inc., of Grand Forks; Hornbacher’s at South 45th Street in Fargo; Leever’s County Market of Jamestown; and Wal-Mart Supercenter, North location, in Bismarck. Hoeven presented the awards during the 2008 North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation annual awards banquet and training conference, held at Minot’s Grand International Inn.
“It is a pleasure to honor these companies,” Hoeven said. “Their progressive attitudes and business practices have enabled individuals with disabilities to put their abilities to work.”
Nancy McKenzie, director of the department’s Vocational Rehabilitation Division, said the eight companies are models for other North Dakota businesses. Their efforts and the efforts of other employers, she said, are the reason North Dakota ranks first among states in the percentage of individuals with disabilities who are employed.
North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation is a division of the North Dakota Department of Human Services. It works to assist individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment opportunities. The division’s Rehabilitation Consulting & Services initiative helps North Dakota business owners and employers find solutions to disability-related issues.
For information about the awards and services available to help employers and employees address disability-related issues, contact Rehabilitation Consulting & Services at
701-328-8957.
# #
Monday, October 27, 2008
Tuesday, October 28 - Link to North Dakota Telephone Association Program in Minot on November 6
http://www.ndta.net/2008%20Annual%20Meeting%20Program.pdf
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
OPENING SESSION – Convention Center
1:00 pm Welcome and Opening Remarks
Louis Witte
President, North Dakota Telephone Association
Director, Consolidated Telcom, Dickinson, ND
Presiding Dave Dircks, General Manager/CEO
North Dakota T
elephone Company,
Devils Lake, ND
1:15 pm “Emerging Technologies for Our Generation”
Lynn Nelson
Director of Sales & Marketing
SRT Communications Inc.
Minot, ND
2:45 pm BREAK
Presiding Steve Lysne, CEO/General Manager
SR
T Communications, Inc., Minot, ND
3:00 pm “Wireless Communications Evolution (3G to 4G)”
Warren Vande Stadt
Senior Technology Leader
Vantage Point Solutions
Mitchell, SD
4:00 pm “IPTV: Important, But Not a Telco's Panacea”
Kris Sowolla
Market Development Manager
Occam Networks, Inc.
Santa Barbara, CA
5:15-6:30 pm Social Hour – Candelite Room
(Dinner on your own)
Witte
Nelson
Stadt
Sowolla
2
2008 ANNUAL MEETING
THURSDAY, November 6 - Group Breakfast Buffet
7:00 am Candelite Room - Breakfast sponsored by John Staurulakis, Inc. and NECA
(Assorted Fruit Juices, Light Scrambled Eggs, Crisp Bacon
and Country Style Sausage, Home Fried Potatoes, French Toast, Fresh Fruit in Season, Assorted Muffins, Coffee/Tea).
THURSDAY, November 6
Closing Session - Convention Center
Presiding Paul Schuetzler, CEO/General Manager
Consolidated T
elcom, Dickinson, ND
8:00 am Keynote Address—“Washington Review”
Brian Ford
Regulatory Counsel
OPASTCO
Washington, DC
8:45 am “An Update for your 2009 ND Legislative Session”
The Honorable T
om Seymour
The Honorable Randel Christmann
North Dakota Senate
9:30 am Break
Presiding Patricia Gisinger, Manager
North Dakota T
elephone Association
9:45 am “USAC Audits—Our Experience”
Julie E. Lizotte, Director of Regulator
y Affairs
SR
T Communications Inc., Minot, ND
Jack Plecity
, Office Manager
Red River Rural T
elephone Association
Aber
crombie, ND
Seymour
Christmann
Ford
Lizotte
Plecity
NORTH DAKOTA TELEPHONE ASSOCIATION 3
10:30 am “After the USAC Audits: Lessons Learned and Preparing for the Future”
Brian Sullivan
Director of Revenue Requirements
John Staurulakis, Inc.
Greenbelt, MD
11:20 am Adjourn
11:30 am Annual Membership Business Meeting
Call to Order
Louis Witte, Vice President
Credentials Report
Paul Wisness, Sergeant-At-Arms
Minutes of 2007 Annual Meeting
Keith Larson, Secretar
y-Treasurer
Manager’s Report
Pat Gisinger
Presentation of 2008 Budget
Pat Gisinger
Nominating Report
Dave Dir
cks, Nominating Committee Chairman
Election of Directors
Louis Witte, Vice President
Unfinished Business
New Business
Adjournment
There will be a meeting of the NDT
A Board of Directors in International Room (lower level) immediately following adjournment of the annual meeting for the purpose of reorganization and any other business as may properly come before such meeting.
Sullivan
4 2008 ANNUAL MEETING
General Information
Registration
Grand International Foyer – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesday, November 5.
Hospitality Hour
A social hour will be held in the Candlelite Room at 5:15 to 6:30 pm, Wednesday, November 5. Each attendee will receive two tickets for two FREE drinks of your choice.
Group Buffet Breakfast - Breakfast sponsored by
John Staurulakis, Inc. and NECA
Fresh Seasonal Fruit, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon and Country Style Sausage, Breakfast Potatoes, French Toast, Muffins, Assorted Juices and Coffee will be served buffet-style at 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. in the Candlelite Room on Thursday, November 6. Spouses are welcome.
Annual Membership Business Meeting
The annual membership business meeting will follow immediately upon the conclusion of the General Session on Thursday, November 6.
NDTA Board Meeting
The NDTA Board of Directors will meet in the International Room immediately following the membership business meeting.
Annual Meeting Program Planning Committee
Dave Dircks, CEO/General Manager, North Dakota Telephone Company
Keith Larson, CEO/General Manager, Dakota Central Telecommunications
Steve Lysne, CEO/General Manager, SRT Communications, Inc.
Paul Schuetzler, CEO/General Manager, Consolidated Telcom
Pat Gisinger, Manager, North Dakota Telephone Association
NDTA Board of Directors
Louis Witte, Director, Consolidated Telcom (President)
Keith A. Larson, CEO/General Manager, Dakota Central Telecommunications (Vice President)
Steve Lysne, CEO/General Manager, SRT Communications, Inc. (Sec.-Treas.)
Dave Dircks, General Manager, North Dakota Telephone Company
Dwight Schmitt, General Manager/CEO, Northwest Communications Cooperative
James Schultz, Director, Red River Rural Telephone Company
Keith Andersen, General Manager, Inter-Community Telephone Company
Mark Wilhelmi, Manager, Midstate Telephone Company
Paul Wisness, Director, Reservation Telephone Cooperative
NORTH DAKOTA TELEPHONE ASSOCIATION 5
Active (Voting) Member Companies
BEK Communications Cooperative, Steele, ND
Consolidated Telcom, Dickinson, ND
Dakota Central Telecommunications, Carrington, ND
Dickey Rural Telephone Cooperative, Ellendale, ND
Griggs County Telephone Company, Cooperstown, ND
Inter-Community Telephone Company, Nome, ND
Midstate Telephone Company, Stanley, ND
Moore & Liberty Telephone Company, Enderlin, ND
Nemont/Missouri Valley Communications, Scobey, MT
North Dakota Telephone Company, Devils Lake, ND
Northwest Communications Cooperative, Ray, ND
Polar Communications, Park River, ND
Red River Rural Telephone Association, Abercrombie, ND
Reservation Telephone Cooperative, Parshall, ND
SRT Communications, Inc., Minot, ND
United Telephone Mutual Aid Corp., Langdon, ND
West River Telecommunications, Hazen, ND
Affiliate Members
Halstad Telephone Company, Halstad, MN
Loretel Systems, Inc., (Hector Communications), Ada, MN
RC Communications, Inc., New Effington, SD
Roberts County Telephone Cooperative Assn., New Effington, SD
West River Cooperative Telephone Co., Bison, SD
Sustaining Members
702 Communications, Moorhead, MN
Dakota Carrier Network, Fargo, ND
IdeaOne Telecom Group, Fargo, ND
North Dakota Long Distance, Devils Lake, ND
Associate Members
3M Company, Austin, TX
7Sigma Systems, Inc. Chanhassen, MN
ABM Equipment & Supply Inc., Hopkins, MN
Action Battery Wholesalers, Inc., Somerset, WI
ADC, Eden Prairie, MN
Aerial Contractors, Inc., Moorhead, MN
Alamon Telco, Inc., Kalispell, MT
Allied Telesis, Bothell, WA
Alpine Power Systems, Eagan, MN
ALTALINQ Telecom USA, Inc., Montrose, CO
Arvig Communication Systems (ACS), Perham, MN
Aztek Networks, Boulder, CO
Badger Communications, Durand, WI
Baso Battery Inc., Menahga, MN
BEC Technologies Inc., Huntington Beach, CA
Border States Supply Chain Solutions, Fargo, ND
Brady, Martz & Associates, P.C., Grand Forks, ND
Cable Connection & Supply Co., Faribault, MN
6 2008 ANNUAL MEETING
CAD Consulting Services, Inc., Slayton, MN
Calix, Petaluma, CA
CC & I Engineering, Inc., Perham, MN
CCI (Cable Constructors, Inc.), Iron Mountain, MI
CHR Solutions, Maple Grove, MN
Cisco Systems, Fargo, ND
Classified Directories, Inc., Bismarck, ND
Clearfield, Inc., Plymouth, MN
CoBank, Minneapolis, MN
Communication Consultants, Inc., Fargo, ND
Communication Network Engineers, Inc., New London, MN
Communications Equipment Specialties (C.E.S.), Elk River, MN
Communications Supply Group, Shakopee, MN
Computer Connection Corporation, Minneapolis, MN
Comstock Telcom, Reno, NV
Conklin-Intracom, Duluth, GA
Consortia Consulting, Inc., Omaha, NE
Cordell, Inc., La Verne, CA
CORE Telecom Systems, Inc., St. Louis, MO
Cornerstone Group, Loveland, CO
Corning Cable Systems, Lake in the Hills, IL
Cummins NPower, LLC, Fargo, ND
D F Countryman Co., Minneapolis, MN
Dakota Supply Group, Inc, Fargo, ND
Dantel, Inc., Fresno, CA
Design Wizards, LLC, Bismarck, ND
Ditch Witch of North Dakota, Mandan, ND
Eagle Marketing, Burnsville, MN
Eide Bailly LLP, Sioux Falls, SD
Electric Scientific Company, Minneapolis, MN
Embarq Logistics, Blair, NE
Enventis, Duluth, MN
Falkenberg Capital Corporation, Denver, CO
Farmers Union Service Assn. Ltd., Jamestown, ND
Finley Engineering Co., Inc., Bismarck, ND
FS3 Inc., Annandale, MN
Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc., Brooklyn Park, MN
Golden West Technologies & Internet Solutions, Rapid City, SD
Graybar, Plymouth, MN
Great Plains Towers, Fargo, ND
Greenlee Textron, Inc., Rockford, IL
GVNW Consulting, Inc., Colorado Springs, CO
H. M. Cragg Co., Eden Prairie, MN
HickoryTech, Mankato, MN
Inter-Commercial Business Systems (ICBS), Allen, TX
Image Marketing/99 On-Hold, Minot, ND
Innovative Systems, Mitchell, SD
Interstate Power Systems, Fargo, ND
Interstate Telcom Consulting, Inc., Hector, MN
ISPN Help Desk Solutions, Lenexa, KS
Jason Anderson Consulting, Fargo, ND
John Staurulakis Inc., Eagan, MN
Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, Inc., Bismarck, ND
KGP, Faribault, MN
Kiesling Associates LLP, West Des Moines, IA
LightRiver Technologies, Inc. Lafayette, CA
NORTH DAKOTA TELEPHONE ASSOCIATION 7
Link To Success, Inc., Excelsior, MN
Locators & Supplies, Inc., Fergus Falls, MN
Mapcom Systems, Richmond, VA
Martin Group, Inc., Mitchell, SD
Megger, Norristown, PA
MetaSwitch, Alameda, CA
Mid America Computer Corporation (MACC), Blair, NE
Midwest Data, Inc., Willmar, MN
Minerva Networks, Alviso, CA
Motorola, Andover, MA
MP Nexlevel, LLC, Maple Lake, MN
Nardini Fire Equipment Co. of North Dakota, Fargo, ND
National Directory Assistance, LLC, Louisville, KY
National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), Mandan, ND
NECA, Omaha, NE
Norscan Instruments Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nortel, Sioux Falls, SD
Northland Systems, Inc., Bismarck, ND
Olsen Thielen & Co., Ltd., St. Paul, MN
Onvoy, Inc., Minneapolis, MN
Optelian, Marietta, GA
OSIG, Maple Grove, MN
Pannaway Technologies, Inc., Portsmouth, NH
Pelusa (Priority Electronics, USA), Grand Forks, ND
Pinnacle Publishing, LLC, Bemidji, MN
Power and Telephone Supply Co., Des Moines, IA
Power Product Services, Inc., Hibbing, MN
Preformed Line Products, Cleveland, OH
PUSH, Inc., Rice Lake, WI
PWR, LLC, Buffalo Grove, IL
Quintrex Data Systems Corp., Cedar Rapids, IA
REDCOM, Victory, NY
Rep Com International, Centennial, CO
Rhino Contracting Inc., Grand Forks, ND
Ripley’s, Inc., Erhard, MN
Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (RTFC), Herndon, VA
SimpleTel, Inc., Chicago, IL
Stutler Technologies Corp., Emporia, KS
Syniverse Technologies, Inc., Tampa, FL
Taqua, Inc., Richardson, TX
Tekno Telecom, L.L.C., Naperville, IL
Telcom Construction, Inc., Clearwater, MN
Telecom Engineering USA, Inc. Golden Valley, MN
TeleSphere Software, Inc., Missoula, MT
Tellabs, Naperville, IL
Trenchers Plus, Inc., Burnsville, MN
Tulsat – Nebraska, Deshler, NE
Upper Midwest Utility Sales, Maple Lake, MN
Vantage Point Solutions, Mitchell, SD
VeriSign, Inc., Olympia, WA
Vermeer, Burnsville, MN
W. Paul Mandt Insurance Agency, Jamestown, ND
Walker and Associates, Inc., Welcome, NC
Windstream Supply, Inc., Alpharetta, GA
Zhone Technologies, Oakland, CA
8 2008 ANNUAL MEETING
RULES OF THE MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS MEETING
1. CALL TO ORDER: The President shall take the chair at the time of the annual meeting and shall call the meeting to order.
2. POINTS OF ORDER: The Chairman shall preserve order and decide all questions of order, subject to an appeal to the members.
3. RECOGNITION BY THE CHAIR: Every delegate, previous to his speaking, shall rise from his seat and address the chair, and remain standing until recognized by the chair before proceeding to speak.
4. WHO RECOGNIZED: When two or more delegates rise at the same time to speak, the chairman must designate who is to speak, but in all cases, the delegate who shall rise first and address the chair may speak first.
5. RULES AS TO SPEAKING, NUMBER OF TIMES, AND DURATION: No delegate shall speak more than twice on the same subject without permission of the delegates present, nor more than once until every delegate choosing to speak on the subject pending shall have spoken. Nor shall any delegate occupy the floor more than five minutes the first time and three minutes the second time, without the consent by a majority of the delegates in attendance. After all delegates have spoken then any member, director, manager or attorney in good standing may speak under the same rules.
6. MOTION TO BE SECONDED AND STATED BEFORE DEBATE: No motion shall be debated or passed unless the same is seconded. Seconds to any motion made must be by a delegate from a member company other than the member presenting the motion.
7. MOTION MAY BE WITHDRAWN: If the motion has been stated by the Chairman, it shall be deemed in possession of the meeting, but may be withdrawn at any time before amendment or decision by the delegate who made the motion with the consent of the majority of the delegates.
8. MOTION IN DEBATE AND PROCEDURE: When a question is under debate, no motion shall be received but to adjourn, postpone, amend or substitute.
9. MOTION TO ADJOURN IN ORDER WHEN: A motion to adjourn shall be in order, except when a delegate is addressing the chair, or a vote is being taken.
10. RESOLUTIONS, HOW PRESENTED: No resolution shall be presented from the floor without the consent of a majority of the delegates present.
11. PROGRAM SCHEDULE: The schedule, as printed in the agenda submitted to all delegates, with any additions thereto, shall be the official meeting program.
ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER (REVISED): On any point not covered in
Friday, October 24, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008 -- The Minutes of the ND Legislative Budget Section Meeting
NORTH DAKOTA LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Minutes of the
BUDGET SECTION
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Senate Chamber, State Capitol
Bismarck, North Dakota
Senator Ray Holmberg, Chairman, called the
meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Members present: Senators Ray Holmberg, Bill
Bowman, Randel Christmann, Tony Grindberg,
Ralph L. Kilzer, Aaron Krauter, Elroy N. Lindaas, Tim
Mathern, Carolyn Nelson, David O'Connell, Larry J.
Robinson, Tom Seymour, Harvey D. Tallackson;
Representatives Ole Aarsvold, Larry Bellew, Rick
Berg, Ron Carlisle, Al Carlson, Jeff Delzer, Mary
Ekstrom, Eliot Glassheim, Pam Gulleson, James
Kerzman, Matthew M. Klein, Gary Kreidt, Joe
Kroeber, Ralph Metcalf, David Monson, Jon Nelson,
Kenton Onstad, Chet Pollert, Bob Skarphol, Blair
Thoreson, Alon Wieland, Clark Williams
Members absent: Senators Tom Fischer,
Karen K. Krebsbach, Bob Stenehjem, Rich Wardner;
Representatives Merle Boucher, Kathy Hawken, Keith
Kempenich, Bob Martinson, Ken Svedjan, Francis J.
Wald
Others present: Jim W. Smith, Legislative
Council, Bismarck
See Appendix A for additional persons present.
It was moved by Senator Robinson, seconded
by Senator Seymour, and carried on a voice vote
that the minutes of the June 18, 2008, meeting be
approved as distributed.
STATUS OF THE STATE GENERAL FUND
Chairman Holmberg called on Ms. Pam Sharp,
Director, Office of Management and Budget, to
present a report on the status of the general fund.
Ms. Sharp said the consumer price index is
expected to average 4.4 percent during 2008. She
said North Dakota's unemployment rate for August
2008 was 3.3 percent, considerably lower than the
national rate of 6.1 percent in August 2008. She said
North Dakota oil production increased to 172,000
barrels per day in July 2008. She said the average
price for North Dakota crude oil was $117 per barrel in
May 2008, $126 per barrel in June 2008, and $125
per barrel in July 2008. She said the current oil price
is approximately $111 per barrel and the rig count is
89, 43 more rigs than were operating in the state one
year ago.
In response to a question from Senator Krauter,
Ms. Sharp said oil pipeline volume constraints were
considered when preparing the revised forecast.
Ms. Sharp presented the following information on
the status of the state general fund for the 2007-09
biennium based on revenue collections through
August 2008:
Unobligated general
fund balance - July 1,
2007
$295,541,176
Add
General fund
collections through
August 2008
$1,535,043,766
Forecasted general
fund revenue for the
remainder of the
2007-09 biennium
(based on the July
2008 revised forecast)
1,077,697,548
Total estimated general
fund revenue for the
2007-09 biennium
$2,612,741,314
Total available $2,908,282,490
Less
2007-09 biennium
general fund ongoing
appropriations
$2,317,447,307
2007-09 biennium
general fund one-time
appropriations
139,526,649
Contingent
appropriation
(Section 50 of 2007
Senate Bill No. 2200)
5,000,000
Total appropriations $2,461,973,956
Estimated general fund
balance - June 30,
2009
$446,308,534
A copy of the information presented is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Ms. Sharp presented the following information on
the status of the permanent oil tax trust fund for the
2007-09 biennium:
Budget Section 2 September 25, 2008
Beginning permanent oil tax trust fund
balance - July 1, 2007
$143,270,662
Add
Revenue collections through August 2008 275,158,783
Forecasted revenues for the remainder of
the 2007-09 biennium (based on revised
forecast assumptions for oil price and
production)
358,871,552
Total estimated permanent oil tax trust
funds available for the 2007-09 biennium
Less expenditures and transfers
$777,300,997
145,716,541
Estimated permanent oil tax trust fund
balance - June 30, 2009
$631,584,456
A copy of the information presented is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Ms. Sharp presented information on general fund
revenue collections for August 2008 and the 2007-09
biennium to date. She said individual income tax
collections were less than estimated for the month
because the Tax Department determined it was
necessary to transfer an additional $6 million to the
refund reserve account to provide adequate funds for
property tax income tax credit claims. She said
revenues collected for the biennium to date are
16.6 percent more than the legislative forecast. She
said the increase is primarily due to biennium to date
increases in sales tax and individual and corporate
income tax collections. She said sales tax and
individual income tax collections exceed the forecast
for the biennium to date by 13.1 percent and
18.6 percent, respectively. She said corporate
income tax collections exceed the biennium to date
forecast by $63.4 million or approximately
81.4 percent. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
PRELIMINARY 2009-11
REVENUE FORECAST
Ms. Sharp presented information regarding the
revised 2007-09 biennium revenue forecast and the
preliminary 2009-11 biennium revenue forecast. She
said it is estimated that 2007-09 biennium revenue will
total $2.5 billion, $363 million more than the April 2007
legislative forecast. She said it is estimated that
2009-11 biennium revenue will total $2.7 billion,
$202 million more than the 2007-09 biennium revised
forecast. She said it is anticipated that transfers to the
permanent oil tax trust fund will total $625 million
during the 2007-09 biennium and $666 million during
the 2009-11 biennium. A copy of the report is on file
in the Legislative Council office.
TOBACCO SETTLEMENT PROCEEDS
Ms. Sharp presented information on the status of
tobacco settlement proceeds received by North
Dakota. She said the tobacco settlement payment
received in April 2008 was approximately $36.5 million
and the next payment will be received in April 2009.
She provided information regarding revenues and
expenditures for the community health trust fund and
the water development trust fund since inception of
the funds. She said total revenues deposited in the
community health trust fund and the water
development trust fund since inception totaled
$23 million and $105 million, respectively. A copy of
the report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
FISCAL IRREGULARITIES
Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code (NDCC)
Section 54-14-03.1, Ms. Sharp presented information
on irregularities in the fiscal practices of the state.
She said the following state agencies are reported as
having fiscal irregularities:
Agency Amount Reason
North Dakota Vision
Services - School
for the Blind
$3,726 Additional work in June for
four teachers outside of
their nine-month teaching
contract
State Fair
Association
$8,764 Additional work for three
individuals during
transition to new State Fair
Association manager
Department of
Commerce
$1,625 Temporary additional work
for a special project
Department of
Corrections and
Rehabilitation -
Youth Correctional
Center
$750 Additional work in August
for one teacher at the
Youth Correctional Center
outside of her teaching
contract
State Auditor's
office
$14,000 Performance bonuses are
limited by statute to 13, but
14 individuals received
performance bonuses in
fiscal year 2008.
A copy of the information presented is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
ANNUAL AUDITS OF RENAISSANCE
FUND ORGANIZATIONS
Mr. Gordon La France, Manager, Renaissance
Zone Program, Division of Community Services,
Department of Commerce, presented information
regarding annual audits of renaissance fund
organizations pursuant to NDCC Section 40-63-07(9).
He said there are 43 renaissance zone cities, of which
seven have renaissance fund organizations. He said
$591,250 of the $2.5 million in renaissance credits
approved by the 1999 Legislative Assembly remain
but are unavailable because of pending investments.
He said $682,500 of the $2.5 million in renaissance
credits approved by the 2003 Legislative Assembly
remain available. He said independent auditor's
reports of the renaissance fund organizations
examined contain no exceptions. A copy of the report
is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Budget Section 3 September 25, 2008
2007-09 CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE
APPLICATIONS
Chairman Holmberg called on Ms. Roxanne
Woeste, Assistant Legislative Budget Analyst and
Auditor, Legislative Council, to present a
memorandum entitled Summary of 2007-09 Centers
of Excellence Applications - Round 2 (Appendix B).
Ms. Woeste said the 2007 Legislative Assembly
appropriated $15 million from the permanent oil tax
trust fund to the Office of Management and Budget for
centers of excellence grants and authorized the Office
of Management and Budget, as directed by the
Centers of Excellence Commission and with
Emergency Commission and Budget Section
approval, to borrow up to $5 million from the Bank of
North Dakota for providing additional funding for
centers of excellence, if the $15 million is committed.
She said centers of excellence projects totaling
$10 million were approved in Round 1 of the
application process in October 2007. She said of the
six centers of excellence applications approved in
Round 1, two have been discontinued. As a result,
she said the Centers of Excellence Commission will
not be distributing $4.6 million of the $10 million
approved for Round 1 projects; therefore,
$14.6 million is available for Round 2 applications.
She said Round 2 of the 2007-09 centers of
excellence applications includes seven projects
totaling $14,050,000 and, if all are approved,
$550,000 of the total $20 million appropriated for
centers of excellence grants for the 2007-09 biennium
would remain unawarded. She presented statutory
provisions and summary information for each of the
seven Round 2 centers of excellence applications and
a brief summary of the centers of excellence approval
process.
Mr. Mark Nisbet, Chairman, Centers of Excellence
Commission, presented the centers of excellence
projects for consideration by the Budget Section.
North Dakota State University - Center for
Integrated Electronic Systems
Mr. Nisbet presented information on the North
Dakota State University Center of Excellence for
Integrated Electronic Systems. He said the Centers of
Excellence Commission recommends $2,050,000 for
the center. He said the private sector partners are
Bobcat, Pedigree Technologies, Intelligent InSites,
Inc., and Datacom International, Inc. He said the
center will perform market-driven research and
development involving systems integration of
electronic hardware and software and anticipates the
project will create 60 new jobs.
Dr. Philip Boudjouk, Vice President for Research,
Creative Activities, and Technology Transfer, North
Dakota State University, said software embedded in
machines will allow for more efficient machine control.
Mr. Tom Sagasser, Director of Technology,
Bobcat, said his company anticipates the industry will
change substantially in the next 10 years and Bobcat
would benefit from working with North Dakota State
University to be a leader in the development of
electronic-embedded controllers.
In response to a question from Senator Bowman,
Dr. Boudjouk said there is no commitment by the state
beyond the original project cost for any of the centers
of excellence projects.
North Dakota State University - Center for
Biopharmaceutical Research and Production
Mr. Nisbet presented information on the North
Dakota State University Center for Biopharmaceutical
Research and Production. He said the Centers of
Excellence Commission recommends $2,000,000 for
the center. He said the private sector partners are
Aldevron, Clinical Supplies Management, Paraclin,
PRACS Institute, Ltd., and MeritCare. He said the
project will review experimentation and processing
technologies for vaccines and anticipates the project
will create 40 new professional and technical jobs.
Dr. Charles Peterson, Dean of the College of
Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Sciences, North
Dakota State University, said the project proposes to
create a basic science research laboratory at North
Dakota State University, hire a high-profile
vaccinologist, and build a foundation for vaccine
research and development for participating private
sector partners.
Mr. Michael Chambers, President and CEO,
Aldevron, said this project will support the research
and development of vaccines. He said the center of
excellence allows businesses like Aldevon to be
involved with the university researchers to complete
necessary research to expand business opportunities.
University of North Dakota -
Passive Therapeutics
Mr. Nisbet presented information on the University
of North Dakota Center of Excellence for Passive
Therapeutics. He said the Centers of Excellence
Commission recommends $2,650,000 for the center.
He said the private sector partners are Aldevron,
Avianax, Mayo Clinic, NovaDigm Therapeutic,
Cangene, Schiltz Goose Farms, North, and Schiltz
Goose R&D. He said the project's goals include
advancing the development of therapeutic antibodies
as effective treatment for West Nile virus and avian
influenza. He said the project anticipates providing
new training and job opportunities for students
enrolled in the life sciences, developing and producing
high-value products utilizing raw agricultural materials,
and creating 40 to 50 jobs over the next three to five
years.
Dr. James Petell, Associate Vice President for
Intellectual Property Commercialization and Economic
Development, University of North Dakota, said the
project has been extensively developed and
therapeutic antibodies have been demonstrated to be
highly effective against West Nile virus in animals.
Budget Section 4 September 25, 2008
Mr. Rich Glynn, Special Projects Coordinator and
Administrative Assistant to the Vice President, Schiltz
Goose Farms, said Schiltz Goose Farms is the largest
producer and processor of geese in North America
and has developed a cure for West Nile virus in geese
that has been approved by the University of North
Dakota. He said Schiltz Goose Farms is working with
the University of North Dakota and Mayo Clinic to
develop the vaccine for use in mammals and humans.
He said Schiltz Goose Farms has moved a portion of
its operation from South Dakota to North Dakota to
have a supply of geese closer to the research.
University of North Dakota - SUNRISE
BioProducts: A Center of Excellence for
Chemicals, Polymers, and Composites From
Crop Oils
Mr. Nisbet presented information on the University
of North Dakota SUNRISE BioProducts: A Center of
Excellence for Chemicals, Polymers, and Composites
From Crop Oils. He said the Centers of Excellence
Commission recommends $2,950,000 for the center.
He said the private sector partners are SUNRISE
Renewables, Bayer CropScience, Northwood Mills,
Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson, Global Agricultural
Solutions, LM Glasfiber, Integrity/Marvin Windows,
Tecton Products, Composite Innovations, PPG
Industries, Ashland, and Rohm and Haas. He said
the purpose of the project is to invent, develop, and
commercialize green industrial chemicals, polymers,
and fiber composites utilizing crop oils as the primary
raw material feedstock. He said the project is
anticipated to create 15 new technology-related
private sector jobs with the potential of 50 jobs within
four years.
Dr. Wayne Seames, Associate Professor,
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of
North Dakota, and Director of North Dakota
SUNRISE, said the chemicals and polymers produced
from petroleum products can be produced from crop
oils which will result in a higher profit potential.
Mr. Clarence Leschied, General Manager,
Northwood Mills, said his facility anticipates using the
research conducted by the University of North Dakota
to convert the crude oil feedstock it produces into
high-value bio-based products.
Mr. Dave Blair, Business Development and
Community Relations, Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson,
said a 10 million gallon operation could generate 35 to
50 new jobs in a community.
University of North Dakota - Center of
Excellence in Space Technology and
Operations
Mr. Nisbet presented information on the University
of North Dakota Center of Excellence in Space
Technology and Operations. He said the Centers of
Excellence Commission recommends $1,000,000 for
the center. He said the private sector partners are
GeoOptics LLC and Broad Reach Engineering, Inc.
He said the project, if approved, will bring GeoOptics
LLC's CICERO Mission Operations and Analysis
Center to Grand Forks, with the University of North
Dakota as its academic partner. The CICERO project
is a constellation of earth-orbiting spacecraft that will
commence operation in 2011 and which will
continually take atmospheric measurements in
hundreds of locations simultaneously around the
globe. He said the aerospace company will create
25 new jobs in the first five years and up to 40 jobs in
eight years.
Mr. Doug Olsen, Project Manager, Upper Midwest
Aerospace Consortium, said the project would allow
GeoOptics LLC to locate the mission control center for
its fleet of satellites in North Dakota. He said the
satellites will measure temperature and pressure
profiles. He said GeoOptics LLC will sell the
information to subscribers such as the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the
National Weather Service.
Mr. Tom Yunck, President, GeoOptics LLC, said
the center will provide an ideal source of trained
scientific talent, experienced in climate research, and
a source of students to be employed. He said the
project is comprised of two parts. He said the first
part of the project, a space operations center funded
by GeoOptics LLC, will operate the spacecraft,
receive the data, and process and distribute the data.
He said the second part of the project will be the
potential for data research that will attract federal
research funds from agencies such as the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National
Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and
others.
University of North Dakota - Petroleum
Research, Education, and Entrepreneurship
Center of Excellence
Mr. Nisbet presented information on the University
of North Dakota Petroleum Research, Education, and
Entrepreneurship Center of Excellence. He said the
Centers of Excellence Commission recommends
$3,000,000 for the center. He said the private sector
partners are Schlumberger Information Solutions, IHS,
Inc., American Petroleum Institute, Encore Acquisition
Company, Hess Corporation, Marathon Oil
Corporation, St. Mary Land and Exploration Company,
and Whiting Petroleum Corporation. He said the
project seeks to improve understanding of the
geology, geophysics, and petroleum engineering
characteristics of the Williston Basin, especially the
Bakken formation; develop enhanced oil recovery
techniques; develop techniques for carbon dioxide
sequestration; develop engineering enhanced
geothermal systems; address environmental and
policy issues; and help entrepreneurs develop new
businesses and industry.
Mr. William Gosnold, Chairman, Department of
Geology and Geological Engineering, University of
North Dakota, said the project seeks to improve oil
Budget Section 5 September 25, 2008
production, particularly from the Bakken formation
through geomechanical analysis.
Mr. James Crohn, Chief Petroleum Engineer, Ward
Williston Oil Company, said access to technical
professionals such as those available through the
center will help companies identify additional reserves
and more effectively recover oil from existing
reserves.
Minot State University - Bottineau -
Entrepreneurial Center for Horticulture
Mr. Nisbet presented information on the Minot
State University - Bottineau Entrepreneurial Center for
Horticulture. He said the Centers of Excellence
Commission recommends $400,000 for the center.
He said the private sector partners are North Star
Farms and the North Dakota Farmers Market and
Growers Association. He said the center will provide
research and demonstration of high-skill production
methods, expand and provide new opportunities for
product commercialization and distribution, and
provide the technology transfer necessary to make
business opportunities grow.
Ms. Holly Rose Mawby, Director, Entrepreneurial
Center for Horticulture, Minot State University -
Bottineau, said the project will result in over one
hundred jobs, hundreds of entrepreneurs, and
valuable spinoff companies.
Ms. Pattie Patrie, Chair, North Dakota Farmers
Market and Growers Association, said the association
supports the Entrepreneurial Center for Horticulture
and is providing center participants with the North
Dakota Farmers Market and Growers Association
logo. She said growers have had marketing help in
the past, but the center will provide much needed
research regarding production. She said the
association will be surveying markets and
encouraging organizations such as hospitals and
schools to purchase local foods.
Ms. Ilene Baker, Owner, North Star Farms, said
commercialization of the local fruit and vegetable
industry is a goal North Star Farms shares with the
Entrepreneurial Center for Horticulture. She said
North Star Farms will provide research, education,
and assistance to establish a distribution center.
In response to a question from Senator
Christmann, Mr. Nisbet said the Centers of Excellence
Commission rejected two proposals in this round of
applicants.
Representative Berg expressed concern that many
centers of excellence proposals contain a minimal
amount of private sector cash.
It was moved by Representative Berg,
seconded by Senator O'Connell, and carried on a
roll call vote that pursuant to NDCC Section
15-69-02 and Section 14, 2007 House Bill No. 1018
the Budget Section approve the following center
of excellence funding award requests, which have
been recommended by the Centers of Excellence
Commission and considered by the Emergency
Commission:
• Centers of Excellence Commission (Request
#1669) - North Dakota State University -
Center for Integrated Electronic Systems -
$2,050,000.
• Centers of Excellence Commission (Request
#1670) - North Dakota State University -
Center for Biopharmaceutical Research and
Production - $2,000,000.
• Centers of Excellence Commission (Request
#1671) - University of North Dakota - Passive
Therapeutics - $2,650,000.
• Centers of Excellence Commission (Request
#1672) - University of North Dakota -
SUNRISE BioProducts: A Center of
Excellence for Chemicals, Polymers, and
Composites From Crop Oils - $2,950,000.
• Centers of Excellence Commission (Request
#1673) - University of North Dakota -
Petroleum Research, Education, and
Entrepreneurship Center of Excellence -
$3,000,000.
• Centers of Excellence Commission (Request
#1674) - University of North Dakota - Center
of Excellence in Space Technology and
Operations - $1,000,000.
• Centers of Excellence Commission (Request
#1675) - Minot State University - Bottineau -
Entrepreneurial Center for Horticulture -
$400,000.
Senators Holmberg, Bowman, Christmann,
Grindberg, Kilzer, Krauter, Lindaas, Mathern, Nelson,
O'Connell, Robinson, Seymour, and Tallackson and
Representatives Aarsvold, Bellew, Berg, Carlisle,
Ekstrom, Glassheim, Gulleson, Kerzman, Klein,
Kreidt, Kroeber, Metcalf, Monson, Nelson, Onstad,
Pollert, Thoreson, Wieland, and Williams voted "aye."
No negative votes were cast.
AGENCY REQUEST AUTHORIZED BY
THE EMERGENCY COMMISSION
Ms. Sharp presented information regarding a
request by the Office of Management and Budget to
borrow $5 million from the Bank of North Dakota for
centers of excellence grants pursuant to 2007 House
Bill No. 1018 (Request #1685).
It was moved by Senator Robinson, seconded
by Senator Grindberg, and carried on a roll call
vote that pursuant to Section 15 of 2007 House Bill
No. 1018 the Budget Section approve the request
which has been approved by the Emergency
Commission for the Office of Management and
Budget to borrow $5 million from the Bank of
North Dakota for centers of excellence grants
pursuant to 2007 House Bill No. 1018 (Request
#1685). Senators Holmberg, Bowman, Christmann,
Grindberg, Kilzer, Lindaas, Mathern, Nelson,
Robinson, and Seymour and Representatives
Aarsvold, Bellew, Berg, Ekstrom, Glassheim,
Gulleson, Klein, Kreidt, Kroeber, Metcalf, Monson,
Budget Section 6 September 25, 2008
Onstad, Pollert, Skarphol, Wieland, and Williams
voted "aye." No negative votes were cast.
RECOMMENDATION FROM THE BUDGET
AND FINANCE COMMITTEE RELATING
TO THE FORM OF THE APPROPRIATION
BILLS FOR THE 2009 LEGISLATIVE
SESSION
Mr. Allen H. Knudson, Legislative Budget Analyst
and Auditor, Legislative Council, presented a
memorandum entitled Authorized Number of Full-
Time Equivalent Positions - Consideration of Inclusion
in Appropriation Bills (Appendix C) which provides
information regarding the current process of
authorizing the number of full-time equivalent (FTE)
positions and proposed changes to the appropriation
bill format for the 2009 legislative session as
recommended by the Budget and Finance Committee.
He said, if adopted, the proposed changes would
identify the number of authorized FTE positions for
each agency in appropriation bills and provide for the
use a three-column format identifying base level of
funding, adjustments or enhancements, and the
appropriation for each agency within one section of
the bill. He said the Emergency Commission may
currently authorize additional FTE positions during the
interim, but these positions are only authorized for the
current biennium. He said to continue the position,
the agency must request the position as a new FTE
from the next Legislative Assembly. He said if the
Legislative Assembly includes the number of
authorized FTE positions for an agency in the
appropriation bill, the Emergency Commission would
need specific authority to approve additional FTE
positions.
It was moved by Representative Thoreson,
seconded by Representative Aarsvold, and carried
on a roll call vote that pursuant to NDCC Section
54-44.1-07 the Budget Section approve changes to
the budget data as recommended by the Budget
and Finance Committee to provide that the Office
of Management and Budget prepare the
appropriation bills for introduction to the
Legislative Assembly in a format that provides:
• Base level funding, adjustments or
enhancements, and the appropriation for
each agency in a single section using a
three-column format; and
• The number of full-time equivalent positions
in total for each agency shown for the base
level, adjustments or enhancements, and
the authorized (appropriation) level.
Senators Holmberg, Bowman, Christmann,
Grindberg, Kilzer, Krauter, Lindaas, Mathern, Nelson,
Robinson, and Seymour and Representatives
Aarsvold, Bellew, Berg, Carlisle, Delzer, Ekstrom,
Glassheim, Gulleson, Kerzman, Klein, Kreidt, Metcalf,
Monson, Nelson, Onstad, Pollert, Skarphol, Thoreson,
Wieland, and Williams voted "aye." No negative votes
were cast.
Representative Skarphol suggested agencies
monitor and report on expenditures made for deferred
maintenance and extraordinary repairs projects to
assist the Legislative Assembly in identifying
outstanding deferred maintenance.
Representative Aarsvold said special assessments
should be included in the definition of extraordinary
repairs.
In response to a question from Representative
Skarphol, Ms. Sharp said it would be important to
provide agencies a definition of deferred maintenance
and extraordinary repairs.
It was moved by Representative Skarphol,
seconded by Representative Klein, and carried on
a roll call vote that pursuant to NDCC Section
54-44.1-07 the Budget Section request the Office
of Management and Budget to prepare the
appropriation bills for introduction to the 2009
Legislative Assembly by including a separate line
item for deferred maintenance funding, and that
each agency maintain detailed records of amounts
spent from this line item for deferred maintenance
and for any extraordinary repairs or other
purposes. Senators Holmberg, Bowman,
Christmann, Grindberg, Krauter, Lindaas, Mathern,
Nelson, O'Connell, Robinson, Seymour, and
Tallackson and Representatives Aarsvold, Bellew,
Berg, Carlisle, Delzer, Ekstrom, Glassheim, Gulleson,
Kerzman, Klein, Kreidt, Metcalf, Monson, Nelson,
Onstad, Pollert, Skarphol, Thoreson, Wieland, and
Williams voted "aye." No negative votes were cast.
MEMORANDUM ON OTHER STATES'
METHODS OF EVALUATING THE FUTURE
COSTS OF DONATED FACILITIES AND
ANY SUBSEQUENT MONITORING OF
ACTUAL COSTS
The Legislative Council staff presented a
memorandum entitled Approval and Evaluation of
Donated Assets - Other States (Appendix D) which
provides information on other states' methods of
evaluating the future costs of donated facilities and
any subsequent monitoring of actual costs. The
Legislative Council staff said of the 12 states
reviewed, 5 did not require legislative approval of
donated assets and 7 states require varying levels of
approval to accept donated assets. The Legislative
Council staff said most legislatures that require
legislative approval to accept donated assets meet
annually.
WORKFORCE SAFETY AND
INSURANCE - STATUS OF
PERFORMANCE AUDIT
RECOMMENDATIONS
Ms. Michele Blumhagen, Director, Quality
Assurance Division, Workforce Safety and Insurance,
presented information regarding the status of the
State Auditor's office performance audit
Budget Section 7 September 25, 2008
recommendations pursuant to Section 5 of 2007
Senate Bill No. 2021. She provided information
regarding the audit recommendation implementation
and validation process of Workforce Safety and
Insurance. She said the performance audit contained
56 formal recommendations on which the department
concurred or partially concurred. She said the
department has implemented 48 recommendations
and partially implemented 8 recommendations for an
implementation rate of 86 percent. She said the State
Auditor's office is currently performing followup
analysis with regard to the implementation of the audit
recommendations. A copy of the report is on file in
the Legislative Council office.
REPORT ON FEDERAL FUNDS
The Legislative Council staff presented a
memorandum entitled Analysis of Federal Funds for
Bienniums Ending June 30, 2009, and June 30, 2011
(Appendix E) which provides information regarding
federal funds to be received by state agencies during
the 2007-09 and 2009-11 bienniums. The Legislative
Council staff said agencies estimate $2.5 billion of
federal funds will be received during the 2007-09
biennium, $11.6 million less than appropriated. The
Legislative Council staff said agencies estimate
$2.6 billion of federal funds will be received for the
2009-11 biennium, $187.1 million more than is
estimated to be received during the 2007-09
biennium. The Legislative Council staff said the
estimated 2009-11 federal funds will require $497
million in general fund matching funds, $42 million
more than the 2007-09 biennium.
The Legislative Council staff presented a
memorandum entitled Ten Largest Variances by
Agency - 2007-09 Biennium - Federal Funds
Appropriated and Federal Funds Estimated To Be
Received and Ten Largest Variances by Agency -
Federal Funds Estimated To Be Received for the
2007-09 and 2009-11 Bienniums (Appendix F). The
memorandum provides information regarding the
major variances experienced by agencies during the
2007-09 biennium relating to federal funds
appropriated and federal funds estimated to be
received and by the agencies with major variances in
federal funds estimated to be received for the 2009-11
biennium compared to the 2007-09 biennium.
LEGISLATIVE HEARING FOR FEDERAL
BLOCK GRANTS
The Legislative Council staff distributed a
memorandum entitled Federal Block Grants -
Legislative Hearings (Appendix G) which provides
information regarding block grant hearings required
during the 2009 legislative session. The Legislative
Council staff distributed a resolution draft
[93009.0100] (Appendix H) authorizing the Budget
Section to hold any legislative block grant hearings
required during the 2009-10 interim. The Legislative
Council staff contacted state agencies receiving
federal funds to determine which agencies receive
block grants that require legislative hearings. The
survey revealed only one block grant with that
requirement, the community services block grant
administered by the Department of Commerce
Division of Community Services. A summary of the
proposed use and distribution plan for the block grant
will be provided by the Department of Commerce as
part of the agency's appropriations hearing during the
2007 legislative session. The required public hearing
will be held as part of the appropriations hearing for
the Department of Commerce during the 2009
legislative session.
It was moved by Senator Robinson, seconded
by Representative Berg, and carried on a roll call
vote that the resolution draft providing Budget
Section authority to hold public legislative
hearings required for receipt of federal block grant
funds during the period from the recess or
adjournment of the 61st Legislative Assembly
through September 30, 2011, be approved and
recommended to the Legislative Council. Senators
Holmberg, Bowman, Christmann, Grindberg, Mathern,
Nelson, O'Connell, Robinson, Seymour, and
Tallackson and Representatives Aarsvold, Bellew,
Berg, Carlisle, Delzer, Ekstrom, Glassheim, Kerzman,
Klein, Kreidt, Metcalf, Monson, Nelson, Onstad,
Pollert, Skarphol, Thoreson, Wieland, and Williams
voted "aye." No negative votes were cast.
RISK MANAGEMENT WORKERS'
COMPENSATION PROGRAM
Mr. Tag Anderson, Risk Management Director,
Office of Management and Budget, presented
information regarding the status of the risk
management workers' compensation program
pursuant to NDCC Section 65-04-03.1(5). He said the
2001 Legislative Assembly established a single
workers' compensation account for all state entities.
He said the Risk Management Division of the Office of
Management and Budget administers the program.
He said for coverage periods beginning July 1, 2001,
the Risk Management Division entered into deductible
contracts with Workforce Safety and Insurance for 143
consolidated accounts. He said the deductible
amount selected was $100,000 per claim with a
$5 million aggregate stop. He provided the following
results for the seven coverage years beginning July 1,
2001, through September 15, 2008:
Budget Section 8 September 25, 2008
Nonconsolidated
guaranteed cost
program premium and
assessments
$29,782,116
Risk Management
Division deductible
premium paid to
Workforce Safety and
Insurance
$10,872,313
Risk Management
Division-paid losses
through September 15,
2008
8,973,278
Risk Management
Division pending losses
(reserves)
1,723,469
Risk Management
Division combined
deductible premium and
losses
$21,569,060
Estimated savings for a
seven-year period
$8,213,056
Mr. Anderson said the Risk Management Division
has implemented programs to pass the savings on to
agencies with effective risk management strategies.
He said the discount dollars returned to agencies as a
result of the implementation of safety programs
totaled $2 million and the dividend dollar program,
which returns money to agencies based on their loss
history, has returned $684,000 to agencies. A copy of
the report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
In response to a question from Representative
Berg, Mr. Anderson said the savings not returned to
agencies remain in the risk management workers'
compensation fund to be used, if necessary, to offset
any future deficits.
The committee recessed for lunch at 12:00 noon
and reconvened at 1:00 p.m.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Appropriation Transfers
Ms. Brenda Wiesz, Chief Financial Officer,
Department of Human Services, provided information
regarding transfers between line items and between
subdivisions in excess of $50,000 pursuant to 2007
Senate Bill No. 2012. She said the department has
made four line item transfers through June 30, 2008.
She said the transfers were to:
• Realign the distribution of the social service
block grant funding to provide more efficient
reporting to the grantor agency;
• Move Projects for Assistance in Transition from
Homelessness grant funding from the
Northwest Human Service Center to the
Southeast Human Service Center to address
changes in need;
• Realign information technology staff to ensure
technology remains centralized; and
• Realign the records management function
within the technology division because the work
performed supported the entire department.
A copy of the report is on file in the Legislative
Council office.
In response to a question from Senator Bowman,
Ms. Wiesz said the transfers are determined by the
department's management team and the human
service center directors are involved in the decision.
Status of Medicaid Management
Information System
Ms. Jennifer Witham, Director, Information
Technology Services, Department of Human Services,
presented information regarding the status of the
Medicaid management information system project
pursuant to Section 3 of 2007 Senate Bill No. 2024.
She said the department has expressed its concern
regarding delays in the product development to the
developer, ACS State Healthcare, LLC (ACS). She
said while the department has been negotiating a
revised schedule with ACS, the project team has
continued to move forward on system design
specifications. She said negotiations with ACS are
primarily focused on the postdesign phases of the
project which are highly dependent on the timely
delivery of an ACS product that meets North Dakota
requirements. She provided the following project
funding summary:
Description Budget
Spent
Through
April 2008 Remaining
General fund $3,643,133 $1,055,855 $2,587,278
Federal funds 55,218,418 15,897,673 39,320,745
Other funds 3,667,820 1,007,597 2,660,223
Total project $62,529,371 $17,961,125 $44,568,246
A copy of the report is on file in the Legislative
Council office.
In response to a question from Senator Mathern,
Ms. Witham said any changes to the project must be
approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services.
State Hospital - Change in Scope of Project
Mr. Alex Schweitzer, Superintendent, State
Hospital, provided information regarding the status of
the State Hospital capital improvements budget and a
request for Budget Section approval to change the
scope of the State Hospital sexual offender unit
addition project. He said the 2007 Legislative
Assembly provided $3.1 million from the state's
general fund for the construction of a high-security
addition to the GM Building to expand the hospital's
sexual offender unit. He said since the project was
approved, the hospital has seen a decrease in the
number of sexual offender admissions and additional
capacity of the sexual offender unit is no longer
needed. He said State Hospital administration, the
Department of Human Services, and the Office of
Budget Section 9 September 25, 2008
Management and Budget is requesting to use the
$3.1 million for other capital projects on the hospital
campus. He provided the following list of capital
improvements the State Hospital is planning to
address with the funds:
Additional funds required to
complete electrical distribution
project
$1,211,504
New security fence 307,042
16 West Building repairs 326,420
Employee Building repairs 675,000
Architect and engineer fees 233,427
Total miscellaneous other items 136,206
Total project change $2,889,599
A copy of the report is on file in the Legislative
Council office.
In response to a question from Senator Krauter
regarding the 16 West Building repairs,
Mr. Schweitzer said the 16 West Building has not
been used for a number of years and is currently used
for maintenance storage. He said the repairs are
needed to provide for future expansion of patient
services.
In response to a question from Representative
Pollert, Mr. Schweitzer said of the projects listed, the
only one that has been considered by the Legislative
Assembly is the electrical distribution system.
In response to a question from Representative
Pollert, Mr. Schweitzer said the State Hospital has
committed to pay for approximately $500,000 relating
to these projects, including the architect and
engineering fees and the new security fence.
In response to a question from Senator Mathern,
Mr. Schweitzer said the improvements to the 16 West
Building are to maintain the asset, but would allow the
hospital to increase patient beds in the future, if
needed.
In response to a question from Representative
Skarphol, Mr. Schweitzer said the 2007 Legislative
Assembly has previously approved $2.4 million for the
electrical distribution project. He said costs are
significantly more than anticipated. He said the
amount requested of $1,211,504 represents the
increased cost of the project.
In response to a question from Representative
Skarphol, Mr. Schweitzer said the architect and
engineering fees relate to charges from a private firm
for work on various projects, including work on the
State Hospital sexual offender unit addition they later
decided was not needed.
It was moved by Senator Mathern and
seconded by Senator Seymour that the Budget
Section pursuant to NDCC Section 48-01.2-25
approve the State Hospital request to use
$2,889,599 of the $3,100,000 authorized for the
State Hospital sexual offender unit addition for
other improvement projects, including the
electrical distribution project, a security fence,
16 West Building repairs, Employee Building
repairs, and architectural and engineering fees.
A substitute motion was moved by
Representative Skarphol, seconded by
Representative Delzer, and carried on a roll call
vote that the Budget Section pursuant to NDCC
Section 48-01.2-25 approve the State Hospital's
request to use $1,751,973 of the $3,100,000
authorized by the 2007 Legislative Assembly for
the State Hospital sexual offender unit addition for
the electrical distribution project, a security fence,
and architectural and engineering fees. Senators
Holmberg, Bowman, and Christmann and
Representatives Bellew, Berg, Carlisle, Carlson,
Delzer, Klein, Kreidt, Monson, Nelson, Pollert,
Skarphol, Thoreson, Wieland, and Williams voted
"aye." Senators Krauter, Lindaas, Mathern, Nelson,
O'Connell, Robinson, Seymour, and Tallackson and
Representatives Aarsvold, Ekstrom, Glassheim,
Kerzman, Metcalf, and Onstad voted "nay."
Representative Skarphol asked the Legislative
Council to provide information to the Budget Section
regarding possible Budget Section action that could
be taken as a result of an agency's noncompliance
with legislative intent.
VETERANS HOME
Mr. Mark B. Johnson, Administrator, Veterans
Home, presented information regarding the status of
the Veterans Home construction project pursuant to
Section 4 of 2007 Senate Bill No. 2418. He said since
his presentation to the Budget Section at its meeting
in June 2008, the National Guard has finished the
base of the building and a firm has been hired to
prepare the site. He said the federal Department of
Veterans Affairs has granted the Veterans Home
project conditional approval for 180 days, through
March 16, 2009, to allow the 2007 Legislative
Assembly to address project financing. He said the
Veterans Home will open bids next week and plans to
begin construction in March 2009.
AGENCY REQUESTS AUTHORIZED BY
THE EMERGENCY COMMISSION
Chairman Holmberg directed the committee to
consider agency requests which have been
authorized by the Emergency Commission and
forwarded to the Budget Section pursuant to NDCC
Sections 54-16-04, 54-16-04.1, 54-16-04.2, and
54-16-09. The information relating to the requests
was provided to the Budget Section members prior to
the meeting and is on file in the Legislative Council
office.
It was moved by Representative Carlisle,
seconded by Representative Skarphol, and carried
on a roll call vote that pursuant to NDCC Sections
54-16-04, 54-16-04.1, 54-16-04.2, and 54-16-09 the
Budget Section approve the following requests,
which have been approved by the Emergency
Commission:
Budget Section 10 September 25, 2008
• Industrial Commission (Request #1676) - To
amend Request #1653, which was approved
by the Emergency Commission on March
14, 2008, and to approve a line item transfer
of $285,000 from the Oil and Gas Division
contingency line item to the salaries line
item ($254,750) and the operating line item
($30,250) for employee equity and retention
adjustments and to hire two new FTE
positions.
• Attorney General (Request #1679) - For
$84,000 from the state contingencies
appropriation for the operating line item
($84,000) to reimburse city and county
governments for prosecution witness fees
and expenses.
• Department of Public Instruction (Request
#1680) - To increase federal funds spending
authority by $1,921,812 for salaries and
wages ($88,651), operating expenses
($313,545), and grants--other grants
($1,519,616).
• Office of Management and Budget (Request
#1681) - To transfer $300,000 from the
capital assets line item to the operating
expenses line item to provide additional
funding for utility expenses.
• Department of Transportation (Request
#1684) - To increase special funds spending
authority by $4,800,000 for the operating
expenses line item ($2,800,000) and capital
assets line item ($2,000,000) to receive
additional funds from charges to state
agencies for State Fleet Services usage.
Senators Holmberg, Bowman, Christmann,
Krauter, Lindaas, Mathern, Nelson, O'Connell,
Robinson, and Seymour and Representatives
Aarsvold, Bellew, Berg, Carlisle, Ekstrom, Glassheim,
Kerzman, Klein, Kreidt, Metcalf, Nelson, Onstad,
Pollert, Skarphol, Thoreson, Wieland, and Williams
voted "aye." No negative votes were cast.
ATTORNEY GENERAL - STATUS OF NEW
CRIME LABORATORY BUILDING
Chairman Holmberg called on Mr. Thomas L.
Trenbeath, Chief Deputy Attorney General, to present
information regarding the status of the new Crime
Laboratory building pursuant to Section 13 of 2007
Senate Bill No. 2003. He said the project is
anticipated to be completed in October 2008. He said
the Attorney General has scheduled a "ribbon-cutting"
ceremony for October 21, 2008. He said although the
building is complete, a few items remain unfinished,
including the relocation of the State Department of
Health's garage elsewhere on the property and the
extension of the State Water Commission's gravel
surface lot. He said the garage will be demolished
once the new garage is completed and, weather
permitting, the relocation will be completed this fall.
He said it is unlikely the parking lot extension will be
completed before spring 2009.
Mr. Trenbeath said the Attorney General is
confident the new Crime Laboratory will be completed
within the $4,790,162 budget. He said $3,847,009
has been spent to date.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT
Mr. Mike Ressler, Deputy Chief Information Officer,
Information Technology Department, presented
information regarding the annual report of the
Information Technology Department pursuant to
NDCC Section 54-59-19. He said the Information
Technology Department has been concentrating on
customer service for the last three years and the focus
of this report is on measuring outcomes. He said
based on customer surveys, the department is a
trusted business partner 94.9 percent of the time and
the preferred information technology provider
86.2 percent of the time. He said the Information
Technology Department logged 53,738 incidents over
the last year and users indicated that in 99.8 percent
of these incidents, the department provided a positive
customer experience. He said Information
Technology Department billing for fiscal year 2008
totaled $41.8 million. He said the majority of revenue
is generated from computer hosting and software
development service fees. He said the Information
Technology Department has experienced challenges
in recruiting and retaining employees. He said
department turnover rate is 6.8 percent. He said its
goal is a 4 percent to 6 percent turnover rate. He said
the majority of Information Technology Department
service rates are competitive with surrounding states.
A copy of the report is on file in the Legislative Council
office.
AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER
State Meat Inspection Program
Mr. Roger Johnson, Commissioner, Department of
Agriculture, presented information regarding the
status of the state meat inspection program pursuant
to 2007 Senate Bill No. 2009. He said the 2007
Legislative Assembly approved four additional FTE
positions. He said to date all but one of the positions
have been filled and it is anticipated the vacant
position, which will be filled based on demand for
services, will be filled by the end of the biennium. He
said the 2007 Legislative Assembly provided a
deficiency appropriation of $58,130 for the 2005-07
biennium, of which the department spent $45,528. He
said total state meat and poultry inspection program
expenditures through August 2008 were $813,720, of
which $414, 247 was from the general fund. He said
reimbursements for grading services through June
2008 total $5,488. He said total revenue for the
country of origin labeling program to date is $3,139
compared to total expenditures of $3,948. A copy of
the report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Budget Section 11 September 25, 2008
Endangered Species Program
Commissioner Johnson presented information
regarding the status of the endangered species
program pursuant to 2007 Senate Bill No. 2009. He
said the 2007 Legislative Assembly provided one and
one-half FTE positions and $250,000 for the
Department of Agriculture to expand its endangered
species program. He said the endangered species
program provides the United States Environmental
Protection Agency with data and recommendations to
assist the agency in evaluating pesticides for potential
effects that threaten and endanger species, as well as
assistance with developing pesticide use restrictions.
He said the major component of the Environmental
Protection Agency's Endangered Species Protection
Program is the use of Endangered Species Protection
Bulletins, which add use restrictions above and
beyond those on the pesticide label. The bulletins,
issued on a county-by-county basis, are enforceable
documents under both state and federal law. He said
the program was established to help define more
specific areas in which pesticides are restricted,
resulting in smaller restricted areas rather than larger
default restricted areas. He said the authorized
positions have been filled and in June 2008 the
department submitted to the Environmental Protection
Agency, for its approval, a formal plan. He said the
department has received Environmental Protection
Agency comments on the plan and anticipates making
the necessary changes and resubmitting the plan for
final approval this fall. He said the program is also
responsible for performing risk assessments for
Section 18 emergency exemptions and Section 24(c)
special local needs registrations under the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, and
providing education and outreach. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
In response to a question from Representative
Nelson, Mr. Jim Gray, Pesticide Registration
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, said North
Dakota is the second state to prepare a state plan.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND STAFF
DIRECTIVES
Chairman Holmberg announced the next meeting
of the Budget Section will be Wednesday,
December 3, 2008.
It was moved by Senator Robinson, seconded
by Senator Seymour, and carried on a voice vote
that the chairman and the staff of the Legislative
Council be requested to prepare a report and the
resolution draft recommended by the Budget
Section and to present the report and
recommended resolution draft to the Legislative
Council.
It was moved by Senator Nelson, seconded by
Senator Robinson, and carried on a voice vote
that the Budget Section meeting be adjourned
subject to the call of the chair.
The meeting adjourned subject to the call of the
chair at 2:25 p.m.
___________________________________________
Sheila M. Sandness
Fiscal Analyst
___________________________________________
Allen H. Knudson
Legislative Budget Analyst and Auditor
ATTACH:8
Sunday, October 26, 2008 -- US Department of Education - Organizational Directory
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Table of Contents
Org Phone
Code Number Page
- 1 -
11/2007
Headquarters Offices
EA Office of the Secretary (OS) 401-3000 2
EB Office of the Deputy Secretary (ODS) 401-1000 2
EC Office for Civil Rights (OCR) 245-6700 2
ED Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development (OPEPD) 260-7392 3
EE Office of the Under Secretary (OUS) 205-7762 3
EF Office of Inspector General (OIG) 245-9600 3
EG Office of the General Counsel (OGC) 401-6000 4
EH Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) 205-5465 5
EI Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) 245-6400 6
EJ Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs (OLCA) 401-0020 6
EL Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) 401-0085 6
EM Office of Management (OM) 401-0470 7
EN Federal Student Aid (FSA) 377-3000 8
EO Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO) 401-0404 10
EP Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) 502-7750 11
EQ Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (OSDFS) 401-5842 11
ER Institute of Education Sciences (IES) 219-1385 12
ES Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) 401-0113 12
ET Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and
Academic Achievement for Limited English Proficient Students
(OELA)
205-5463 13
EU Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) 205-4484 14
EV Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) 245-7700 14
Regional Offices
Region I, Boston 617-289-0100 15
Region II, New York 646-428-3905 16
Region III, Philadelphia 215-656-6010 17
District of Columbia Enforcement Office 202-208-2545 18
Region VI, Atlanta 404-562-6225 19
Region V, Chicago 312-353-8192 20
Cleveland Enforcement Office 216-522-7640 22
Region VI, Dallas 214-661-9500 23
Region VII, Kansas City 816-268-0405 24
Region VIII, Denver 303-844-3544 25
Region IX, San Francisco 415-556-4120 26
Region X, Seattle 206-220-7800 27
Regional Satellite Offices 28
Education Boards, Commissions, and Councils 29
Independent Organizations Affiliated with ED 31
Federally Aided Corporations 31
Fax Numbers 32
TDD/TTY Numbers 40
Conference Rooms 42
General Information and Services 44
Note: (A) indicates "Acting"
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 2 -
11/2007
EA Office of the Secretary (OS)
EA Secretary, Margaret Spellings 7W301 LBJ 0100 401-3000
EA Chief of Staff, David Dunn 7W315 LBJ 0101 401-3000
EA Deputy Chief of Staff, Townsend McNitt 7W205 LBJ 0104 260-1108
EA Deputy Chief of Staff, Holly Kuzmich 7W209 LBJ 0104 401-4903
EA Chief Operating Officer, Hudson La Force 7W107 LBJ 0104 260-7758
EA White House Liaison Director, Jana Toner 7W201 LBJ 0106 260-8308
EA Committee Management Officer, Karen Akins 7W215 LBJ 0100 401-3677
EA1 Executive Management Staff Director, JoAnn K. Ryan 7E103 LBJ 0110 401-3082
EAB Scheduling & Advance Staff Director, Tina Maria Henry 7W203 LBJ 0121 401-3043
EAC White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges & Universities
Director, Leonard Haynes, III
6123 K St. 8544 502-7549
EAE Office of Educational Technology Director, Timothy Magner 7E202 LBJ 401-3100
EAF Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Center Director, Shayam Menon 410-M CP 208-1724
EAG White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges & Universities Director,
Deborah Cavett
7010 K St. 219-7040
EAH White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans
Director, Adam Chavarria
5E120 LBJ 401-7479
EAK International Affairs Office Acting Director, Robin Gilchrist 7W106 LBJ 205-0755
EAR Risk Management Service Director, Philip Maestri 7E310 LBJ 205-3511
EAS Executive Secretariat Director, Philip S. Link 7C114 LBJ 0124 401-3067
EAS Executive Secretariat Deputy Director, Teresa A. Garland 7C112 LBJ 0127 401-3067
EASC Correspondence & Communication Control Unit Director,
Edgar W. Mayes
7E200 LBJ 0125 401-2981
EB Office of the Deputy Secretary (ODS)
EB Deputy Secretary, Raymond Simon 7W310 LBJ 0500 401-8450
EB Chief of Staff, Wendy Tada 7W314 LBJ 0500 401-8450
EBU Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization Director,
Kristi E. Wilson
7050 PCP 245-6301
EC Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
EC Assistant Secretary, Stephanie Johnson Monroe 6095 PCP 1100 245-6700
EC Chief of Staff, Lilian Dorka (A) 6096 PCP 1100 245-6788
EC Counsel to the Assistant Secretary, Kimberly Richey 6140 PCP 1100 245-6830
EC Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement, (Vacant) 6090 PCP 1100 245-6700
EC Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Tonya Johnson-Fitzpatrick 6090 PCP 1100 245-6700
EC Special Assistant, Kim Nadine Proctor 6100 PCP 1100 245-6735
EC Enforcement Director, West, (Vacant) 6094 PCP 1100 245-6767
EC Enforcement Director, East, (Vacant) 6094 PCP 1100 245-6485
ECL Program Legal Group Director, Sandra Battle 6125 PCP 1100 245-6767
ECL1 Team 1, Richard Foster 6098 PCP 1100 245-6773
ECL2 Team 2, Shelley Jackson 6154 PCP 1100 245-6775
ECL3 Team 3, Jacqueline Michaels 6137 PCP 1100 245-6811
ECR Resource Management Director, Lester Slayton 6117 PCP 1100 245-6753
ECRB Budget & Planning Support Team, Lavern Jordan (A) 6148 PCP 1100 245-6781
ECRH Human Resources Team, Ursula Kennedy 6149 PCP 1100 245-6832
ECRT Information Technology Team, Rayford Young (A) 7034 PCP 1100 245-6796
ECRC Customer Service Team, Arthur Goldman 7038 PCP 1100 245-6859
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 3 -
11/2007
ED Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development
ED Assistant Secretary, Williamson Evers 5E311 LBJ 1200 260-7392
ED Chief of Staff, Amanda Schaumburg 5E327 LBJ 1200 205-5560
ED Deputy Assistant Secretary, Doug Mesecar 5E311 LBJ 1200 401-3008
ED Deputy Assistant Secretary for Data and Information, (Vacant)
ED Deputy Assistant Secretary, (Vacant) 7W112 LBJ 1200 401-4903
EDP Policy and Program Studies Director, Alan L. Ginsburg 6W230 LBJ 8170 401-3132
EDB Budget Service Director, Thomas P. Skelly 5W313 LBJ 8171 401-1700
EDB1 Budget Policy and Coordination Staff Director, Susan A. Wiener 5W327 LBJ 8321 401-1845
EDBA Budget Execution and Administrative Analysis Division Director,
Larry Kean
5W202 LBJ 8247 401-0330
EDBC Elementary, Secondary, and Vocational Analysis Division Director,
Thomas Corwin
5C107 LBJ 8245 401-0318
EDBE Cost Estimation and Analysis Division Director, D. William Graham 5W314 LBJ 8245 401-0290
EDBF Special Education, Rehabilitation, Research and Postsecondary Analysis
Division Director, Carol A. Cichowski
5W103 LBJ 8243 401-3939
EDS Performance Information Management Service Director, Ross C. Santy 5E309 LBJ 1200 401-3554
EDYM National Math Panel, Executive Director, Tyrrell Flawn 5E332 LBJ 260-8354
EE Office of the Under Secretary (OUS)
EE Under Secretary, Sara Martinez Tucker 7E300 LBJ 401-8187
EE Chief of Staff, Cheryl Oldham 7E303 LBJ 205-5233
EF Office of Inspector General (OIG)
EF Inspector General, John P. Higgins, Jr. 8099 PCP 1510 245-6900
EF Deputy Inspector General, Thomas L. Sipes 8092 PCP 1510 245-6900
EF Legislative and External Affairs Officer, Catherine Grant 8110 PCP 1510 245-7023
EF Counsel to the Inspector General, Mary Mitchelson 8093 PCP 1510 245-6900
EF Chief of Staff, Tara Porter 8156 PCP 1510 245-6588
EFA Audit Services
EFA Assistant Inspector General for Audit Services, George Rippey (A) 8126 PCP 1510 245-7050
EFA Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Audit Services, George Rippey 8125 PCP 1510 245-7050
EFAB Student Financial Advisory Assistance Director, Patrick J. Howard 8058 PCP 1510 245-6949
EFAC State and Local Advisory and Assistance Director, Richard T. Rasa 8063 PCP 1510 245-6954
EFAD Non-Federal Audit Director, Hugh M. Monaghan, Jr. 215-656-6246
100 Penn Square East, Suite 502, Philadelphia, PA 19107
EFAD Non-Federal Audit Assistant Director Kevin P. Winicker 8140 PCP 1510 245-6982
EFAE Financial Statements Internal Audit Director, J. Greg Spencer 8014 PCP 1510 245-6015
EFAG Internal Operations Audit Team Director, Michele L. Weaver-Dugan 8050 PCP 1510 245-6941
EFAJ General Operations Team Director, Richard DiPasquale 8013 PCP 1510 245-6008
EFB Evaluation, Inspection, & Management Services
EFB Assistant Inspector General for Evaluation, Inspection & Management
Services, (Vacant)
EFBE Evaluation and Inspection Director, Chris Vierling 8073 PCP 1510 245-6964
EFBM Management Services Director, Debra Schweikert 8124 PCP 1510 245-7026
EFBM1 Budget and Procurement Services Team Leader, Chrystal Barrett 8156 PCP 1510 245-8590
EFBM2 Human Resources & General Services Team Leader, Ted Polk 8139 PCP 1510 245-7044
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 4 -
11/2007
EF Office of Inspector General (OIG) (cont.)
EFI Investigation Services
EFI Assistant Inspector General for Investigation Services, William Hamel 8017 PCP 1510 245-6966
EFI Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigation Services,
Michael E. Deshields
8147 PCP 1510 245-6966
EFT Information Technology Audits and Computer Crimes Investigation Services
EFT Assistant Inspector General for Information Technology Audits and
Computer Crimes Investigations, Charles Coe
8129 PCP 1510 245-7033
EFT Deputy Inspector General for Information Technology Audits and
Computer Crimes Investigations, Vacant
EFTA Information Technology Audits Division Director, Vacant
EFTA Computer Assisted Assessment Technologies Division Director,
Roland W. Wong
8032 PCP 1510 245-6014
EFTC Computer Crimes Investigation Division Team Leader,
Robert D. Mancuso
8030 PCP 1510 245-6927
EG Office of the General Counsel (OGC)
EG General Counsel, Kent Talbert 6E301 LBJ 2100 401-6000
EG Chief of Staff, Robert Wexler (A) 6E301 LBJ 2100 401-6000
EG Senior Counsel, Robert Wexler 6E301 LBJ 2120 401-6000
EG1 Operations Management Staff Officer, J. Carolyn Adams 6E300 LBJ 2110 401-8340
EGB Program Service
EGB Deputy General Counsel, Philip Rosenfelt 6E301 LBJ 2132 401-6000
EGB Senior Counsel, Kathryn A. Ellis 6E307 LBJ 2132 401-6000
EGB1 Educational Equity and Research Division Assistant General Counsel,
Susan Craig
6E304 LBJ 2242 401-8316
EGB2 Elementary, Secondary, Adult, & Vocational Education Division
Assistant General Counsel, Steve Freid (A)
6E326 LBJ 2245 401-8292
EGB3 Ethics Division Assistant General Counsel, Susan Winchell (A) 6E231 LBJ 2152 401-8309
EGP Postsecondary and Regulatory Service
EGP Deputy General Counsel, Jeffrey Taylor 6E301 LBJ 2131 401-6000
EGP2 Postsecondary Education Division Assistant General Counsel,
Harold Jenkins
6E203 LBJ 2244 401-8302
EGP4 Regulatory Services Division Assistant General Counsel,
Elizabeth McFadden
6E227 LBJ 2241 401-8300
EGR Departmental and Legislative Service
EGR
Deputy General Counsel, Robert S. Eitel
6E301
LBJ
2130
401-6000
EGR3 Business & Administrative Law Division Assistant General Counsel,
William Haubert
6C106 LBJ 2243 401-6700
EGR4 Legislative Counsel Division Assistant General Counsel, Paul Riddle 6C134 LBJ 2240 401-8313
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 5 -
11/2007
EH Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)
EH Assistant Secretary, Raymond Simon (A) 7W310 LBJ 401-8450
EH Special Assistant, Donna Wiesner 5147 PCP 2510 245-7503
EH Special Assistant, (Vacant) 5058 PCP 2510 245-7468
EH Confidential Assistant, Anna Clay 5117 PCP 2510 245-7613
EH Confidential Assistant, Katherine Race 5145 PCP 2510 245-6443
EH Deputy Assistant Secretary, William W. Knudsen (A) 11-133 PCP 2510 245-7540
EH Executive Administrator, Andrew J. Pepin 5106 PCP 2526 245-7476
EH Special Institutions Liaison, Annette Reichman 5124 PCP 2527 245-7489
EH1 Management & Support Staff Director, Paul V. O'Connell 5139 PCP 2510 245-7465
EH2 Communications & Customer Service Team Director, James Button (A) 5135 PCP 2510 245-7287
EH3 Policy & Planning Staff Director, Jennifer Sheehy 5148 PCP 2522 245-7520
EH5 Grants & Contracts Services Team Director, Mary Chambers 5067 PCP 2510 245-7297
EHE Office of Special Education Programs
EHE Director, Patricia Guard (A) 4109 PCP 2600 245-7459
EHE Deputy Director, Patricia Guard 4131 PCP 2600 245-7426
EHE1 Program Support Services Group, Bill Wolf 4148 PCP 2600 245-7580
EHEM Monitoring & State Improvement Planning Division Director, Ruth Ryder 4144 PCP 2600 245-7629
EHEM Team A, Gregg Corr 4030 PCP 2600 245-7309
EHEM Team B, Judith Gregorian 4034 PCP 2600 245-7360
EHEM Team C, Lois Taylor 4145 PCP 2600 245-7541
EHEM Team D, Larry Ringer 4032 PCP 2600 245-7496
EHER Research to Practice Division Director, Louis Danielson 4160 PCP 2600 245-7250
EHER Early Childhood Team, Gail Houle 4061 PCP 2600 245-7381
EHER Elementary & Middle School Team, Ingrid Oxaal 4154 PCP 2600 245-7471
EHER Secondary Transition and Postsecondary Team,
Marlene Simon-Burroughs
4151 PCP 2600 245-7525
EHER National Initiatives Team, Larry Wexler 4054 PCP 2600 245-7571
EHN National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
EHN Director, Richard L. Fisher (A) 6056 PCP 2572 245-7640
EHN Deputy Director, Richard L. Fisher (A) 6059 PCP 2572 245-7640
EHNP Program, Budget and Evaluation Division Director, Kenneth Sosne 6059 PCP 2651 245-6729
EHNR Research Sciences Division Director, Ruth Brannon 6053 PCP 2645 245-7278
EHNR Research Sciences Division Associate Director, Cate Miller (A) 6071 PCP 2645 245-7449
EHR Rehabilitation Services Administration
EHR Rehabilitation Services Administration Commissioner,
(Vacant)
5157 PCP 2531 245-7256
EHR Deputy Commissioner, Edward Anthony 5138 PCP 2532 245-7595
EHR5 Program Support Staff Director, (Vacant) 5148 PCP 2551 245-7254
EHRM State Monitoring & Program Improvement Division Director,
David Esquith
5013 PCP 2551 245-7336
EHRM1 Data Collection & Analysis Unit Chief, Joe Pepin 5155 PCP 2551 245-7598
EHRM2 Fiscal Unit Chief, William Bethel 5034 PCP 2551 245-6775
EHRM3 Independent Living Unit Chief, Thomas Kelley 5055 PCP 2551 245-7404
EHRM4 Technical Assistance Unit Chief, Brenda Rankin-White 5034 PCP 2551 245-7312
EHRM5 Vocational Rehabilitation Unit Chief, Carol Dobak 5014 PCP 2551 245-7325
EHRT Training & Services Program Division Director, Beverlee Stafford 5163 PCP 2551 245-7533
EHRT1 Training Programs Unit Chief, Tim Muzzio 5052 PCP 2551 245-7458
EHRT2 Service Programs Unit Chief, Thomas Finch 5059 PCP 2551 245-7313
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 6 -
11/2007
EI Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
EI Chief Information Officer, William Vajda 9112 PCP 4700 245-6640
EI Deputy Chief Information Officer, Brian Burns 10057 PCP 4700 245-6642
EI Chief of Staff, Sally Budd 9110 PCP 4700 245-6424
EL1 Executive Officer, Michael Holloway 4E231 LBJ 4110 401-0322
EIA Investment & Acquisitions Mgmt Services Director,
Ken Moore (A)
9009 PCP 4700 245-6908
EIE Information Technology Operations & Maintenance Services Director,
Jerry Alexandratos (A)
9060 PCP 4700 245-6822
EIE1 Assistive Technology Team Supervisor, Alex Koudry BC103 LBJ 453-7323
EIE3 Network Services Team Supervisor, Pete Tseronis 10032 PCP 4700 245-6699
EIE6 Customer Support and Operations Services Team Supervisor,
Renaldo Harper
220 EDC 4700 301-686-2080
EIE7 Development Services Team Supervisor, Jerry Alexandratos 9060 PCP 4700 245-6822
EIE8 Project Management Team Supervisor, Richard Birkhimer (A) 9008 PCP 4700 245-6551
EIF Enterprise Architecture Services Director, Joseph Rose (A) 9169 PCP 4700 245-6561
EII Information Assurance Services Director, Vacant 9009 PCP 4700
EII2 Security & Reliability Assurance Team Supervisor, (Vacant)
EJ Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs (OLCA)
EJ Assistant Secretary, Terrell Halaska 6W315 LBJ 3100 401-0020
EJ Deputy Assistant Secretary, Kristin Bannerman 6W314 LBJ 3100 205-2646
EJ Deputy Assistant Secretary, Marc Scheessele 6W308 LBJ 3100 205-8811
EJ Chief of Staff, Tiffany Watkins 6W313 LBJ 3100 401-4001
EL Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)
EL Chief Financial Officer, Larry Warder 4E313 LBJ 4300 401-0085
EL Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Danny Harris 4E314 LBJ 4300 401-0896
EL Senior Procurement Executive, Glenn Perry 4E329 LBJ 4300 358-0232
EL Chief of Staff, Brent Hartzell 4E309 LBJ 4300 401-1810
EL1 Executive Officer, Michael Holloway 4E231 LBJ 4110 401-0322
ELC Contracts and Acquisition Management Director, Hugh Horwitz 7153 PCP 4200 245-6555
ELCA Contracts Group A Supervisor, James Hairfield 7173 PCP 4210 245-6219
ELCB Contracts Group B Supervisor, Janet Scott 7166 PCP 4215 245-6216
ELCC Contracts Group C Supervisor, Roscoe Price 7172 PCP 4220 245-6222
ELCD Contracts Group D Supervisor, (Vacant) 7171 PCP 4230
ELF Financial Improvement and Post Audit Operations Director, Linda Stracke 22D1 UCP 4450 377-3301
ELFA Post Audit Group Supervisor, (Vacant) 21C5 UCP 4450
ELFC Indirect Cost Group Supervisor, Richard T. Mueller 21D2 UCP 4450 377-3840
ELFE Internal Control Evaluation Group, (Vacant) 21K4 UCP 4460
ELR Financial Management Operations Director, Gary Wood 4W122 LBJ 4246 401-0862
ELRB General Accounting Group Supervisor, Mack Lawrence 4C134 LBJ 4328 205-2427
ELRC Accounts Payable Group Supervisor, Cynthia Heath 4E121 LBJ 4328 401-8476
ELRE Accounts Receivable Group Supervisor, Nancy Hoglund 22C7 UPC 4450 377-3847
ELRF Reporting and Analysis Group Supervisor, (Vacant) 4W101 LBJ 0600
ELS Financial Systems Operations Director, Constance Davis 4E230 LBJ 4138 401-3892
ELSA Functional Applications Group Supervisor, Angel Santa 4E348 LBJ 4138 401-1095
ELSG Electronic Grant Initiatives and Support Staff Supervisor,
Charlsetta Griffin
7107 PCP 4138 245-6157
ELSM Systems Operation and Maintenance Group Supervisor, Tony Wood 4E202 LBJ 4138 401-4615
ELSS Financial Systems Support Group Supervisor, Greg Robison 4E306 LBJ 4138 401-3035
ELST Financial Systems Transactions Group Supervisor, Margo Crozier 4C107 LBJ 4332 401-1876
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 7 -
11/2007
EM Office of Management (OM)
EM Assistant Secretary, Michell Clark 2W311 LBJ 4500 401-5848
EM Deputy Assistant Secretary for Process Improvement, Chris Marston 2W307 LBJ 4500 401-5846
EM Deputy Assistant Secretary for Performance Improvement, Scott Anderson 2W321 LBJ 4500 401-0593
EM Chief of Staff, Donna Butler 2W309 LBJ 4500 401-8530
EM1 Executive Officer, David Cogdill 2W227 LBJ 4510 401-0695
EMF Facilities and Management Services
EMF Facilities and Management Services Director, Victoria L. Bateman 2E315 LBJ 4521 260-8267
EMFF Facilities Services Group Director, Scott Taylor 2E313 LBJ 4521 401-9496
EMFF Deputy Director, Building Services, John Tillery 2E201 LBJ 4521 401-2349
EMFF1 Federal Real Property Assistance Program Director, Peter Wieczorek 2E117 LBJ 4521 617-289-0172
EMFF2 Building Services Team Lead, (Vacant)
EMFF3 Project Management Team Lead, (Vacant)
EMFM Management Services Director, Wanda Davis 2E105 LBJ 401-5931
EMFM1 Asset Management Services Team Lead, (Vacant)
EMFM2 Mail Services Team Supervisor, (Vacant)
EMFM3 Support Services Team Supervisor, (Vacant) 2C107 LBJ 401-1269
EMFM4 Transportation Services Team Supervisor, (Vacant) 1E102 LBJ 401-3861
EMH Human Resources Services
EMH Human Resources Services Director, Liz Stewman (A) 2E304 LBJ 4573 401-0529
EMH Deputy Director, Liz Stewman 2E304 LBJ 4573 401-0529
EMH Personnel Policy Team Leader, Colleen Lanza 2E308 LBJ 4573 401-3136
EMHA Headquarters Customer Service Team I Leader, Joel Rubinstein 2E226 LBJ 4573 401-3603
EMHB Headquarters Customer Service Team II Leader, (Vacant) 2E306 LBJ 4573 401-1519
EMHC Headquarters Customer Service Team III Leader, (Vacant) 2C134 LBJ 4573 401-3618
EMHE Employee Relations Team Leader, Barbara Malebranche 2E233 LBJ 4573 401-1920
EMHS Human Resources System Team Leader, Calik Jabarei 2E108 LBJ 4573 401-0534
EMHX Executive Resources Team Leader, Mary Beth Pultz 2E124 LBJ 4573 401-0546
EMHL Labor Relations Team Leader, James Keenan 2C156 LBJ 4754 401-3927
EMHW Work/Life Programs Team Leader, Anne Ranson Barrett 2C134 LBJ 4573 205-5222
EMHW 504 Coordinator JoAnn Cottman 2E208 LBJ 4573 401-0964
EMHT Training and Development Team Leader, Wanda Savage 2W202 LBJ 4614 401-1995
EMJ Office of Hearings and Appeals
EMJ Office of Hearings and Appeals Director, Frank J. Furey 2100A LP 4533 619-9700
EMJA Office of Administrative Law Judges, Chief Judge, Allan C. Lewis 2100A LP 4615 619-9725
EMJB Civil Rights Reviewing Authority Staff Dir, Richard Slippen 2100A LP 4582 619-9700
EMJC Office of Higher Education Appeals, Chief Judge, Ernest C. Canellos 2100A LP 4616 619-9700
EMJK Civil Rights Reviewing Authority Members 2100A LP 4486 619-9700
EMJR Informal Dispute Resolution Center 2100A LP 619-9700
EMO Equal Employment Opportunity Services
EMO Equal Employment Opportunity Services Director, Larry F. Ross 2W240 LBJ 4550 205-0518
EMS Security Services
EMS Security Services Director, Winona Varnon 2W314 LBJ 401-1583
EMSA Personnel Security Team, Sandra Warren 2W229 LBJ 205-9780
EMSB Physical Security and Law Enforcement Team, Jerry Shepherd 2W308 LBJ 401-3611
EMSC COOP/COG and Safety Team, Jack Reynolds 2W312 LBJ 205-8123
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 8 -
11/2007
EM Office of Management (OM) (cont.)
EMV Regulatory Information Management Services
EMV Regulatory Information Management Services Director, Lee Eiden 9149 PCP 4700 245-6454
EMVM Information Mgmt Case Services Team Supervisor, Angela Arrington 9156 PCP 4700 245-6409
EMVP Information Policy & Standards Team Supervisor, Delores J. Barber 9168 PCP 4700 245-6407
EN Federal Student Aid (FSA)
EN Chief Operating Officer, Larry Warder (A) 112G1 UCP 5132 377-3000
EN Chief of Staff, James Manning 112E1 UCP 5132 377-3007
EN2 Ombudsman, Debra Wiley 041I1 UCP 5144 377-3801
EN3 Policy Liaison and Implementation Staff, Jeff Baker 113C1 UCP 5162 377-4009
ENA Program Compliance
ENA Program Compliance, Victoria Edwards 81K2 UCP 5340 377-4273
ENAS School Eligibility Channel, Robin Minor 74E1 UCP 5340 377-3717
ENAS1 Administrative Actions & Appeals Division, Mary Gust 84F2 UCP 5267 377-4278
ENAS2 School Participation Management Division, (Vacant)
ENAS21 School Participation Team South Central, Carolyn White 73D3 UCP 5323 377-3197
ENAS21 School Participation Team, South Central, Kansas City Team,
Team Leader, Phillip Brumback
71G3 UCP 5323 377-3464
ENAS21 School Participation Team, South Central, Dallas Team,
Team Leader, Clifton Knight
71G2 UCP 5323 377-4244
ENAS21 School Participation Team, South Central, Atlanta Team
Team Leader, Patricia Dickerson
72F1 UCP 5323 377-4218
ENAS22 School Participation Team Northeast, Geneva Leon 73D1 UCP 5265 377-3169
ENAS22 School Participation Team, Northeast, New York/Boston,
Team Leader, Patrice Fleming
72F3 UCP 5265 377-4209
ENAS22 School Participation Team, Northeast, Philadelphia,
Team Leader, Michael Frola
72F2 UCP 5265 377-3364
ENAS221 Foreign Schools Team, Barbara Hemelt 73C4 UCP 5265 377-4201
ENAS23 School Participation Team Northwest, Douglas Laine 73A2 UCP 5340 377-4210
ENAS23 School Participation Team, Northwest, Chicago Team,
Team Leader, Countess Cooper
71G1 UCP 5323 377-4230
ENAS23 School Participation Team, Northwest, San Francisco/Seattle Team,
Team Leader, Dyon Toney
71J1 UCP 5323 377-3639
ENAS24 Performance Improvement & Procedures Branch, Veronica Pickett 74D3 UCP 5340 377-4232
ENAP Integrated Partner Management, Molly Wyatt 81D2 UCP 5162 377-3358
ENAP1 IPM Operational Support, Tarissia Baker 81J2 UCP 5162 377-3535
ENAP2 IPM Technical Management, Satyaveer Satvat 81B1 UCP 5162 377-3585
ENAF Financial Partner Eligibility and Oversight, Patricia Trubia (A) 84F3 UCP 5353 377-3189
ENB Business Operations
ENB Business Operations, Sue Szabo 82E1 UCP 5150 377-3437
ENB Chief of Staff, Patricia Dorn 82C4 UCP 377-4359
ENB1 Portfolio Performance Management Staff, Sybil Phillips 42G1 UCP 5320 377-3206
ENBA Application Operations & Delivery Services, William Leith (A) 64G1 UCP 5252 377-3676
ENBAS School Services & Training Channel, Claire Roemer 83F3 UCP 5353 377-3452
ENBAS1 Training & Information Services Division, Claire Roemer (A) 83F3 UCP 5353 377-3452
ENBAS2 School Outreach Division, Barbara Mroz (A) 84F1 UCP 5353 377-4375
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 9 -
11/2007
EN Financial Student Aid (cont)
Busniess Operations (cont)
ENBAP Program Operations Channel, William Leith 64E1 UCP 5162 377-3676
ENBAP1 Campus-Based Systems & Operations Division,
Sherlene McIntosh
64A3 UCP 5452 377-3242
ENBAP2 Direct Loan Program Operations Division, Lisa DiCarlo 62F3 UCP 5162 377-3129
ENBAP3 Pell Program Operations Division, Kathleen Wicks 62E3 UCP 5162 377-3110
ENBAP4 Application Processing Division, Marilyn LeBlanc 63C4 UCP 5454 377-3205
ENBAP5 Common Origination & Disbursement Systems Operations Division,
Michael K. Murray (A)
62E4 UPC 5162 377-3128
ENBF Financial Partners Services, Marge White (A) 92G3 UCP 5230 377-3022
ENBFN National Student Loan Data System Group, Pam Eliadis 111G2 UPC 5138 377-3554
ENBFP Partner Systems Group, Rosemary Beavers (A) 111I4 UCP 5138 377-3126
ENBFS Partner Services Group, Katrina Turner 111G1 UCP 5138 377-3311
ENBB Borrower Services, Jana Hernandes (A) 42G3 UCP 5320 377-3679
ENBB Special Assistant, Naomi Randolph 42G5 UCP 5150 377-4367
ENBBN Nondefault Group, Cynthia Battle 4114 UCP 5320 377-3261
ENBB1 Information Systems Coordination Group, Pamela Eliadis (A) 111G2 UCP 5138 377-3554
ENBBC Contract Performance Analysis & Oversight Group, Michael J. Murray 41I5 UCP 5150 377-3273
ENBBR Default Resolution Group, Dwight Vigna 41F2 UCP 377-3436
ENBBR1 Collections Management, Shirley Wheeler 41F1 UCP 5320 377-3294
ENBBR2 Call Center Management, Richard Dawkins 44E3 UCP 5320 377-4240
ENBBR3 Processing Group, Denise Leifeste 44F3 UCP 5320 377-3293
ENBBR31 Financial Operations, George Strudgeon 44F2 UCP 5320 377-3807
ENI Chief Information Officer
ENI Chief Information Officer, Katie Blot 102E3 UCP 5259 377-2528
ENI Deputy Chief Information Officer, Harry Feely 102D2 UCP 5259 377-3777
ENI Chief of Staff, Mary Haldane 102E1 UCP 5259 377-4324
ENIA Application Development Group, Charles Coleman 104D3 UCP 5220 377-3512
ENIB Enterprise IT Management Group, Ganesh Reddy 102E5 UCP 5259 377-3557
ENIC Enterprise IT Services Group, Michael Fillinich 103E2 UCP 5259 377-3056
ENJ Chief Financial Officer
ENJ Chief Financial Officer, Larry Warder (A) 54E1 UCP 5230 377-3401
ENJ Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Peggy Berger 54E2 UCP 5230 377-3350
ENJ Chief of Staff, (Vacant) 54C4 UCP 5230 377-3463
ENJJ Financial Management Group, Mary E. Nelson 54C3 UCP 5230 377-3453
ENJJ1 Financial Reporting Division Director, (Vacant) 53A3 UCP 5230 377-3490
ENJJ11 Financial Reporting and Analysis Branch, (Vacant) 52B2 UCP 5230 377-3376
ENJJ12 Audit Coordination & Validation Branch, (Vacant) 53C4 UCP 5230 377-3989
ENJJ2 Accounting Division Director, (Vacant) 52C4 UCP 5230 377-3245
ENJJ21 Funds Control & Accounting Operations Branch, Angela Roca-Baker 52E4 UCP 5230 377-3322
ENJJ22 Reconciliation Branch, Lawrence Smith 51J1 UCP 5230 377-3327
ENJK Asset Management Group, (Vacant)
ENJL Budget Group, Cyndi Reynolds 53A4 UCP 5230 377-4046
ENJL1 Budget Support Division, Richard Lucas 53G3 UCP 5230 377-3481
ENJL2 FSA Administration Division, Cyndi Reynolds (A) 54C2 UCP 5230 377-3618
ENJM Financial Management Systems Group, John Hurt 54C3 UCP 5230 377-3453
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 10 -
11/2007
EN Federal Student Aid (FSA) (cont)
ENN Enterprise Performance Management Services
ENN Enterprise Performance Management Services, John Fare 91J1 UCP 5030 377-3707
ENN Chief of Staff, Doug Flamm 112D2 UCP 5030 377-3612
ENNP Project Management & Oversight Group, Carole Kuriatnikova 94B1 UCP 5030 377-3542
ENNQ Federal Student Aid Acquisition Group, Patrick Bradfield 91J2 UCP 5030 377-3105
ENNR Strategic Planning & Reporting Group, Linda Hall 94F2 UCP 5030 377-3382
ENNT Enterprise Risk Management Group, Stanley Dore 92B2 UCP 5030 377-3595
ENP Communications and Administration
ENP Communications and Administration, Marianna O'Brien (A) 114F1 UCP 5132 377-3095
ENPC Communication Management Services, Chris Greene 114G2 UCP 5132 377-4003
ENPW Human Resources & Workforce Services, John Mondragon L104 UCP 5145 377-3706
ENPL
ENPW3
Workforce Development Services, Ann Manheimer
Federal Student Aid Intern Program, Tara Young (A)
L115
114G1
UCP
UCP
5361
5132
377-3907
377-3491
ENW Student Aid Awareness & Applicant Services
ENW Student Aid Awareness & Applicant Services, Jennifer Douglas 32E4 UCP 5269 377-3201
ENW Chief of Staff, Michelle Draughn 32E2 UCP 5269 377-3216
ENWA Awareness & Outreach, Mary K. Muncie (A) 32E3 UCP 5369 377-3202
ENWB Applicant - Products & Customer Services, Michele Brown 31K5 UCP 5464 377-3203
EO Office of Communications and Outreach
EO Assistant Secretary, Lauren Maddox 7C115 LBJ 3500 401-0768
EO Press Secretary, Chad Colby (A) 7E203 LBJ 0150 205-4036
Chief of Staff, Meredith Beaton 7W103 LBJ 401-0607
EOA Communication Development
EOA Communication Development, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Sarah Flowers (A)
7C105 LBJ 401-8459
EOB Communication Services
EOB Deputy Assistant Secretary, John McGrath 5E309 LBJ 3500 401-1309
EOBC Creative ServicesTeam Director, Todd May 5E227 LBJ 3520 205-0708
EOBE Events Team Director, Anya Smith 5E205 LBJ 401-7196
EOBI
EOBP
Information Resources Center Director, Paul Steenen
Editorial Policy, Publications, and Printing Team Director,
Jacquelynn A. Zimmerman
5E248
5W116
LBJ
LBJ
3524
0131
401-2409
401-0762
EOBR Recognitions Program Team Director, Melissa Apostolides 5E119 LBJ 205-0512
EOE External Affairs and Outreach Services
EOE Deputy Assistant Secretary, Denise Dunckel 7C115 LBJ 260-7753
EOEI Intergovernmental Affairs Director, Rogers Johnson 5E202 LBJ 3500 401-0026
EOER Regional Services Director, (Vacant) 5E316 LBJ 3522 260-1830
EOM Media Relations and Strategic Communications
EOM Deputy Assistant Secretary, Chad Colby 7C111 LBJ 3522 401-4401
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 11 -
11/2007
EP Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE)
EP Assistant Secretary, Diane Auer Jones 7115 K St. 8500 502-7750
Chief of Staff, Christine Isett 7114 K St. 8500 219-7000
EP1 Executive Officer, Humphrey Barnes 7152 K St. 8503 502-7550
EP3 Accreditation and State Liaison Staff Director, Thomas Dawson (A) 7112 K St. 8509 219-7011
EPYEE National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity
Executive Director, Melissa Lewis
7127 K St. 8500 219-7009
EPYEM National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation
Executive Director, Melissa Lewis
7127 K St. 8500 219-7009
EPA Policy, Planning, and Innovation
EPA Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Planning, and Innovation, (Vacant) 8022 K St. 8502 502-7950
Chief of Staff (Vacant)
EPAF
Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education Director,
Ralph Hines (A)
6151
K St.
8544
502-7500
EPAB Program Oversight Staff Director, (Vacant) 6130 K St. 8502 502-7653
EPAC Policy and Budget Development Staff Director, David Bergeron 8022 K St. 8540 502-7575
EPAP Forecasting and Policy Analysis Staff Director, Daniel Madzelan 8036 K St. 8540 502-7575
EPAS Strategic Planning Staff Director, Dottie Kingsley 8074 K St. 8015 502-7888
EPH Higher Education Programs
EPH Deputy Assistant Secretary for Higher Education Programs,
Thomas Dawson
6114 K St. 8501 502-7555
Chief of Staff, Alan Schiff 6110 K St. 8501 502-7555
EPYEK Historically Black Colleges and Universities Capital Financing Board
Executive Director, Donald Watson (A)
6130 K St. 8501 219-7037
EPH1 Operations and Coordination Staff Director, Alan Schiff 6110 K St. 8501 502-7555
EPHA Higher Education Preparation and Support Service Director,
Linda Byrd-Johnson
7044 K St. 8510 502-7600
EPHB Institutional Development and Undergraduate Education Service Director,
James Law
6040 K St. 8512 502-7777
EPHC International Education Programs Service Director, Lynn Mahaffie 6006 K St. 8521 502-7700
EPHT Teacher and Student Development Programs Service Director,
James Davis (A)
6109 K St. 8524 219-7047
EQ Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (OSDFS)
EQ Assistant Deputy Secretary, Deborah A. Price 1E110A LBJ 6400 205-4169
EQ Chief of Staff, Catherine Davis 1E110B LBJ 6400 205-3864
EQ Special Assistant, Linda McKay 3E304 LBJ 6450 260-2517
EQ Associate Assistant Deputy Secretary, William Modzeleski 3E314 LBJ 6450 260-3954
EQ1 Executive Officer, Tina Hunter 3E206 LBJ 6410 260-2526
EQ2 Policy and Cross-Cutting Programs Director, Deborah Rudy 3E330 LBJ 6450 260-1875
EQ3 Center for School Preparedness Director, William Modzeleski (A) 3E314 LBJ 6450 260-3954
EQC Character and Civic Education Director, Robert Alexander 3E306 LBJ 6450 401-3354
EQH Health, Mental Health, Environmental Health, and Physical Education
Director, Deborah Rudy (A)
3E330 LBJ 6450 260-1875
EQN
EQS
Drug-Violence Prevention-National Programs Director, Charlotte Gillespie
Drug-Violence Prevention-State Programs Director, Paul Kesner
3E328
3E230
LBJ
LBJ
6450
6450
260-1862
205-8134
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 12 -
11/2007
ER Institute of Education Sciences (IES)
ER Director, Grover J. Whitehurst 600 CP 5500 219-1385
ERB Deputy for Administration and Policy, Sue Betka 600G CP 5501 219-1385
ERB1 Executive Officer, Ronald W. Cartwright 602H CP 5510 219-2185
ERB2 Grants Administration Staff, Brenda Wolff 508C CP 5643 219-2067
ERB3 Outreach & Communications Staff Director, Mike Bowler 627G CP 5532 219-1662
ERG Deputy for Science, Anne Ricciuti 602F CP 5520 219-2247
ERH National Center for Special Education Research
ERH Commissioner, National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER)
(Vacant)
510F CP 5550 219-2128
ERN National Center for Education Statistics
ERN Commissioner, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES),
Mark Schneider
9116 K St. 5574 502-7393
ERN Deputy Commissioner, NCES, Jack Buckley 9049 K St. 5575 502-7432
ERNI Early Childhood, International and Crosscutting Studies Division, NCES,
Associate Commissioner, Valena Plisko
9040 K St. 5650 502-7434
ERNL Elementary/Secondary and Libraries Studies Division, NCES,
Associate Commissioner, Jeffrey Owings
9114 K St. 5651 502-7423
ERNP Postsecondary Studies Division, NCES, Associate Commissioner,
Charles D. Carroll
8107 K St. 5680 502-7323
ERNS Assessment Division, NCES, Associate Commissioner, Peggy G. Carr 8095 K St. 5646 502-7321
ERR National Center for Education Research
ERR Commissioner, National Center for Education Research (NCER),
Lynn Okagaki
615C CP 5500 219-2006
ERRP Policy and Systems Division, NCER, Associate Commissioner, (Vacant)
ERRT Teaching and Learning Division, NCER, Associate Commissioner,
(Vacant)
ERT National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance
ERT Commissioner, National Center for Education Evaluation and Reform
Assistance (NCEE), Phoebe Cottingham
500E CP 219-2484
ERTE Evaluation Division, NCEE, Associate Commissioner, Ricky Takai 502D CP 5545 208-7080
ERTK Knowledge Utilization Division, NCEE, Associate Commissioner, (Vacant)
5544
ES Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE)
ES Assistant Secretary, Kerri Briggs 3W315 LBJ 6100 401-0113
ES Chief of Staff, Anne Campbell 3W313 LBJ 6100 401-0113
ES Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management, Alexander Goniprow (A) 3W314 LBJ 6100 401-0113
ES Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Strategic Initiatives,
Amanda L. Farris
3W311 LBJ 6100 401-0113
ES Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and State Technical Assistance,
Catherine Freeman
3W305 LBJ 6100 401-0113
ES1 Management & Administrative Unit, Executive Officer, Ruth Hall 3W308 LBJ 6110 260-3922
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
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- 13 -
11/2007
ES Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) (cont)
ESA Impact Aid Programs
ESA Director, Catherine Schagh 3E105 LBJ 6244 260-3858
ESA1 Program Group One, Group Leader, Robin Robinson 3C105 LBJ 6244 260-2304
ESA2 Program Group Two, Group Leader, Marilyn Hall 3C133 LBJ 6244 205-8724
ESC Student Achievement and School Accountability
ESC Director, Zollie Stevenson (A) 3W226 LBJ 6132 260-0826
ESCJ Early Childhood and Reading Group, Group Leader, Patricia McKee 3W106 LBJ 6132 260-0991
ESCK Instructional Change Group, Group Leader, Gary Rutkin 3W214 LBJ 6132 260-4414
ESCL Monitoring and Audit Group, Group Leader, Charles Laster 3W104 LBJ 6132 205-5531
ESCM Policy Coordination Group, Group Leader, Susan Wilhelm 3W202 LBJ 6132 260-0984
ESCN Standards, Assessments and Accountability Group, Group Leader,
David Harmon (A)
3C140 LBJ 6132 205-3554
ESG School Support and Technology Program
ESG Director, Jenelle Leonard 3E309 LBJ 6400 401-3641
ESG1 Technology and Flexibility Program Group, Group Leader,
Enid Marshall
3E307 LBJ 6400 708-9499
ESG2 School Support and Technical Assistance Program Group, Group Leader,
Doris Werwie
3E231 LBJ 6400 205-9377
ESM Office of Migrant Education
ESM Director, Alexander Goniprow 3E317 LBJ 6135 260-1164
ESM1 Program Group One, Group Leader, Lisa Ramirez 3E311 LBJ 6135 260-1164
ESM2 Program Group Two, Group Leader, (Vacant) 3E333 LBJ 6135 260-1164
EST Academic Achievement and Teacher Quality Programs
EST Director, Joseph C. Conaty 3W203 LBJ 6200 260-8230
EST1 Academic Improvement Group, Sylvia Lyles 3W113 LBJ 6175 260-2551
EST2 High School Group, Braden Goetz 3W103 LBJ 6175 260-0982
EST3 Teacher Quality Group, James Butler 3W115 LBJ 6200 260-9737
ESV Office of Indian Education
ESV Office of Indian Education Director, Pierce Hammond (A) 3C106 LBJ 6335 205-0687
ESVA Team I, Lana Shaughnessy 5C140 LBJ 6335 205-2528
ESVB Team II, Bernard Garcia 5C141 LBJ 6335 260-1454
ET Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic
Achievement for Limited English Proficient Students (OELA)
ET Assistant Deputy Secretary/Director, Margarita Pinkos (A) 10087 PCP 6510 245-7138
ET Deputy of Policy, Margarita Pinkos 10089 PCP 6510 245-7136
ET Chief of Staff/Executive Officer, Richard Smith 10090 PCP 6510 245-7811
ETC State Consolidated Grants Division Director, Margarita Pinkos (A) 10089 PCP 6510 245-7149
ETP Continuation and Professional Development Grants Division Director,
Cynthia Ryan
10096 PCP 6510 245-7140
ETS Special Initiatives Division Director, Margarita Pinkos (A) 10089 PCP 6510 245-7811
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 14 -
11/2007
EU Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII)
EU Assistant Deputy Secretary, Morgan Brown 4W317 LBJ 5900 205-4500
EU Chief of Staff, Ebony Lee 4W331 LBJ 5900 205-2204
EU Associate Assistant Deputy Secretary, Virginia Gentles 4W314 LBJ 5900 205-7726
EU Associate Assistant Deputy Secretary, Margo Anderson 4W311 LBJ 5900 205-3010
EU Fund for the Improvement of Education Director, Linda Jones 4W203 LBJ 5930 205-4352
EU Communications Director, (Vacant)
EU Evaluation and Dissemination Director, Sharon K. Horn 4W332 LBJ 5900 205-4956
EU1 Executive Officer, Pat Knight 4W333 LBJ 5910 205-4746
EUF Family Policy Compliance Office Director, LeRoy Rooker 2W119 LBJ 5920 260-3887
EUN Office of Non-Public Education Director, Jack Klenk 4W307 LBJ 5940 401-1365
EUP Improvement Programs Director, Edith Harvey 4W308 LBJ 5950 260-1393
EUQ Teacher Quality Programs Director, Peggi Zelinko 4W306 LBJ 5960 260-2614
EUS Parental Options and Information Director, John Fiegel 4W231 LBJ 5970 260-2671
EUT Technology in Education Programs Director, Cheryl Petty Garnette 4W230 LBJ 5980 205-5666
EV Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE)
EV Assistant Secretary, Troy Justesen 11140 PCP 7100 245-7595
EV Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Colleges, Patricia Stanley 11140 PCP 7100 245-6683
EV Senior Advisor for Special Initiatives, Richard La Pointe 11101 PCP 7100 245-7704
EV Chief of Staff, William Knudsen 11133 PCP 7100 245-7540
EV1 Administrative Staff Executive Officer, Nick Dorka 11129 PCP 7110 245-7777
EV8 Center for Rural Education, Diane McCauley 11067 PCP 7100 245-7437
EV2 Policy, Research, Evaluation Staff Director, Dale King 11107 PCP 7120 245-7405
EVA Adult Education and Literacy Division
EVA Director, Cheryl Keenan 11046 PCP 7240 245-7721
EVA4 Accountability Team, Mike Dean 11152 PCP 7240 245-7828
EVA5 Monitoring and Administration Team, Joyce Campbell 11010 PCP 7240 245-7756
EVA6 Innovation and Improvement Team, Christopher Coro 11016 PCP 7240 245-7717
EVA7 Best Practices and Dissemination Team, Christopher Coro (A) 11016 PCP 7240 245-7717
EVH Academic and Technical Education Division
EVH Academic and Technical Education Division Director, Sharon Miller (A) 11126 PCP 7241 245-7846
EVH4 Accountability and Performance Branch, John Haigh 11023 PCP 7241 245-7735
EVH5 College and Career Transition Branch, Scott Hess 11037 PCP 7241 245-7772
EVH6 Program Administration Branch, Edward Smith 11053 PCP 7241 245-7700
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 15 -
11/2007
Region I Boston Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
Rhode Island, Vermont
EOD1 Secretary's Regional Representative, Michael Sentance 1030 617-289-0100
33 Arch Street, Boston, MA 02110-1490
EOD1 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, Kristen Lepore 1027 617-289-0102
Office for Civil Rights
Boston Enforcement Office Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
Rhode Island, Vermont
EC1 Office for Civil Rights Eastern Division, Enforcement Coordinator, Thomas Hibino 900 617-289-0011
Office for Civil Rights Boston Office - Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
ECD1 Director, Thomas J. Hibino 900 617-289-0011
ECD1 Chief Attorney, J. Michael Burns 900 617-289-0012
ECD1 Program Manager, Robert L. Pierce 900 617-289-0014
ECD1 Program/Administrative Manager, Carolyn Lazaris 900 617-289-0013
ECD11 Team I, Ralph D'Amico 900 617-289-0044
ECD12 Team II, Fannie Gaines 900 617-289-0024
ECD13 Team III, Ralph Montalvo 900 617-289-0045
ECD14 Team IV, Donna Russell 900 617-289-0019
ECD15 Team V, (Vacant)
Office of Inspector General
EFD1I Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Theresa C. Murray 1123 617-289-0084
Office of Management
EMD1A Federal Real Property Assistance Program
Director, Peter A. Wieczorek 1140 617-289-0172
33 Arch Street, Boston, MA 02110-1424
EMD1P Personnel Management Specialist, Patricia Warren 1139 617-289-0006
Federal Student Aid
END2S NY/Boston Team Lead, Rosemary Torpey 1007A 617-289-0142
ENBAS2 Boston QA and X-sites Duty Station, Holly Langer-Evans 1019B 617-289-0136
ENBAS1 Boston Training Delivery, Thomas Threlkeld 1016F 617-289-0144
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 16 -
11/2007
Region II New York New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico,
Virgin Islands
EOD2 Secretary's Regional Representative, Valerie Smith 2540 646-428-3905
32 Old Slip, New York, NY 10005-3534
EOD2 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, Orysia Dmytrenko 2538 646-428-3906
Office for Civil Rights
New York Enforcement Office New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico,
Virgin Islands
ECD2 Director, Randolph E. Wills 2635 646-428-3839
ECD2 Chief Program Officer, (Vacant) 2620
ECD2 Chief Civil Rights Attorney, Timothy Blanchard 2634 646-428-3805
ECD2 Administrative Officer, Diane S. Diggs 2630 646-428-3811
ECD2S Special Projects Unit
ECD21 Team A, Anna Moretto 2624 646-428-3826
ECD22 Team B, Michelle Armstrong 2612 646-428-3803
ECD23 Team C, John Carroll 2617 646-428-3807
ECD24 Team D, Felice Bowen 2620 646-428-3806
Office of Inspector General
EFD2A Regional Inspector General for Audit, Daniel P. Schultz 2647 646-428-3888
EFD2A Assistant Regional Inspector General for Audit, Robin Shinn 2648 646-428-3889
EFD1I Special Agent In Charge, Brian Hickey 2657B 646-428-3874
Office of Management
EMD2P Personnel Management Specialist, Angela K. Smith 2505 646-428-3794
Federal Student Aid
END2G Eastern Field Office, Financial Partner, Eligibility & Oversight, Eastern Region 25th Floor 646-428-3770
Director, Ann Marie Fusco
END2S School Participation Team NE (NY/Boston), Area Case Director, William Swift 2521 646-428-3755
END2S NY/Boston Team Lead, Betty Coughlin 2519 646-428-3737
ENBAS1 New York Training Delivery, Sandra Santana 2519 646-428-3754
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 17 -
11/2007
Region III Philadelphia Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
EOD3 Secretary's Regional Representative, Michael Conallen 505 215-656-6010
100 Penn Square East, Suite 505, Philadelphia, PA 19107
EOD3 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, (Vacant) 505 215-656-6010
Office for Civil Rights
Philadelphia Enforcement Office Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky,
Pennsylvania, West Virginia
ECD3 Director, Wendella P. Fox 515 215-656-8541
100 Penn Square East, Suite 515, Philadelphia, PA 19107-3323 (TDD) 877-521-2172
ECD3 Executive Assistant, Elizabeth Keenan 515 215-656-8557
ECD3 Program Manager, Charles N. Smailer 515 215-656-8591
ECD3 Chief Civil Rights Attorney, Lee A. Nell 515 215-656-8572
ECD31 Team I, Joseph Mahoney 515 215-656-8564
ECD32 Team II, Thomas Moshang 515 215-656-8556
ECD33 Team III, Myra E. Coleman 515 215-656-8522
ECD34 Team IV, Brenda Johnson 515 215-656-8549
ECD35 Team V, Robert Ford 515 215-656-8537
Office of Inspector General
EFD3A Regional Inspector General for Audit, Bernard Tadley 502 215-656-6900
EFD3A Assistant Regional Inspector General for Audit, Terri Lewis 502 215-656-6276
EFD3IW Special Agent in Charge, Mark Higgins (A) 502 215-656-6900
EFD3IW Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Mark Higgins 502 215-656-6900
EFD3IW Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Cheryl Cox 8021 202-245-6094
400 Maryland Ave., SW, PCP Stop 1500, Washington, DC 20202
EFD3IW OIG Pittsburgh Field Office 1503 412-395-4547
William S. Moorehead Federal Building, 1000 Liberty Ave., Suite 1503, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4004
Office of Management
EMD3P Personnel Management Specialist, (Vacant) 503 215-656-6023
Federal Student Aid
END3S Philadelphia Team Lead, Nancy Klingler 511 215-656-6436
END3S Co-Team Lead, John Loreng 511 215-656-6437
ENBAS1 Philadelphia Training Delivery, Gregory Martin 511 215-656-6452
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 18 -
11/2007
Enforcement Offices
District of Columbia Enforcement Office North Carolina, Virginia,
Washington, DC
ECW Office for Civil Rights Southern Division, Enforcement Coordinator, Taylor August 1620 214-661-9603
Office for Civil Rights District of Columbia Office - North Carolina, Virginia,
Washington, DC
ECW Director, Alice Wender 316 202-786-0530
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, PO Box 14620, Washington, DC 20044-4620 (TDD) 202-208-7741
ECW Program Manager, Dale Rhines 316 202-786-0510
ECW Chief Civil Rights Attorney, Martha Russo (A) 316 202-786-0520
ECW1 Compliance & Enforcement Team 1, Safiyyah Muhammad 316 202-208-7743
ECW2 Compliance & Enforcement Team 2, Karen Hakel 316 202-786-0553
ECW3 Compliance & Enforcement Team 3, Sharon Solomon 316 202-786-0517
ECW4 Compliance & Enforcement Team 4, Sheralyn Goldbecker 316 202-786-0516
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 19 -
11/2007
Region IV Atlanta Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
EOD4 Secretary's Regional Representative, Anne Hancock 19T40 404-562-6225
61 Forsyth Street, SW, Suite 19T40, Atlanta, GA 30303
EOD4 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, Lavin Gartland 19T40 404-562-6225
Office for Civil Rights
Atlanta Enforcement Office, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina,
Tennessee
ECD4 Office for Civil Rights Southern Division, Enforcement Coordinator, Taylor August 1620 214-661-9603
Office for Civil Rights Atlanta Office - Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina,
Tennessee
ECD4 Director, Gary S. Walker 19T70 404-562-6350
(TDD) 404-562-6454
ECD4 Administrative Officer, Deborah Poole 19T70 404-562-5463
ECD4 Chief Civil Rights Attorney, Doris Chriswell 19T70 404-562-5971
ECD4 Program Coordinator, Arinita Ballard 19T70 404-562-6377
ECD4 Special Assistant Georgetta Royals 19T70 404-562-6435
ECD4 National Senior Attorney - Gifted Programs, Barbra Shannon 18T90 404-562-6361
ECD41 Case Resolution Team A, Doris Maye 19T70 404-562-6419
ECD42 Case Resolution Team B, (Vacant)
ECD43 Case Resolution Team C, (Vacant)
ECD44 Case Resolution Team D, (Vacant)
ECD45 Case Resolution Team E, (Vacant)
ECD46 Case Resolution Team F, Brenda Niforth 19T70 404-562-6408
ECD47 Case Resolution Team G, Doris Shields 19T70 404-562-6432
ECD48 Case Resolution Team H, Timothy R. Noonan 19T70 404-562-3077
Office of Inspector General
EFD4A Regional Inspector General for Audit, Denise Wempe 18T71 404-562-6477
EFD4A Assistant Inspector General for Audit, Vacant
EFD4I Special Agent In Charge, Lester Fernandez 18T71 404-562-6460
EFD4I Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Michael Clark 18T71 404-562-6476
EFD4I Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Yessyka Santana 207 959-450-7341
9050 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
Office of Management
EMD4P Regional Personnel Officer, Leonard McKindra (A) 18T55 404-562-6248
EMD4P Regional Training and Development Center, Career Counselor, Alan Berry 18T52 404-562-6251
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 20 -
11/2007
Region IV Atlanta Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee (cont.)
Federal Student Aid
61 Forsyth Street, SW, Suite 18T, Atlanta, GA 30303
END4E Collections Contract Oversight Erin Swanson-Hall 19T30 404-562-6002
END4E1 Administrative Wage Garnishment Compliance, John Jordan 19T20 404-562-6075
END4E2 Collections Contract Analysis and Compliance A, Linda Gaddy 19T17 404-562-6060
END4E3 Collections Contract Analysis and Compliance B, David Bartnicki 19T30 404-562-6055
END4G Atlanta Field Office, Financial Partner Eligibility & Oversight Southern Region 18T20B 214-661-9515
Director, Jerry Wallace (A)
END4S School Participation Team (SC) Atlanta, Area Case Director, Charles Engstrom 18T20B 404-562-6309
END4S Team Lead, Christopher Miller 18T20B 404-562-6304
ENBAS1 Atlanta Training Delivery, Yolanda Adams 18T20 404-562-6291
Region V Chicago, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio,
Wisconsin
EOD5 Secretary's Regional Representative, Kristine Cohn 1437 312-730-1700
500 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60661
EOD5 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, Todd Zoellick 1440 312-730-1707
Office for Civil Rights
Chicago Enforcement Office Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin,
Iowa, North Dakota
EC3 Office for Civil Rights Midwestern Division, Enforcement Coordinator, Linda McGovern 312-730-1595
Office for Civil Rights Chicago Office - Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin,
Iowa, North Dakota
ECD5 Director, Linda McGovern 1470 312-730-1595
(TDD) 312-353-2540
ECD5 Program Manager, Algis Tamosiunas 1466 312-730-1608
ECD5 Chief Civil Rights Attorney, Debbie Osgood 1471 312-730-1598
ECD51 Team 1, Timothy Yaros 1454 312-730-1617
ECD52 Team 2, Dave Blom 1491 312-730-1566
ECD53 Team 3, Jeff Turnbull 1464 312-730-1611
ECD54 Team 4, Don Pollar 1455 312-730-1600
ECD5R Team 5, Madonna T. Lechner 1460 312-730-1587
Office of Inspector General
EFD5A Regional Inspector General for Audit, Gary D. Whitman (A) 1403 312-730-1658
EFD5A Assistant Regional Inspector General for Audit, Gary D. Whitman 1403 312-730-1658
EFD5I Special Agent In Charge, Thomas D. Utz, Jr. (A) 14111 312-730-1652
EFD5I Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Thomas D. Utz, Jr. 14111 312-730-1652
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 21 -
11/2007
Region V Chicago Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio,
Wisconsin (cont.)
Office of Management
EMD5P Regional Personnel Officer, Sharon Wysinger (A)
50 United Nations Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94102-4987 9302 415-486-5703
EMD5P Regional Training and Development Center, Career Counselor, Chris Bardwell 1426 312-730-1672
Federal Student Aid
111 N. Canal Street, Suite 830, Chicago, IL 60606
END5E Customer Care Group, Diane Spadoni 1525 312-730-1486
END5F TOP Hearings & Interagency Appeals, Lorene Bills 1505 312-730-1448
END5H Administrative Wage Garnishment Hearings, William Pranchke 1501 312-730-1482
END5J Escalated Issues, Juanita Ford 1532 312-730-1462
END5G Chicago, Financial Partner Eligibility & Oversight, Northern Region,
Roberta Russo 1551 312-730-1500
END5S School Participation Team NW (Chicago), Area Case Director, Douglas Parrott 1583 312-730-1532
END5S Team Leader, John Jaros, Jr. 1581 312-730-1525
ENBAS1 Chicago Training Delivery, Jamie Malone 1576J 312-730-1528
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 22 -
11/2007
Enforcement Offices
Cleveland Enforcement Office Michigan, Ohio
ECD5C Director, Harry Orris 750 216-522-7640
(TDD) 216-522-4944
ECD5C Program Manager, Catherine Anderlet 750 216-522-4468
ECD5C Chief Attorney, Sandhya Sumbramanian 750 216-522-7642
ECD5C Administrative Officer, Denise Ennis 750 216-522-4977
ECD5C1 Team 1, Donald Yarab 750 216-522-4979
ECD5C2 Team 2, Rhonda Raines 750 216-522-4953
ECD5C3 Team 3, Frederick Head 750 216-522-7621
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 23 -
11/2007
Region VI Dallas Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico,
Oklahoma, Texas
EOD6 Secretary's Regional Representative, Jim Davis 1510 214-661-9500
1999 Bryan Street, Dallas, TX 75201-6817
EOD6 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, (Vacant) 1510 214-661-9500
Office for Civil Rights
Dallas Enforcement Office Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Oklahoma, Texas
ECD6 Director, Taylor D. August 1620 214-661-9601
1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1620, Dallas, TX 75201
ECD6 Executive Assistant, Jann Laws Jackson 1620 214-661-9633
ECD6 Complaint Intake/Customer Service 1620 214-661-9600
ECD6 Program Coordinator, George D. Cole 1620 214-661-9607
ECD6 Chief Civil Rights Attorney, Angela Hights 1620 214-661-9613
ECD6A Team A, Charlene Furr 1620 214-661-9614
ECD6B Team B, John Stephens 1620 214-661-9651
ECD6C Team C, Paul Coxe 1620 214-661-9608
ECD6D Team D, Vicki Johnson 1620 214-661-9627
ECD6F Team F, Sandra Stephens 1620 214-661-9652
Office of Inspector General
EFD6A Regional Inspector General for Audit, Sherri Demmel 14-400 214-661-9526
EFD6A Assistant Regional Inspector General for Audit, Jon Kucholtz 14-400 214-661-9527
EFD6I Special Agent In Charge, Patricia A. Van Gilder 14-400 214-661-9530
EFD6I Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Steven D. Anderson 14-400 214-661-9540
Office of Management
EMD6P Human Resources Specialist, Linda Holloway 1520 214-661-9458
Federal Student Aid
END6G Dallas, Financial Partner Eligibility & Oversight, Southern Region, Director,
Jerry Wallace (A) 1540 214-661-9515
END6S School Participation team SC (Dallas), Area Case Director, Patrick Kennedy 14112 214-661-9480
END6S Dallas Team Lead, Janet Dragoo 14111 214-661-9481
ENBAS1 Dallas Training Delivery, David Elliott 14127 214-661-9453
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 24 -
11/2007
Region VII Kansas City Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
EOD7 Secretary's Regional Representative, Mary Cohen 2002 816-268-0405
8930 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64114-3302
EOD7 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, (Vacant) 2002 816-268-0409
Office for Civil Rights
Kansas City Enforcement Office Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska,
North Dakota, South Dakota
ECD7 Director, Angela M. Bennett E2037 816-268-0550
(TDD) 800-437-0833
ECD7 Program Manager, Steven D. Stratton E2037 816-268-0587
ECD7 Chief Attorney, William Dittmeier E2037 816-268-0558
ECD7S Service Leadership Team, (Vacant) E2037 816-268-0550
ECD71 A Team, (Vacant) E2037 816-268-0571
ECD72 AA Team, Alan Hughes E2037 816-268-0565
ECD73 AAA Team, Jane McQueeny E2037 816-268-0488
ECD74 AAAA Team, Jody Van Wey E2037 816-268-0570
Office of Inspector General
EFD7A Regional Inspector General for Audit, Gary D. Whitman (A) 1403 312-730-1658
EFD7A Assistant Regional Inspector General for Audit, Janice Keeney E2094 816-268-0500
Office of Management
EMD7P Personnel Management Specialist, Barbara Mullen E2043 816-268-0461
Federal Student Aid
8390 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64114-3302
Kansas City Office - Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska,
Tennessee
END7S School Participation Team SC, (Kansas City) Area Case Director, Ralph A. LoBosco E2064 816-268-0440
END7S Team Lead, Dvak Corwin E2028 816-268-0420
ENBAS1 Kansas City Training Delivery, Linda Coffey E2061-25 816-268-0431
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 25 -
11/2007
Region VIII Denver Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota,
Utah, Wyoming
EOD8 Secretary's Regional Representative, Patricia M. Chlouber 310 303-844-3544
Federal Building, 1244 Speer Blvd, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582
EOD8 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, Wendy Evans 310 303-844-3544
Office for Civil Rights
EC4 Office for Civil Rights Western Division, Enforcement Coordinator, Gary Jackson 206-220-7880
Denver Enforcement Office - Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah,
Wyoming
ECD8 Director, Mary Lou Mobley 300 303-844-4480
(TDD) 303-844-3417
ECD8 Program Manager, Nancy Haberkorn 300 303-844-4823
ECD8 Chief Civil Rights Attorney, (Vacant) 300 303-844-4821
ECD8 Deputy Chief Civil Rights Attorney, Nicole Huggins 300 303-844-5295
ECD81 Team A, L.Thomas Close 300 303-844-4506
ECD82 Team B, (Vacant) 300 303-844-4524
ECD83 Team C, Thomas Rock 300 303-844-5927
ECD84 Team D, Aaron Romine 300 303-844-4568
Office of Management
EMD8P Personnel Management Specialist, Debbie O'Toole 353 303-844-3864
Federal Student Aid
1391 Speer Blvd., Suite 800, Denver, CO 80204
END8S School Participation Team NW, (Denver) Area Case Director, Harry Shriver 800 303-844-3677 x116
END8S Team Lead, Dan Whiting 800 303-844-3677 x120
ENBAS1 Denver Training Delivery, Deborah Tarpley 800 303-844-3677 x118
ENBAS1 Denver Training Delivery, Jacque Straub 800 303-844-3677 x117
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 26 -
11/2007
Region IX San Francisco Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada,
American Samoa, Guam, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
EOD9 Secretary's Regional Representative, Chris Wright 9107 415-486-5708
50 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
EOD9 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, Tori Hatada 9107 415-786-5708
Office for Civil Rights
San Francisco Enforcement Office California
ECD9 Director, Arthur C. Zeidman 7200 415-486-5555
(TDD) 877-521-2172
ECD9 Program Manager, Charles R. Love, Jr. 7200 415-486-5555
ECD9 Program Manager, (Vacant) 7200 415-486-5555
ECD9 Chief General Attorney, Paul D. Grossman 7200 415-486-5555
ECD96 Case Support Team Leader, Dorothy W. Brady 7200 415-486-5555
ECD91 Team A Leader, Robert E. Scott 7200 415-486-5554
ECD92 Team B Leader, David R. Rolandelli 7200 415-486-5547
ECD93 Team C Leader, Stephen Chen 7200 415-486-5509
ECD94 Team D Leader, James M. Wood, Jr. 7200 415-486-5566
ECD95 Team E Leader, Stella B. Klugman 7200 415-486-5526
Office of Inspector General
EFD9A Regional Inspector General for Audit, Gloria Pilotti 9-200 916-930-2388
501 I Street, Suite 9-200, Sacramento, CA 95814
EFD9A Assistant Regional Inspector General for Audit, Beverly Dalman 9-200 916-930-2393
EFD9I Special Agent In Charge, Natalie M. Forbort 1200 562-980-4141
One World Trade Center, Long Beach, CA 90831
EFD9I Assistant Special Agent In Charge, David J. Aspling 1200 562-980-4141
Office of Management
EMD9P Regional Personnel Officer, Sharon L. Wysinger 9302 415-486-5703
EMD9P Training and Development Center, Career Counselor, Marjorie Singer 9402 415-486-5718
Federal Student Aid
50 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
END9E Processing Regional Office, Jane Bryson 8603 415-486-5633
END9E1 Litigation Support, Chad Keller 8626 415-486-5652
END9E2 Loan Exchange Repurchase, Lawrence Graeber 8617 415-486-5648
END9E3 Student Aid Entitlements, Daniel Opperman 8618 415-486-5659
END9G San Francisco, Financial Partnership Eligibility & Oversight, Western Region, 7100 415-486-5680
Director, Roberta Russo
END9S School Participation Team, NW, (San Francisco/Seattle) Area Case Director, 9815 415-486-5609
Linda Henderson
END9S San Francisco/Seattle Co-Team Lead, Martina Fernandez-Rosario 9809 415-486-5605
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 27 -
11/2007
Region X Seattle Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
EODX Secretary's Regional Representative, Donna Foxley 3362 206-220-7800
Jackson Federal Bldg, 915 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98174-1099
EODX Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, Eric Earling 3362 206-220-7808
Office for Civil Rights
Seattle Enforcement Office Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon,
Washington, Pacific Regions
ECDX Director, Gary Jackson 3310 206-220-7900
(TDD) 206-220-7907
ECDX Associate Director, (Vacant) 3310 206-220-7900
ECDX Chief Attorney, John Benjes 3310 206-220-7890
ECDX Deputy Chief Attorney, Joan Rubin 3310 206-220-7892
ECDX Administrative Officer, Darlene Yamada 3310 206-220-4184
ECDX1 Team A, Dennis Moore 3310 206-220-7923
ECDX2 Team B, Susan Read 3310 206-220-7925
ECDX3 Team C, Randy Borkowski (A) 3310 206-220-7938
ECDX4 Team D, Randy Borkowski 3310 206-220-7938
Office of Management
EMDXP Personnel Management Specialist, Ike Gilbert 3388 206-220-7813
Jackson Federal Bldg, 915 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98174-1099
Federal Student Aid
701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1600, Seattle, WA 98101
END9S San Francisco/Seattle Team Lead, Marcia Clark 486 206-615-3699
ENBAS2 Seattle QA and X-sites Duty Station, Michael Cagle 1600 206-615-2586
ENBAS1 Seattle Training Delivery, Linda Burkhardt 1600 206-615-2174
ENBAS1 Seattle Training Delivery, Marianna Deeken 1600 206-615-2583
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Regional Satellite Offices
- 28-
11/2007
REGION II
U.S. Department of Education, OIG/OI and OA
Federal Building, Room 747
Box 772
150 Carlos Chardon Avenue
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico 00918-1721
Telephone - (787) 766-6278 Office of Audit
REGION IV
Office of Inspector General
9050 Pines Blvd, Suite 270
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
Telephone - (305) 356-7827
REGION IX
U.S. Department of Education, OIG/Investigations
One World Trade Center, Suite 2300
Long Beach, CA 90831
Telephone - (562) 980-4141
U.S. Department of Education, OIG/Investigation/Audit
501 I Street, Room 9-200
Sacramento, CA 95814
Telephone - (916) 930-2388
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
Education Boards, Commissions, and Councils
- 29 -
11/2007
EYEA Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance
Executive Director, William J. Goggins 413 CP 7582 219-2099
Designated Federal Official, Dan Madzelan 8036 K St. 8544 502-7816
EMJK Civil Rights Reviewing Authority
Director, Richard I. Slippen 2100A LP 7550 619-9700
EO Commission on Presidential Scholars
Executive Director, Melissa Apostolides 5E229 LBJ 7554 205-0512
EO Federal Interagency Committee on Education
Executive Director, Anthony Fowler 5E222 LBJ 7465 401-3673
EPYEK Historically Black Colleges and Universities Capital Financing Advisory Board
Executive Director, Donald Watson 7127 K St. 8500 219-7037
EPHC5 Jacob K. Javits Fellows Program Fellowship Board
Executive Director, Cosette Ryan 6008 K St. 8524 502-7637
EPYEE National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity
Executive Director, Melissa Lewis 7127 K St. 8500 219-7009
ESYI National Advisory Council on Indian Education
Acting Designated Federal Official, Pierce Hammond 3C106 LBJ 6335 205-0687
EZ National Assessment Governing Board
Executive Director, Charles Smith 800/825 NC 357-6938
Deputy Executive Director, Mary Crovo 800/825 NC 357-6938
Designated Federal Official, Munira Mwalimu 800/825 NC 357-6906
Designated Federal Official-Mary Grace Lucier 6021 CP 5530 219-2253
EYER National Board of Education Sciences
EPYEP National Board of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, III
Designated Federal Official, Ralph Hines (A) 6151 K St. 8544 502-7618
EPYEM National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation
Executive Director, Melissa Lewis 7127 K St. 8500 219-7009
EX National Institute for Literacy Advisory Board
Executive Director, Sandra L. Baxter Suite 730 I17 7560 233-2025
EAPYB President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Executive Director, Leonard Haynes, III 6123 K St. 8544 502-7549
EAYPT President's Board of Advisors on Tribal Colleges and Universities
Executive Director, Deborah Cavett 7010 K St. 8500 219-7040
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
Education Boards, Commissions, and Councils
- 30 -
11/2007
EAYHE A National Dialogue: The Secretary of Education's Commission
on the Future of Higher Education
Executive Director, Cheryl Oldham 7E303 LBJ 24 205-5233
EQYA Safe & Drug Free Schools & Communities Advisory Committee
Chief of Staff, Designated Federal Official, Catherine Davis 1E110B LBJ 6400 205-3864
EDYM National Mathematics Advisory Panel
Executive Director, Tyrell Flawn 5E332 LBJ 1400 260-8354
ESYR Reading First Advisory Committee
Designated Federal Official, Deborah Spitz 3W248 LBJ 260-3793
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
Independent Organizations Affiliated with the Department of Education
- 31 -
11/2007
Architectural & Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
Executive Director, Lawrence Roffee
1331 F Street, NW, Washington DC 20004-1111 Suite 1000 272-0080
EX National Institute For Literacy
Executive Director, Sandra Baxter
1775 I Street, NW, Washington DC 20006-2417 Suite 730 I17 7560 233-2025
National Council on Disability
Executive Director, Mark Quigley (A)
1331 F Street, NW, Washington DC 20004-1107 Suite 850 272-2004
EZ National Assessment Governing Board
Executive Director, Charles E. Smith
800 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington DC 20002-4233 Suite 825 NC 7583 357-6938
Federally Aided Corporations
American Printing House for the Blind
President, Tuck Tinsley, III 502-895-2405
PO Box 6085, Louisville KY 40206-0085 1-800-223-1839
(www.aph.org)
Gallaudet University
President, Robert R. Davila (TTY/Voice) 202-651-5000
800 Florida Ave NE, Washington DC 20002-3695
(www.gallaudet.edu)
Howard University
President, H. Patrick Swygert 202-806-6100
2400 Sixth St NW, Suite 402, Washington DC 20059
(www.howard.edu)
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Dean, T. Alan Hurwitz (TTY/Voice) 585-475-6400
Lyndon Baines Johnson Building, 52 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester NY 14623-5604
(http://ntidweb.rit.edu)
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 32 -
11/2007
OS
Immediate Office of the Secretary 7W225 LBJ 401-0596
White House Liaison 7E216 LBJ 205-0501
Executive Management Staff 7E107 LBJ 205-0723
Scheduling and Advance Staff 7W221 LBJ 401-0048
Office of Educational Technology 7E224 LBJ 401-3941
Management Improvement Team 7E302C LBJ 260-4406
Executive Secretariat 7C140 LBJ 401-2854
Correspondence and Communication Control Unit 7E114 LBJ 260-7867
ODS
Immediate Office of the Deputy Secretary 7W308 LBJ 205-7655
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization 7046 PCP 245-6304
OCR
Office for Civil Rights 6107-O PCP 245-6872
Resource Management Group 6149 PCP 245-6842
Human Resources Team 6149 PCP 245-6842
Customer Service Team 7038 PCP 245-6840
Program Legal Group 6127 PCP 245-6846
OPEPD
Assistant Secretary 5E313 LBJ 260-7741
Policy and Program Studies Service 6W308 LBJ 401-3036
Budget Service 5W331C LBJ 401-6139
Administrative Budget Analysis Division 5W209C LBJ 205-0302
Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Research Analysis Division 5W101 LBJ 401-0220
Performance Information Management Service 6W254 LBJ 260-7216
OUS
Immediate Office of the Under Secretary 7E322C LBJ 205-0063
OIG
Office of Inspector General/Immediate Office 8th Floor PCP 245-6995
Audit Services 8th Floor PCP 245-7030
Evaluation and Inspection Services 8th Floor PCP 245-7089
Management Services 8th Floor PCP 245-7012
Investigation Services 8th Floor PCP 245-6990
Washington/Philadelphia Investigation Region 8th Floor PCP 245-7087
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 33 -
11/2007
OGC
General Counsel/Executive Office 205-2689
Educational Equity and Research Division 260-2972
Elementary, Secondary, Adult, and Vocational Education Division 205-0524
Ethics Division 260-5104
Postsecondary Education Division 401-5391
Regulatory Services Division 260-5085
Business and Administrative Law Division 401-9528
Legislative Counsel Division 260-5093
OSERS
Office of the Assistant Secretary
Human Resources Team/Executive Office 5152 PCP 245-7637
Communications & Customer Service Team 5129A PCP 245-7636
Office of Special Education Programs/Office of the Director 4114A PCP 245-7615
Program Support Services Group 4126A PCP 245-7616
Monitoring and State Improvement Planning Division 4001A PCP 245-7614
Research to Practice Division 4120A PCP 245-7619
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research/Office of the Director 6057 PCP 245-7630
Rehabilitation Services Administration/Office of the Commissioner 5081A PCP 245-7592
Program Support Staff 5172 PCP 245-7589
State Monitoring & Program Improvement Division 5001 PCP 245-7590
State Monitoring & Program Improvement Units 5029A PCP 245-7588
Training & Services Program Division 5029A PCP 245-7591
Training Programs Unit 5048A PCP 245-7593
CIO
Chief Information Officer 9109 PCP 245-6621
Executive Office 4E225 LBJ 401-2455
Assistive Technology Team BC101 LBJ 401-8469
Network Services Team 10056 PCP 245-6691
Development Services Team 9059 PCP 245-6622
OLCA
Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs 6W301 LBJ 401-1438
OCFO
Chief Financial Officer 4E327 LBJ 401-0006
Executive Officer 4E225 LBJ 401-2455
Contracts and Acquisition Management 7154 PCP 245-6280
Contracts Group A 7167 PCP 245-6278
Contracts Group B 7141 PCP 245-6298
Contracts Group C 7135 PCP 245-6296
Contracts Group D 7118 PCP 245-6297
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 34 -
11/2007
OCFO (cont)
Financial Improvement and Post Audit Operations 2102 UCP 275-3462
Post Audit Group 2102 UCP 275-3462
Indirect Cost Group 2102 UCP 275-4641
Internal Control Evaluation Group 22C7X UCP 275-4810
Financial Management Operations 4C146 LBJ 205-0765
General Accounting Group 4C146 LBJ 205-0765
Accounts Payable Group 4E117 LBJ 401-1955
Accounts Receivable Group 21J3 UCP 275-4642
Financial Systems Operations 4E248 LBJ 401-8341
Functional Applications Group 4E300 LBJ 205-0729
Electronic Grant Initiatives and Support Staff 7099 PCP 245-6271
Application Control Center 7041 PCP 245-6272
Systems Operations and Maintenance Group 4E248 LBJ 401-8341
Financial Systems Support Group 4E300 LBJ 205-0729
EDCAPS Vendor File 4E206 LBJ 260-1227
EDCAPS Helpdesk/Hotline 7054 PCP 245-6286
Financial Systems Transactions Group 4C127 LBJ 205-2435
OM
Office of the Assistant Secretary 2W311 LBJ 260-3761
Executive Office 2W133 LBJ 401-3513
Facilities and Management Services
Facilities Services Group 2E105 LBJ 401-0994
Federal Real Property Assistance Program 2E117 LBJ 401-0828
Management Services Group
Office of the Director 2E105 LBJ 401-0485
Customer Service Center 1E108 LBJ 260-7133
Human Resources Services 2E324 LBJ 401-0520
Training and Development Team 2W226 LBJ 401-0434
Office of Hearings and Appeals 2100A LBJ 619-9726
Equal Employment Opportunity Services 2W228 LBJ 205-5760
Security Services 2W229 LBJ 205-7940
Regulatory Information Management Services 9138 PCP 245-6623
FSA
Immediate Office of the Chief Operating Officer UCP 275-5000
Ombudsman UCP 275-0549
Program Compliance
Chief Compliance Officer UCP 275-5735
School Eligibility Channel UCP 275-3486
Integrated Partner Management UCP 275-5726
Financial Partnership & Oversight UCP 275-0913
Business Operations UCP 275-0439
Application Operations & Delivery Services UCP 275-4551
School Services and Training Channel UCP 275-4551
Program Operations Channel UCP 275-3479
Financial Partners Services UCP 275-0913
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 35 -
11/2007
FSA (cont)
Borrower Services UCP 275-3468
Chief Information Officer UCP 690-5033
Chief Financial Officer UCP 275-3477
Communications Management Services UCP 205-0079
Human Resources 22B6 UCP 275-0486
Student Aid Awareness and Applicant Services UCP 275-0064
OCO
Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary 7C115 LBJ 401-8607
Communication Development 7E245 LBJ 401-3130
Community Services 5E203 LBJ 205-0676
Information Resources Center 5E233 LBJ 401-0689
Educational Partnerships and Family Involvement 5E100 LBJ 205-9133
Regional Services 5E325 LBJ 401-8552
OPE
Office of the Assistant Secretary and Staff Offices
Office of the Assistant Secretary 7115 K St. 502-7677
Executive Office 7152 K St. 502-7866
Accreditation and State Liaison Staff 7128 K St. 219-7005
National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity 7007 K St. 219-7008
National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation 7007 K St. 219-7008
Policy, Planning and Innovation
Policy, Planning, and Innovation/Immediate Office 8022 K St. 502-7875
Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education 8026 K St. 502-7877
Policy, Budget Development Staff 8074 K St. 502-7873
Forecasting and Policy Analysis Staff 8093 K St. 502-7874
Strategic Planning Staff 8036 K St. 502-7876
Program Oversight Staff 8043 K St. 502-7665
Higher Education Programs
Higher Education Programs/Immediate Office 6114 K St. 502-7852
Operations and Coordination Staff 6114 K St. 502-7852
Higher Education Preparation and Support Service 7044 K St. 502-7857
Institutional Development and Undergraduate Education Service 6040 K St. 502-7861
International Education Programs Service 6006 K St. 502-7859
Teacher and Student Development Programs 6123 K St. 502-7675
OSDFS
Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools 3E324 LBJ 260-7767
Office of the Assistant Deputy Secretary 1E110 LBJ 260-5005
Executive Office 3E204 LBJ 260-5722
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 36 -
11/2007
IES
Office of the Director 600 CP 219-1402
Executive Office 602H CP 219-1466
National Center for Education Statistics/Office of the Commissioner 9109 K St. 502-7466
Early Childhood, International and Crosscutting Studies Division 9146 K St. 502-7455
Elementary/Secondary and Libraries Studies Division 9088 K St. 502-7475
Postsecondary Studies Division 8111 K St. 502-7460
Assessment Division 8015 K St. 502-7440
OESE
Office of the Assistant Secretary 3W315 LBJ 205-0303
Management and Administrative Unit 3W324 LBJ 205-0310
Impact Aid Programs/Office of the Director 3C143 LBJ 205-0088
Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs 3W240 LBJ 260-7764
Office of Migrant Education 3E327 LBJ 205-0089
Academic Achievement and Teacher Quality Programs 3W213 LBJ 260-8969
School Support and Technology Programs 3E243 LBJ 205-5870
Office of Indian Education/Office of the Director 5C128 LBJ 260-7779
OELA
Office of the Director 10086 PCP 245-7168
Executive Office 10090 PCP 245-7164
State Consolidated Grant Division 10118 PCP 245-7167
Continuation and Professional Development Grants Division 10065 PCP 245-7166
Special Initiatives Division 10094 PCP 245-7163
OII
Office of Innovation and Improvement 4W327 LBJ 401-4123
Executive Office 4W333 LBJ 401-4123
Office of Non-Public Education 4W341 LBJ 401-1368
Family Policy Compliance Office 2W113 LBJ 260-9001
Fund for the Improvement of Education 4W203 LBJ 205-5631
Parental Options and Information 4W225 LBJ 205-5630
Teacher Quality Programs 4W318 LBJ 401-8466
Improvement Programs 4W238 LBJ 205-5630
Technology in Education Programs 4W254 LBJ 205-5720
OVAE
Office of the Assistant Secretary 11113 PCP 245-7837
Administrative Staff 11102 PCP 245-7838
Adult Education and Literacy Division 11159 PCP 245-7839
Academic and Technical Education Division 11018 PCP 245-7170
11062 PCP 245-7171
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 37 -
11/2007
Region I
Secretary's Regional Representative 514 617-289-0151
Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative 514 617-289-0151
Office for Civil Rights - Boston Enforcement Office 911 617-289-0150
617-289-0155
Office of Inspector General 11th Fl 617-289-0156
Federal Real Property Assistance Program (Boston) 1143 617-289-0158
Human Resources Office 1095 617-565-6633
Region II
Secretary's Regional Representative 12th Fl 646-428-3904
Office for Civil Rights-New York Enforcement Office 646-428-3843
Office of Inspector General 26th Fl 646-428-3868
Human Resources Office 2505 646-428-3793
Eastern Region Financial Partner Eligibility & Oversight 2500 646-428-3773
Federal Student Aid 646-428-3742
Region III
Secretary's Regional Representative 505 215-656-6020
Office for Civil Rights - Philadelphia Enforcement Office 515 215-656-8605
215-656-5653
Office of Inspector General 502 215-656-6397
Human Resources Services 503 215-656-6026
Federal Student Aid 511 215-656-6499
District of Columbia Enforcement Office
District of Columbia Enforcement Office 316 202-208-7797
Region IV
Secretary's Regional Representative 19T40 404-562-6520
Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative 19T40 404-562-6520
Office for Civil Rights - Atlanta Enforcement Office 19T70 404-562-6455
Office of Inspector General 18T71 404-562-6509
Collections Contract Oversight 404-562-6008
Region V
Secretary's Regional Representative 1437 312-730-1704
Office for Civil Rights - Chicago Enforcement Office 1470 312-730-1567
Federal Student Aid - Customer Care Group 1525 312-730-1457
Northern Region Financial Partner Eligible & Oversight 1577 312-730-1503
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 38 -
11/2007
Cleveland Enforcement Office
Cleveland Enforcement Office 750 216-522-2573
Region VI
Secretary's Regional Representative 2700 214-661-9594
Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative 2700 214-661-9594
Office for Civil Rights - Dallas Enforcement Office 2600 214-661-9587
214-661-9583
Office of Inspector General 14-400 214-661-9531
214-661-9589
Human Resources Services 1520 214-661-9580
Southern Region Partner Services 1540 214-661-9581
Federal Student Aid 214-661-9662
Region VII
Secretary's Regional Representative 7th Fl 816-268-0407
Office for Civil Rights - Kansas City Enforcement Office 8th Fl 816-823-1404
Office of Inspector General 2nd Fl 816-823-1398
816-880-4011
Personnel Management E2043 816-823-1401
Federal Student Aid 2028 816-823-1402
Region VIII
Secretary's Regional Representative 310 303-844-2524
Office for Civil Rights - Denver Enforcement Office 300 303-844-4303
Regional Personnel Management 353 303-844-3708
Region IX
Secretary's Regional Representative 9107 415-486-5719
Office for Civil Rights - San Francisco Enforcement Office 7200 415-486-5570
Office of Inspector General
Sacramento, CA 9-200 916-930-2390
Long Beach, CA 1200 562-980-4143
Human Resources Services 9300 415-486-5706
Processing Regional Office 415-487-7778
Western Region Financial Partner Eligibility & Oversight 7100 415-486-5679
School Participation Team - San Francisco/Seattle 7100 415-486-5676
Region X
Secretary's Regional Representative 3362 206-220-7806
Office for Civil Rights - Seattle Enforcement Office 3310 206-220-7887
Human Resources Office 3388 206-220-7949
Federal Student Aid 1600 206-615-2508
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 39 -
11/2007
Education Boards, Commissions, and Councils
Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance 413 CP 219-3032
Civil Rights Reviewing Authority 2100A LP 619-9726
Commission on Presidential Scholars 5E205 LBJ 205-0676
Federal Interagency Committee on Education 5E230 LBJ 260-7465
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Capital Financing Advisory Board 6033 K St. 502-7852
Jacob K. Javits Fellows Program Fellowship Board 6014 K St. 502-7860
National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity 7007 K St. 219-7008
National Advisory Council on Indian Education 5C128 LBJ 260-7779
National Advisory Governing Board 800/825 NC 357-6945
National Board of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education 8022 K St. 502-7877
National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation 7007 K St. 219-7008
National Board of Education Sciences 6021 CP 210-1466
National Institute for Literacy Advisory Board 730 I17 233-2050
National Mathematics Advisory Panel 5E332 LBJ 260-7741
President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities 6109 K St. 502-7879
President's Board of Advisors on Tribal Colleges and Universities 7010 K St. 219-7086
Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities 1E110B LBJ 205-5005
Independent Organizations Affiliated with the Department of Education
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Suite 1000 272-0081
National Institute For Literacy Suite 730 I17 233-2050
National Council on Disability Suite 850 272-2022
National Assessment Governing Board Suite 825 NC 357-6945
Federally Aided Corporations
American Printing House for the Blind 502-899-2274
Gallaudet University 202-651-5704
National Technical Institute for the Deaf 585-475-5978
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
TDD/TTY Numbers
- 40 -
11/2007
OSERS
Office of the Assistant Secretary 205-5465
Human Resources Team (Executive Office) 205-2735
Office of Special Education Programs
Louise Tripoli 260-8875
Office of the Director/Deputy Director 205-5637
National Initiatives Team 205-8170
Rehabilitation Services Administration
Office of the Commissioner 205-5538
OM
Executive Office
Bruce Monblatt 260-8956
Human Resources Services
Vacancy Information 401-2296
Office of Hearings and Appeals
Informal Dispute Resolution Center 619-9731
FSA
Office of the Ombudsman 377-3800
OCO
Communication Development 401-0594
Information Resource Center 401-1032
Region I
Office for Civil Rights - Boston Enforcement Office 617-289-0063
Region III
Office for Civil Rights - Philadelphia Enforcement Office 877-521-2172
District of Columbia Enforcement Office
District of Columbia Enforcement Office 202-208-7741
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
TDD/TTY Numbers
- 41 -
11/2007
Region IV
Office for Civil Rights - Atlanta Enforcement Office 404-562-6454
Region V
Office for Civil Rights - Chicago Enforcement Office 312-353-2540
Cleveland Enforcement Office
Cleveland Enforcement Office 216-522-4944
Region VII
Office for Civil Rights - Kansas City Enforcement Office 800-437-0833
Region VIII
Office for Civil Rights - Denver Enforcement Office 303-844-3417
Region IX
Office for Civil Rights - San Francisco Enforcement Office 877-521-2172
Region X
Office for Civil Rights - Seattle Enforcement Office 206-220-7907
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Conference Rooms
Room Number Capacity Office Contact Person Phone Number
- 42 -
11/2007
LBJ
Auditorium 200+ OM/MS 708-HELP (Option #3)
2C100 16 OM Available In Outlook
2C101 16 OM Available In Outlook
2E100 6-8 OM Available In Outlook
2E101 4 OM Available In Outlook
2E102 8-10 OM Available In Outlook
2E104 4 OM Available In Outlook
2W100 8 OM Available In Outlook
4C101 14 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
4E100 8 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
4E101 6 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
4E102 8 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
4E104 6 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
5C100 14 OPEPD Maria Wade 401-1700
5C102 6 OPEPD Maria Wade 401-1700
5C103 6 OPEPD Maria Wade 401-1700
5E100 8 OCO Katrina Bridges 401-0431
5E101 25 OCO Katrina Bridges 401-0431
5E307 14 OCO Katrina Bridges 401-0431
5W100 8 OPEPD Maria Wade 401-1700
6C100 14 OPEPD Azalea Saunders 401-3132
6C101 15 OGC Mary Proctor/Aubrey Stallings 401-8340
6E100 8 OGC Mary Proctor/Aubrey Stallings 401-8340
6E101 6 OGC Mary Proctor/Aubrey Stallings 401-8340
6E102 8 OGC Mary Proctor/Aubrey Stallings 401-8340
6E104 6 OGC Mary Proctor/Aubrey Stallings 401-8340
6W100 8 OPEPD Azalea Saunders 401-3132
7C100 14 OS/SEC Erika Kirby 401-3082
7C101 14 OS/SEC Erika Kirby 401-3082
7E100 8 OS/SEC Erika Kirby 401-3082
7E102 8 OS/SEC Erika Kirby 401-3082
PCP
4080 45 OSEP/OSERS Juanita Carpenter 245-7294
4090 30 OSEP/OSERS Juanita Carpenter 245-7294
4095 10 OSEP/OSERS Juanita Carpenter 245-7294
4155 15 OSEP/OSERS Juanita Carpenter 245-7294
6008 20 OCR Corey Pickeral 245-6705
6083 25 OCR Sharon Davis 245-6798
6158 50 OCR Corey Pickeral 245-6705
6163 10 OCR Corey Pickeral 245-6705
7080 38 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
7085 8 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
7093 14 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
7105 38 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
7193 8 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
8th Floor Varies OIG Theodore Polk 245-7044
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Conference Rooms
Room Number Capacity Office Contact Person Phone Number
- 43 -
11/2007
Region IX
137 64 FSA Program Compliance 415-556-4201
254 40 SRR 415-556-4120
546 23 SRR 415-556-4120
GSA
Cohen Bldg.
Auditorium 500 Marlene Holmes 619-0510
ROB
Auditorium 210 Reservations by E-Mail Only. EMails
should be sent to EACH of the
following GSA Associates:
1034 30 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
1917 14 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
2664B 30 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
5009 30 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
5051 30 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
490 L'Enfant Plaza
A 50 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
B 50 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
A&B 100 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
C 12 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
Training Room D 15 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
The Training Room 30 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 44 -
11/2007
Administrative Codes (Organization Codes) 401-0697
Administrative Communications System (ACS) (ED Directives) 401-8548
Advisory Committee Information (membership, location, etc.) 401-3677
Website:
http://www.ed.gov/inits/commissionsboards/index.html
Airport Limousine Service
Baltimore Washington International 1-800-435-9294
Shuttle from Amtrak to BWI 1-800-872-7245
Super Shuttle (BWI, Dulles, and Reagan National) 1-800-258-3826
Website: www.supershuttle.com
Application Control Center for Grants, 7066 PCP 245-6288
Audiovisual Services 708-HELP
Audit Follow-Up 377-3816
Blood Drive, 2E107 LBJ 205-7899
Building Passes (Picture ID's), 2C103 LBJ
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Outside Normal Business Hours call: 401-0372 or
401-3611
Building Services (light, heat, air conditioning--all bldgs)
Normal Workday--Customer Service Center 708-HELP
After Normal Workday--Emergency Control Center 708-1111
Cafeteria Liaison, 2E100 LBJ 205-3957
Cafeteria Manager (Edibles) 646-1372
Contracts and Acquisition Management
Policy 245-6205
Scheduling 245-6289
Solicitation Mail out/Proposal Receipt, 7153 PCP 245-6289
Copier Analyst/Services 401-3088/401-0411
Copy Centers
L-09 CP 219-1815
BE109 LBJ (B Level) 205-5088
401-7562
6009 K Street 219-7119
P2 Level PCP 245-7671
1208 UCP 377-3346/47
Credit Union
2nd floor, HHH 488-5400
Customer Service/Hotline 708-4357
Day Care Center
Switzer 1300 Corridor 260-7643
260-7644
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 45 -
11/2007
Delegations of Authority 260-8961
Departmental Auditorium 708-HELP
Option #3
ED Notebook 205-3957
ED Publications (EDPUBS) 1-877-4ED-PUBS
Internet Library@ed.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity, 2W228 LBJ 401-3560
Equipment--new and surplus 708-HELP
Equipment Repair (typewriters, calculators) 708-HELP
Fedex/Mail Room, B Level 102 LBJ 401-0966/401-0969
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act--Buckley
Amendment) Inquiries 260-3887
Federal Real Property Assistance Program (FRPA) Inquires 202-260-4558
Finance
Accounts Receivable 401-1457
Funds Availability
Program Funds--Current Year 1-888-336-8930
Prior Year Funds--Administrative and Program 1-888-336-8930
Payments
Contracts & Miscellaneous Grants 401-0995
FEDWIRE/ACH-EFT 401-1114
ACH Payments 1-888-336-8930
Fire and Safety Specialist, 2W336 LBJ 401-1301
(Pager)
1-800-496-1438
Fitness Centers
Fitness Association of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (FAB)
Postal Square Building #2, Washington, DC 691-7809
Regional Office Building Fitness Association (ROBFA)
Regional Office Building #3, 7th and D Streets, SW
Washington, DC 205-9731
LBJ Education Building
400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Room BC105
Washington, DC 20202 205-5205
Region 1
FitCorp
Prudential Center, Suite 2475, Boston, MA 02199 617-375-5600
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 46 -
11/2007
Fitness Centers (cont.)
Region 3
The Sporting Club at the Bellevue 215-985-9876
224 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Region 4
Atlanta Federal Center, 61 Forsythe Street, SW 404-562-7703
Atlanta, GA 30303
Region 5
Randolph Athletic Club 312-269-5820
188 W. Randolph Street, 27th Fl, Chicago, IL 60601
Region 6
YMCA Downtown Dallas 214-954-0500
601 North Akard Street, Dallas, TX 75201
Region 8
1244 Speer Boulevard, Denver, CO 80294 303-844-6086
Kevin Daly, ED Contact
Region 9
50 United Nations Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94102 415-437-7918
Thomas Purvis, ED Contact
Region 10
915 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98174-1009 206-220-6134
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Inquiries, PCP 9143 245-6651
Furniture 708-HELP
Government Purchase Cards 245-6204
Grants
Application Mail out/Receipt, 7066 PCP 245-6288
Policy 245-6119
Scheduling 245-6119
Graphics, 5W116 LBJ 401-0762
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 47 -
11/2007
Guards' Offices
LBJ, Lobby (C Street, East) 205-9039
LBJ, Lobby (Maryland Ave) 401-1596
ROB3, 7th St Lobby 708-7181
Switzer, Rm 1020 205-5434
UCP Lobby 377-3333
Federal Protective Service Police Control Center 708-1111
Health and Environmental Safety, 2C105 260-8977
Health Units (HQ)
BC115 LBJ 401-0464
9900 PCP 245-6670
Room 1553, GAO, 441 G Street, NW (Serving Capitol 512-5486
Place)
Room 7239, HUD, 451 7th Street, SW (Serving L'Enfant 708-4265
Plaza)
Room 369, Lafayette Building, 811 Vermont Avenue, NW 565-9321
Room LL80, National Park Service, 800 N. Capitol
Street, NW 523-5203
Suite G1-20, Ronald Reagan Building,
1331 Pennsylvania Ave., NW 565-1940
Room 7161, 1990 K Street, NW 502-7863
Suite 2100, Union Center Plaza III, 830 1st Street, NE 377-3574
Health Units (Regional Offices)
Region 1
John F. Kennedy Bldg., Room E-110 617-565-1041
Government Center (Lowrise), Boston, MA 02203 (Fax) 617-565-1049
Region 2
Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, 26 Federal Plaza 212-264-9177
Room 138, New York, NY 10278-0004 (Fax) 212-264-4381
United States Federal Building, 150 Carlos Chardon Ave. 787-766-5348/5503
Room 402, Hato Rey, PR 00918-1713 (Fax) 787-766-5804
Region 3
Basement Level, 1650 Arch Street 215-814-2800
Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Fax) 215-814-2810
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 48 -
11/2007
Health Units (Regional Offices) (cont.)
Region 4
Atlanta Federal Center, 100 Alabama Street, SW 404-562-7551
Room 2-R40, Atlanta, GA 30303 (Fax) 404-562-7590
Region 5
Federal Building, 536 South Clark Street, Room 288 312-353-0307/0308
Chicago, IL 60605-1521 (Fax) 312-353-0145
Federal Building & United States Courthouse 651-290-3051/3052
316 Robert Street, Room 167 (Fax) 651-290-3560
St. Paul, MN 55101-1423
Region 6
1301 Young Street, Room 150 214-767-3286
Dallas, TX 75202 (Fax) 214-767-8354
Federal Building, 300 East 8th Street, Room G-159 512-916-5616
Austin, TX 78701-3220 (Fax) 512-916-5637
Region 7
Federal Building, 601 East 12th Street, Room 901 816-426-3377
Kansas City, MO 64106 (Fax) 816-426-3352
Region 8
Denver Federal Building & Courthouse, Federal 303-844-3786
Office Building, 1961 Stout Street, Room 322 (Fax) 303-844-4096
Denver, CO 80294
Region 9
DFOH Health Center, 50 United Nations Plaza, Room 40 415-437-8830
San Francisco, CA 94102-4988 (Fax) 415-437-8832
Federal Building, 501 I Street, Suite 7-300 916-930-2290
Sacramento, CA 95814 (Fax) 916-930-2295
Region 10
Jackson Federal Building, 915 2nd Avenue, Room 570 206-220-7630
Seattle, WA 98174-1099 (Fax) 206-220-4672
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 49 -
11/2007
Help Desk 708-HELP
I.D. Badges--See Building Passes
Indirect Cost Determination 377-3838
Informal Dispute Resolution Center 619-9700
Information Collection Clearances, PCP 9164 245-6604
Information Resource Center 1-800-USA-LEARN
Inspector General's Fraud Hotline 245-6911
Library
Administration 205-4410
Cataloging 260-8169
Circulation 205-4945
Collection Development 260-0203
Electronic Document Delivery 205-8698
Electronic Resources 260-8181
Interlibrary Loan 260-0194
Government Documents 260-8170
On-Line Databases 260-8181
Reference/Research/Statistics 205-5015 or
205-5019
Outside Washington Area 1-800-424-1616
Email Library@ed.gov
Lost and Found--see Guards' Offices
Mail Management (Mailing Advice, Back Shipment, Overnight
and Accountable (Numbered) Mail Information) 401-1292
Mail Room, BC102 LBJ (Internal/External Pickup/Delivery) 401-0966/401-0969
Metro 637-7000
Website: www.wmata.com (TTY) 638-3780
Motor Pool, 1E102 LBJ 401-3861
Movers 708-HELP
National Library of Education
Director 219-1012
ERIC Director 208-2321
News Room (press releases, etc.) 7E200 LBJ 401-1576
Organization/Reorganization Approval (Information) (TDD) 260-8956
Organization Codes (Administrative Codes) 401-0697
Parking, 2E327 LBJ 205-4860
Parking Attendants, B-Level 401-6570
Payroll Liaison 401-0536
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 50 -
11/2007
Personnel Information
Employee Records, 2C120 LBJ 401-9025
Employment Information 205-3885
Employment Verifications 401-9025
Forms--available from Customer Service Team III, 2C116 LBJ 401-9025
Grievances 401-3927
Health Benefits 401-1920
Incentive Awards 401-1920
Insurance 401-1920
Labor Relations 401-3927
Retirement 401-1920
Special Programs Recruitment 401-0126
Staffing, Recruitment, Classification and Position
Management, Headquarters Customer Service Team I --
OESE, OELA, OCR, OVAE, OPE, IES, FSA, OII, OSDFS
National Institute of Literacy/Advisory Councils, 2E212 LBJ 401-2419
Headquarters Customer Service Team II --
OS, ODS, OLCA, OUS, OCO, OM, OIG, OCFO, OGC,
OSERS, OCIO, OPEPD, 2E316 LBJ 401-0553
Personnel Locator
ED Information Resource Center 1-800-USA-LEARN
HHS 619-0257
Post Offices
1554 HHS-N--Self Service
437 L'Enfant Plaza (Hrs 8-5) 842-4526
Russell Senate Office (Cons. and Delaware Ave) (Hrs 8:30 224-3900
AM - 5:30 PM)
National Capitol Station (2 Mass. Ave., NE) 523-2368
PPRA (Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment) Inquiries 260-3887
Printing and Reproduction (GPO), 5C108 LBJ 401-3606
Privacy Act Inquiries, PCP 9143 245-6651
Procurement--See Contracts
Publications Information (editing, clearance and
production procedures, etc.) 5W116 LBJ 401-0762
Records Management and Retention, PCP 9158 245-6628
Security
Department 401-3611
Personnel Background Investigations 205-9780
Student Aid 1-800-4-FED-AID
Student Loans (Default) 1-800-621-3115
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 51 -
11/2007
Suggestion System 401-2204
Telecommunications 245-6644
Telephone Repair 708-4357
Line Trouble (no dial tone, static, cut-off, etc.) or
Malfunctioning Set (light doesn't work, bell doesn't
ring, needs new cord, etc.) 708-4357
Training
Course Registration 401-1973
Information 401-1973
Atlanta Eastern Training and Development Center (Region
(Serving Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York and Boston)
Alan Berry 404-562-6251
Chicago Mid-Western Training and Development
Center (Region 5) (Serving Chicago, Kansas City, Dallas
and Cleveland)
Chris Bardwell 312-730-1672
San Francisco Western Training and Development
Center (Region 9) (Serving San Francisco, Denver
and Seattle)
Marjorie Singer 415-486-5718
Transit Benefits, 2E105 LBJ 260-8977
Travel
Policy & Procedures, Government Travel Cards 401-2108
Reservations
Carlson Travel 866-845-7940
Fax 484-0043
Emergency/After Hours: 1-800-383-6723
Union: American Federation of Government Employees,
Local 2607, 5C154 LBJ 401-0945
Council 252, 5C155 LBJ 401-0947
Workers' Compensation, 2C121 LBJ 260-1120
Organizational Directory
Table of Contents
Org Phone
Code Number Page
- 1 -
11/2007
Headquarters Offices
EA Office of the Secretary (OS) 401-3000 2
EB Office of the Deputy Secretary (ODS) 401-1000 2
EC Office for Civil Rights (OCR) 245-6700 2
ED Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development (OPEPD) 260-7392 3
EE Office of the Under Secretary (OUS) 205-7762 3
EF Office of Inspector General (OIG) 245-9600 3
EG Office of the General Counsel (OGC) 401-6000 4
EH Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) 205-5465 5
EI Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) 245-6400 6
EJ Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs (OLCA) 401-0020 6
EL Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) 401-0085 6
EM Office of Management (OM) 401-0470 7
EN Federal Student Aid (FSA) 377-3000 8
EO Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO) 401-0404 10
EP Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) 502-7750 11
EQ Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (OSDFS) 401-5842 11
ER Institute of Education Sciences (IES) 219-1385 12
ES Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) 401-0113 12
ET Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and
Academic Achievement for Limited English Proficient Students
(OELA)
205-5463 13
EU Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) 205-4484 14
EV Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) 245-7700 14
Regional Offices
Region I, Boston 617-289-0100 15
Region II, New York 646-428-3905 16
Region III, Philadelphia 215-656-6010 17
District of Columbia Enforcement Office 202-208-2545 18
Region VI, Atlanta 404-562-6225 19
Region V, Chicago 312-353-8192 20
Cleveland Enforcement Office 216-522-7640 22
Region VI, Dallas 214-661-9500 23
Region VII, Kansas City 816-268-0405 24
Region VIII, Denver 303-844-3544 25
Region IX, San Francisco 415-556-4120 26
Region X, Seattle 206-220-7800 27
Regional Satellite Offices 28
Education Boards, Commissions, and Councils 29
Independent Organizations Affiliated with ED 31
Federally Aided Corporations 31
Fax Numbers 32
TDD/TTY Numbers 40
Conference Rooms 42
General Information and Services 44
Note: (A) indicates "Acting"
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 2 -
11/2007
EA Office of the Secretary (OS)
EA Secretary, Margaret Spellings 7W301 LBJ 0100 401-3000
EA Chief of Staff, David Dunn 7W315 LBJ 0101 401-3000
EA Deputy Chief of Staff, Townsend McNitt 7W205 LBJ 0104 260-1108
EA Deputy Chief of Staff, Holly Kuzmich 7W209 LBJ 0104 401-4903
EA Chief Operating Officer, Hudson La Force 7W107 LBJ 0104 260-7758
EA White House Liaison Director, Jana Toner 7W201 LBJ 0106 260-8308
EA Committee Management Officer, Karen Akins 7W215 LBJ 0100 401-3677
EA1 Executive Management Staff Director, JoAnn K. Ryan 7E103 LBJ 0110 401-3082
EAB Scheduling & Advance Staff Director, Tina Maria Henry 7W203 LBJ 0121 401-3043
EAC White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges & Universities
Director, Leonard Haynes, III
6123 K St. 8544 502-7549
EAE Office of Educational Technology Director, Timothy Magner 7E202 LBJ 401-3100
EAF Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Center Director, Shayam Menon 410-M CP 208-1724
EAG White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges & Universities Director,
Deborah Cavett
7010 K St. 219-7040
EAH White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans
Director, Adam Chavarria
5E120 LBJ 401-7479
EAK International Affairs Office Acting Director, Robin Gilchrist 7W106 LBJ 205-0755
EAR Risk Management Service Director, Philip Maestri 7E310 LBJ 205-3511
EAS Executive Secretariat Director, Philip S. Link 7C114 LBJ 0124 401-3067
EAS Executive Secretariat Deputy Director, Teresa A. Garland 7C112 LBJ 0127 401-3067
EASC Correspondence & Communication Control Unit Director,
Edgar W. Mayes
7E200 LBJ 0125 401-2981
EB Office of the Deputy Secretary (ODS)
EB Deputy Secretary, Raymond Simon 7W310 LBJ 0500 401-8450
EB Chief of Staff, Wendy Tada 7W314 LBJ 0500 401-8450
EBU Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization Director,
Kristi E. Wilson
7050 PCP 245-6301
EC Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
EC Assistant Secretary, Stephanie Johnson Monroe 6095 PCP 1100 245-6700
EC Chief of Staff, Lilian Dorka (A) 6096 PCP 1100 245-6788
EC Counsel to the Assistant Secretary, Kimberly Richey 6140 PCP 1100 245-6830
EC Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement, (Vacant) 6090 PCP 1100 245-6700
EC Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Tonya Johnson-Fitzpatrick 6090 PCP 1100 245-6700
EC Special Assistant, Kim Nadine Proctor 6100 PCP 1100 245-6735
EC Enforcement Director, West, (Vacant) 6094 PCP 1100 245-6767
EC Enforcement Director, East, (Vacant) 6094 PCP 1100 245-6485
ECL Program Legal Group Director, Sandra Battle 6125 PCP 1100 245-6767
ECL1 Team 1, Richard Foster 6098 PCP 1100 245-6773
ECL2 Team 2, Shelley Jackson 6154 PCP 1100 245-6775
ECL3 Team 3, Jacqueline Michaels 6137 PCP 1100 245-6811
ECR Resource Management Director, Lester Slayton 6117 PCP 1100 245-6753
ECRB Budget & Planning Support Team, Lavern Jordan (A) 6148 PCP 1100 245-6781
ECRH Human Resources Team, Ursula Kennedy 6149 PCP 1100 245-6832
ECRT Information Technology Team, Rayford Young (A) 7034 PCP 1100 245-6796
ECRC Customer Service Team, Arthur Goldman 7038 PCP 1100 245-6859
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 3 -
11/2007
ED Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development
ED Assistant Secretary, Williamson Evers 5E311 LBJ 1200 260-7392
ED Chief of Staff, Amanda Schaumburg 5E327 LBJ 1200 205-5560
ED Deputy Assistant Secretary, Doug Mesecar 5E311 LBJ 1200 401-3008
ED Deputy Assistant Secretary for Data and Information, (Vacant)
ED Deputy Assistant Secretary, (Vacant) 7W112 LBJ 1200 401-4903
EDP Policy and Program Studies Director, Alan L. Ginsburg 6W230 LBJ 8170 401-3132
EDB Budget Service Director, Thomas P. Skelly 5W313 LBJ 8171 401-1700
EDB1 Budget Policy and Coordination Staff Director, Susan A. Wiener 5W327 LBJ 8321 401-1845
EDBA Budget Execution and Administrative Analysis Division Director,
Larry Kean
5W202 LBJ 8247 401-0330
EDBC Elementary, Secondary, and Vocational Analysis Division Director,
Thomas Corwin
5C107 LBJ 8245 401-0318
EDBE Cost Estimation and Analysis Division Director, D. William Graham 5W314 LBJ 8245 401-0290
EDBF Special Education, Rehabilitation, Research and Postsecondary Analysis
Division Director, Carol A. Cichowski
5W103 LBJ 8243 401-3939
EDS Performance Information Management Service Director, Ross C. Santy 5E309 LBJ 1200 401-3554
EDYM National Math Panel, Executive Director, Tyrrell Flawn 5E332 LBJ 260-8354
EE Office of the Under Secretary (OUS)
EE Under Secretary, Sara Martinez Tucker 7E300 LBJ 401-8187
EE Chief of Staff, Cheryl Oldham 7E303 LBJ 205-5233
EF Office of Inspector General (OIG)
EF Inspector General, John P. Higgins, Jr. 8099 PCP 1510 245-6900
EF Deputy Inspector General, Thomas L. Sipes 8092 PCP 1510 245-6900
EF Legislative and External Affairs Officer, Catherine Grant 8110 PCP 1510 245-7023
EF Counsel to the Inspector General, Mary Mitchelson 8093 PCP 1510 245-6900
EF Chief of Staff, Tara Porter 8156 PCP 1510 245-6588
EFA Audit Services
EFA Assistant Inspector General for Audit Services, George Rippey (A) 8126 PCP 1510 245-7050
EFA Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Audit Services, George Rippey 8125 PCP 1510 245-7050
EFAB Student Financial Advisory Assistance Director, Patrick J. Howard 8058 PCP 1510 245-6949
EFAC State and Local Advisory and Assistance Director, Richard T. Rasa 8063 PCP 1510 245-6954
EFAD Non-Federal Audit Director, Hugh M. Monaghan, Jr. 215-656-6246
100 Penn Square East, Suite 502, Philadelphia, PA 19107
EFAD Non-Federal Audit Assistant Director Kevin P. Winicker 8140 PCP 1510 245-6982
EFAE Financial Statements Internal Audit Director, J. Greg Spencer 8014 PCP 1510 245-6015
EFAG Internal Operations Audit Team Director, Michele L. Weaver-Dugan 8050 PCP 1510 245-6941
EFAJ General Operations Team Director, Richard DiPasquale 8013 PCP 1510 245-6008
EFB Evaluation, Inspection, & Management Services
EFB Assistant Inspector General for Evaluation, Inspection & Management
Services, (Vacant)
EFBE Evaluation and Inspection Director, Chris Vierling 8073 PCP 1510 245-6964
EFBM Management Services Director, Debra Schweikert 8124 PCP 1510 245-7026
EFBM1 Budget and Procurement Services Team Leader, Chrystal Barrett 8156 PCP 1510 245-8590
EFBM2 Human Resources & General Services Team Leader, Ted Polk 8139 PCP 1510 245-7044
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 4 -
11/2007
EF Office of Inspector General (OIG) (cont.)
EFI Investigation Services
EFI Assistant Inspector General for Investigation Services, William Hamel 8017 PCP 1510 245-6966
EFI Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigation Services,
Michael E. Deshields
8147 PCP 1510 245-6966
EFT Information Technology Audits and Computer Crimes Investigation Services
EFT Assistant Inspector General for Information Technology Audits and
Computer Crimes Investigations, Charles Coe
8129 PCP 1510 245-7033
EFT Deputy Inspector General for Information Technology Audits and
Computer Crimes Investigations, Vacant
EFTA Information Technology Audits Division Director, Vacant
EFTA Computer Assisted Assessment Technologies Division Director,
Roland W. Wong
8032 PCP 1510 245-6014
EFTC Computer Crimes Investigation Division Team Leader,
Robert D. Mancuso
8030 PCP 1510 245-6927
EG Office of the General Counsel (OGC)
EG General Counsel, Kent Talbert 6E301 LBJ 2100 401-6000
EG Chief of Staff, Robert Wexler (A) 6E301 LBJ 2100 401-6000
EG Senior Counsel, Robert Wexler 6E301 LBJ 2120 401-6000
EG1 Operations Management Staff Officer, J. Carolyn Adams 6E300 LBJ 2110 401-8340
EGB Program Service
EGB Deputy General Counsel, Philip Rosenfelt 6E301 LBJ 2132 401-6000
EGB Senior Counsel, Kathryn A. Ellis 6E307 LBJ 2132 401-6000
EGB1 Educational Equity and Research Division Assistant General Counsel,
Susan Craig
6E304 LBJ 2242 401-8316
EGB2 Elementary, Secondary, Adult, & Vocational Education Division
Assistant General Counsel, Steve Freid (A)
6E326 LBJ 2245 401-8292
EGB3 Ethics Division Assistant General Counsel, Susan Winchell (A) 6E231 LBJ 2152 401-8309
EGP Postsecondary and Regulatory Service
EGP Deputy General Counsel, Jeffrey Taylor 6E301 LBJ 2131 401-6000
EGP2 Postsecondary Education Division Assistant General Counsel,
Harold Jenkins
6E203 LBJ 2244 401-8302
EGP4 Regulatory Services Division Assistant General Counsel,
Elizabeth McFadden
6E227 LBJ 2241 401-8300
EGR Departmental and Legislative Service
EGR
Deputy General Counsel, Robert S. Eitel
6E301
LBJ
2130
401-6000
EGR3 Business & Administrative Law Division Assistant General Counsel,
William Haubert
6C106 LBJ 2243 401-6700
EGR4 Legislative Counsel Division Assistant General Counsel, Paul Riddle 6C134 LBJ 2240 401-8313
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 5 -
11/2007
EH Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)
EH Assistant Secretary, Raymond Simon (A) 7W310 LBJ 401-8450
EH Special Assistant, Donna Wiesner 5147 PCP 2510 245-7503
EH Special Assistant, (Vacant) 5058 PCP 2510 245-7468
EH Confidential Assistant, Anna Clay 5117 PCP 2510 245-7613
EH Confidential Assistant, Katherine Race 5145 PCP 2510 245-6443
EH Deputy Assistant Secretary, William W. Knudsen (A) 11-133 PCP 2510 245-7540
EH Executive Administrator, Andrew J. Pepin 5106 PCP 2526 245-7476
EH Special Institutions Liaison, Annette Reichman 5124 PCP 2527 245-7489
EH1 Management & Support Staff Director, Paul V. O'Connell 5139 PCP 2510 245-7465
EH2 Communications & Customer Service Team Director, James Button (A) 5135 PCP 2510 245-7287
EH3 Policy & Planning Staff Director, Jennifer Sheehy 5148 PCP 2522 245-7520
EH5 Grants & Contracts Services Team Director, Mary Chambers 5067 PCP 2510 245-7297
EHE Office of Special Education Programs
EHE Director, Patricia Guard (A) 4109 PCP 2600 245-7459
EHE Deputy Director, Patricia Guard 4131 PCP 2600 245-7426
EHE1 Program Support Services Group, Bill Wolf 4148 PCP 2600 245-7580
EHEM Monitoring & State Improvement Planning Division Director, Ruth Ryder 4144 PCP 2600 245-7629
EHEM Team A, Gregg Corr 4030 PCP 2600 245-7309
EHEM Team B, Judith Gregorian 4034 PCP 2600 245-7360
EHEM Team C, Lois Taylor 4145 PCP 2600 245-7541
EHEM Team D, Larry Ringer 4032 PCP 2600 245-7496
EHER Research to Practice Division Director, Louis Danielson 4160 PCP 2600 245-7250
EHER Early Childhood Team, Gail Houle 4061 PCP 2600 245-7381
EHER Elementary & Middle School Team, Ingrid Oxaal 4154 PCP 2600 245-7471
EHER Secondary Transition and Postsecondary Team,
Marlene Simon-Burroughs
4151 PCP 2600 245-7525
EHER National Initiatives Team, Larry Wexler 4054 PCP 2600 245-7571
EHN National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
EHN Director, Richard L. Fisher (A) 6056 PCP 2572 245-7640
EHN Deputy Director, Richard L. Fisher (A) 6059 PCP 2572 245-7640
EHNP Program, Budget and Evaluation Division Director, Kenneth Sosne 6059 PCP 2651 245-6729
EHNR Research Sciences Division Director, Ruth Brannon 6053 PCP 2645 245-7278
EHNR Research Sciences Division Associate Director, Cate Miller (A) 6071 PCP 2645 245-7449
EHR Rehabilitation Services Administration
EHR Rehabilitation Services Administration Commissioner,
(Vacant)
5157 PCP 2531 245-7256
EHR Deputy Commissioner, Edward Anthony 5138 PCP 2532 245-7595
EHR5 Program Support Staff Director, (Vacant) 5148 PCP 2551 245-7254
EHRM State Monitoring & Program Improvement Division Director,
David Esquith
5013 PCP 2551 245-7336
EHRM1 Data Collection & Analysis Unit Chief, Joe Pepin 5155 PCP 2551 245-7598
EHRM2 Fiscal Unit Chief, William Bethel 5034 PCP 2551 245-6775
EHRM3 Independent Living Unit Chief, Thomas Kelley 5055 PCP 2551 245-7404
EHRM4 Technical Assistance Unit Chief, Brenda Rankin-White 5034 PCP 2551 245-7312
EHRM5 Vocational Rehabilitation Unit Chief, Carol Dobak 5014 PCP 2551 245-7325
EHRT Training & Services Program Division Director, Beverlee Stafford 5163 PCP 2551 245-7533
EHRT1 Training Programs Unit Chief, Tim Muzzio 5052 PCP 2551 245-7458
EHRT2 Service Programs Unit Chief, Thomas Finch 5059 PCP 2551 245-7313
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
- 6 -
11/2007
EI Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
EI Chief Information Officer, William Vajda 9112 PCP 4700 245-6640
EI Deputy Chief Information Officer, Brian Burns 10057 PCP 4700 245-6642
EI Chief of Staff, Sally Budd 9110 PCP 4700 245-6424
EL1 Executive Officer, Michael Holloway 4E231 LBJ 4110 401-0322
EIA Investment & Acquisitions Mgmt Services Director,
Ken Moore (A)
9009 PCP 4700 245-6908
EIE Information Technology Operations & Maintenance Services Director,
Jerry Alexandratos (A)
9060 PCP 4700 245-6822
EIE1 Assistive Technology Team Supervisor, Alex Koudry BC103 LBJ 453-7323
EIE3 Network Services Team Supervisor, Pete Tseronis 10032 PCP 4700 245-6699
EIE6 Customer Support and Operations Services Team Supervisor,
Renaldo Harper
220 EDC 4700 301-686-2080
EIE7 Development Services Team Supervisor, Jerry Alexandratos 9060 PCP 4700 245-6822
EIE8 Project Management Team Supervisor, Richard Birkhimer (A) 9008 PCP 4700 245-6551
EIF Enterprise Architecture Services Director, Joseph Rose (A) 9169 PCP 4700 245-6561
EII Information Assurance Services Director, Vacant 9009 PCP 4700
EII2 Security & Reliability Assurance Team Supervisor, (Vacant)
EJ Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs (OLCA)
EJ Assistant Secretary, Terrell Halaska 6W315 LBJ 3100 401-0020
EJ Deputy Assistant Secretary, Kristin Bannerman 6W314 LBJ 3100 205-2646
EJ Deputy Assistant Secretary, Marc Scheessele 6W308 LBJ 3100 205-8811
EJ Chief of Staff, Tiffany Watkins 6W313 LBJ 3100 401-4001
EL Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)
EL Chief Financial Officer, Larry Warder 4E313 LBJ 4300 401-0085
EL Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Danny Harris 4E314 LBJ 4300 401-0896
EL Senior Procurement Executive, Glenn Perry 4E329 LBJ 4300 358-0232
EL Chief of Staff, Brent Hartzell 4E309 LBJ 4300 401-1810
EL1 Executive Officer, Michael Holloway 4E231 LBJ 4110 401-0322
ELC Contracts and Acquisition Management Director, Hugh Horwitz 7153 PCP 4200 245-6555
ELCA Contracts Group A Supervisor, James Hairfield 7173 PCP 4210 245-6219
ELCB Contracts Group B Supervisor, Janet Scott 7166 PCP 4215 245-6216
ELCC Contracts Group C Supervisor, Roscoe Price 7172 PCP 4220 245-6222
ELCD Contracts Group D Supervisor, (Vacant) 7171 PCP 4230
ELF Financial Improvement and Post Audit Operations Director, Linda Stracke 22D1 UCP 4450 377-3301
ELFA Post Audit Group Supervisor, (Vacant) 21C5 UCP 4450
ELFC Indirect Cost Group Supervisor, Richard T. Mueller 21D2 UCP 4450 377-3840
ELFE Internal Control Evaluation Group, (Vacant) 21K4 UCP 4460
ELR Financial Management Operations Director, Gary Wood 4W122 LBJ 4246 401-0862
ELRB General Accounting Group Supervisor, Mack Lawrence 4C134 LBJ 4328 205-2427
ELRC Accounts Payable Group Supervisor, Cynthia Heath 4E121 LBJ 4328 401-8476
ELRE Accounts Receivable Group Supervisor, Nancy Hoglund 22C7 UPC 4450 377-3847
ELRF Reporting and Analysis Group Supervisor, (Vacant) 4W101 LBJ 0600
ELS Financial Systems Operations Director, Constance Davis 4E230 LBJ 4138 401-3892
ELSA Functional Applications Group Supervisor, Angel Santa 4E348 LBJ 4138 401-1095
ELSG Electronic Grant Initiatives and Support Staff Supervisor,
Charlsetta Griffin
7107 PCP 4138 245-6157
ELSM Systems Operation and Maintenance Group Supervisor, Tony Wood 4E202 LBJ 4138 401-4615
ELSS Financial Systems Support Group Supervisor, Greg Robison 4E306 LBJ 4138 401-3035
ELST Financial Systems Transactions Group Supervisor, Margo Crozier 4C107 LBJ 4332 401-1876
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
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- 7 -
11/2007
EM Office of Management (OM)
EM Assistant Secretary, Michell Clark 2W311 LBJ 4500 401-5848
EM Deputy Assistant Secretary for Process Improvement, Chris Marston 2W307 LBJ 4500 401-5846
EM Deputy Assistant Secretary for Performance Improvement, Scott Anderson 2W321 LBJ 4500 401-0593
EM Chief of Staff, Donna Butler 2W309 LBJ 4500 401-8530
EM1 Executive Officer, David Cogdill 2W227 LBJ 4510 401-0695
EMF Facilities and Management Services
EMF Facilities and Management Services Director, Victoria L. Bateman 2E315 LBJ 4521 260-8267
EMFF Facilities Services Group Director, Scott Taylor 2E313 LBJ 4521 401-9496
EMFF Deputy Director, Building Services, John Tillery 2E201 LBJ 4521 401-2349
EMFF1 Federal Real Property Assistance Program Director, Peter Wieczorek 2E117 LBJ 4521 617-289-0172
EMFF2 Building Services Team Lead, (Vacant)
EMFF3 Project Management Team Lead, (Vacant)
EMFM Management Services Director, Wanda Davis 2E105 LBJ 401-5931
EMFM1 Asset Management Services Team Lead, (Vacant)
EMFM2 Mail Services Team Supervisor, (Vacant)
EMFM3 Support Services Team Supervisor, (Vacant) 2C107 LBJ 401-1269
EMFM4 Transportation Services Team Supervisor, (Vacant) 1E102 LBJ 401-3861
EMH Human Resources Services
EMH Human Resources Services Director, Liz Stewman (A) 2E304 LBJ 4573 401-0529
EMH Deputy Director, Liz Stewman 2E304 LBJ 4573 401-0529
EMH Personnel Policy Team Leader, Colleen Lanza 2E308 LBJ 4573 401-3136
EMHA Headquarters Customer Service Team I Leader, Joel Rubinstein 2E226 LBJ 4573 401-3603
EMHB Headquarters Customer Service Team II Leader, (Vacant) 2E306 LBJ 4573 401-1519
EMHC Headquarters Customer Service Team III Leader, (Vacant) 2C134 LBJ 4573 401-3618
EMHE Employee Relations Team Leader, Barbara Malebranche 2E233 LBJ 4573 401-1920
EMHS Human Resources System Team Leader, Calik Jabarei 2E108 LBJ 4573 401-0534
EMHX Executive Resources Team Leader, Mary Beth Pultz 2E124 LBJ 4573 401-0546
EMHL Labor Relations Team Leader, James Keenan 2C156 LBJ 4754 401-3927
EMHW Work/Life Programs Team Leader, Anne Ranson Barrett 2C134 LBJ 4573 205-5222
EMHW 504 Coordinator JoAnn Cottman 2E208 LBJ 4573 401-0964
EMHT Training and Development Team Leader, Wanda Savage 2W202 LBJ 4614 401-1995
EMJ Office of Hearings and Appeals
EMJ Office of Hearings and Appeals Director, Frank J. Furey 2100A LP 4533 619-9700
EMJA Office of Administrative Law Judges, Chief Judge, Allan C. Lewis 2100A LP 4615 619-9725
EMJB Civil Rights Reviewing Authority Staff Dir, Richard Slippen 2100A LP 4582 619-9700
EMJC Office of Higher Education Appeals, Chief Judge, Ernest C. Canellos 2100A LP 4616 619-9700
EMJK Civil Rights Reviewing Authority Members 2100A LP 4486 619-9700
EMJR Informal Dispute Resolution Center 2100A LP 619-9700
EMO Equal Employment Opportunity Services
EMO Equal Employment Opportunity Services Director, Larry F. Ross 2W240 LBJ 4550 205-0518
EMS Security Services
EMS Security Services Director, Winona Varnon 2W314 LBJ 401-1583
EMSA Personnel Security Team, Sandra Warren 2W229 LBJ 205-9780
EMSB Physical Security and Law Enforcement Team, Jerry Shepherd 2W308 LBJ 401-3611
EMSC COOP/COG and Safety Team, Jack Reynolds 2W312 LBJ 205-8123
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EM Office of Management (OM) (cont.)
EMV Regulatory Information Management Services
EMV Regulatory Information Management Services Director, Lee Eiden 9149 PCP 4700 245-6454
EMVM Information Mgmt Case Services Team Supervisor, Angela Arrington 9156 PCP 4700 245-6409
EMVP Information Policy & Standards Team Supervisor, Delores J. Barber 9168 PCP 4700 245-6407
EN Federal Student Aid (FSA)
EN Chief Operating Officer, Larry Warder (A) 112G1 UCP 5132 377-3000
EN Chief of Staff, James Manning 112E1 UCP 5132 377-3007
EN2 Ombudsman, Debra Wiley 041I1 UCP 5144 377-3801
EN3 Policy Liaison and Implementation Staff, Jeff Baker 113C1 UCP 5162 377-4009
ENA Program Compliance
ENA Program Compliance, Victoria Edwards 81K2 UCP 5340 377-4273
ENAS School Eligibility Channel, Robin Minor 74E1 UCP 5340 377-3717
ENAS1 Administrative Actions & Appeals Division, Mary Gust 84F2 UCP 5267 377-4278
ENAS2 School Participation Management Division, (Vacant)
ENAS21 School Participation Team South Central, Carolyn White 73D3 UCP 5323 377-3197
ENAS21 School Participation Team, South Central, Kansas City Team,
Team Leader, Phillip Brumback
71G3 UCP 5323 377-3464
ENAS21 School Participation Team, South Central, Dallas Team,
Team Leader, Clifton Knight
71G2 UCP 5323 377-4244
ENAS21 School Participation Team, South Central, Atlanta Team
Team Leader, Patricia Dickerson
72F1 UCP 5323 377-4218
ENAS22 School Participation Team Northeast, Geneva Leon 73D1 UCP 5265 377-3169
ENAS22 School Participation Team, Northeast, New York/Boston,
Team Leader, Patrice Fleming
72F3 UCP 5265 377-4209
ENAS22 School Participation Team, Northeast, Philadelphia,
Team Leader, Michael Frola
72F2 UCP 5265 377-3364
ENAS221 Foreign Schools Team, Barbara Hemelt 73C4 UCP 5265 377-4201
ENAS23 School Participation Team Northwest, Douglas Laine 73A2 UCP 5340 377-4210
ENAS23 School Participation Team, Northwest, Chicago Team,
Team Leader, Countess Cooper
71G1 UCP 5323 377-4230
ENAS23 School Participation Team, Northwest, San Francisco/Seattle Team,
Team Leader, Dyon Toney
71J1 UCP 5323 377-3639
ENAS24 Performance Improvement & Procedures Branch, Veronica Pickett 74D3 UCP 5340 377-4232
ENAP Integrated Partner Management, Molly Wyatt 81D2 UCP 5162 377-3358
ENAP1 IPM Operational Support, Tarissia Baker 81J2 UCP 5162 377-3535
ENAP2 IPM Technical Management, Satyaveer Satvat 81B1 UCP 5162 377-3585
ENAF Financial Partner Eligibility and Oversight, Patricia Trubia (A) 84F3 UCP 5353 377-3189
ENB Business Operations
ENB Business Operations, Sue Szabo 82E1 UCP 5150 377-3437
ENB Chief of Staff, Patricia Dorn 82C4 UCP 377-4359
ENB1 Portfolio Performance Management Staff, Sybil Phillips 42G1 UCP 5320 377-3206
ENBA Application Operations & Delivery Services, William Leith (A) 64G1 UCP 5252 377-3676
ENBAS School Services & Training Channel, Claire Roemer 83F3 UCP 5353 377-3452
ENBAS1 Training & Information Services Division, Claire Roemer (A) 83F3 UCP 5353 377-3452
ENBAS2 School Outreach Division, Barbara Mroz (A) 84F1 UCP 5353 377-4375
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EN Financial Student Aid (cont)
Busniess Operations (cont)
ENBAP Program Operations Channel, William Leith 64E1 UCP 5162 377-3676
ENBAP1 Campus-Based Systems & Operations Division,
Sherlene McIntosh
64A3 UCP 5452 377-3242
ENBAP2 Direct Loan Program Operations Division, Lisa DiCarlo 62F3 UCP 5162 377-3129
ENBAP3 Pell Program Operations Division, Kathleen Wicks 62E3 UCP 5162 377-3110
ENBAP4 Application Processing Division, Marilyn LeBlanc 63C4 UCP 5454 377-3205
ENBAP5 Common Origination & Disbursement Systems Operations Division,
Michael K. Murray (A)
62E4 UPC 5162 377-3128
ENBF Financial Partners Services, Marge White (A) 92G3 UCP 5230 377-3022
ENBFN National Student Loan Data System Group, Pam Eliadis 111G2 UPC 5138 377-3554
ENBFP Partner Systems Group, Rosemary Beavers (A) 111I4 UCP 5138 377-3126
ENBFS Partner Services Group, Katrina Turner 111G1 UCP 5138 377-3311
ENBB Borrower Services, Jana Hernandes (A) 42G3 UCP 5320 377-3679
ENBB Special Assistant, Naomi Randolph 42G5 UCP 5150 377-4367
ENBBN Nondefault Group, Cynthia Battle 4114 UCP 5320 377-3261
ENBB1 Information Systems Coordination Group, Pamela Eliadis (A) 111G2 UCP 5138 377-3554
ENBBC Contract Performance Analysis & Oversight Group, Michael J. Murray 41I5 UCP 5150 377-3273
ENBBR Default Resolution Group, Dwight Vigna 41F2 UCP 377-3436
ENBBR1 Collections Management, Shirley Wheeler 41F1 UCP 5320 377-3294
ENBBR2 Call Center Management, Richard Dawkins 44E3 UCP 5320 377-4240
ENBBR3 Processing Group, Denise Leifeste 44F3 UCP 5320 377-3293
ENBBR31 Financial Operations, George Strudgeon 44F2 UCP 5320 377-3807
ENI Chief Information Officer
ENI Chief Information Officer, Katie Blot 102E3 UCP 5259 377-2528
ENI Deputy Chief Information Officer, Harry Feely 102D2 UCP 5259 377-3777
ENI Chief of Staff, Mary Haldane 102E1 UCP 5259 377-4324
ENIA Application Development Group, Charles Coleman 104D3 UCP 5220 377-3512
ENIB Enterprise IT Management Group, Ganesh Reddy 102E5 UCP 5259 377-3557
ENIC Enterprise IT Services Group, Michael Fillinich 103E2 UCP 5259 377-3056
ENJ Chief Financial Officer
ENJ Chief Financial Officer, Larry Warder (A) 54E1 UCP 5230 377-3401
ENJ Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Peggy Berger 54E2 UCP 5230 377-3350
ENJ Chief of Staff, (Vacant) 54C4 UCP 5230 377-3463
ENJJ Financial Management Group, Mary E. Nelson 54C3 UCP 5230 377-3453
ENJJ1 Financial Reporting Division Director, (Vacant) 53A3 UCP 5230 377-3490
ENJJ11 Financial Reporting and Analysis Branch, (Vacant) 52B2 UCP 5230 377-3376
ENJJ12 Audit Coordination & Validation Branch, (Vacant) 53C4 UCP 5230 377-3989
ENJJ2 Accounting Division Director, (Vacant) 52C4 UCP 5230 377-3245
ENJJ21 Funds Control & Accounting Operations Branch, Angela Roca-Baker 52E4 UCP 5230 377-3322
ENJJ22 Reconciliation Branch, Lawrence Smith 51J1 UCP 5230 377-3327
ENJK Asset Management Group, (Vacant)
ENJL Budget Group, Cyndi Reynolds 53A4 UCP 5230 377-4046
ENJL1 Budget Support Division, Richard Lucas 53G3 UCP 5230 377-3481
ENJL2 FSA Administration Division, Cyndi Reynolds (A) 54C2 UCP 5230 377-3618
ENJM Financial Management Systems Group, John Hurt 54C3 UCP 5230 377-3453
Department of Education
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EN Federal Student Aid (FSA) (cont)
ENN Enterprise Performance Management Services
ENN Enterprise Performance Management Services, John Fare 91J1 UCP 5030 377-3707
ENN Chief of Staff, Doug Flamm 112D2 UCP 5030 377-3612
ENNP Project Management & Oversight Group, Carole Kuriatnikova 94B1 UCP 5030 377-3542
ENNQ Federal Student Aid Acquisition Group, Patrick Bradfield 91J2 UCP 5030 377-3105
ENNR Strategic Planning & Reporting Group, Linda Hall 94F2 UCP 5030 377-3382
ENNT Enterprise Risk Management Group, Stanley Dore 92B2 UCP 5030 377-3595
ENP Communications and Administration
ENP Communications and Administration, Marianna O'Brien (A) 114F1 UCP 5132 377-3095
ENPC Communication Management Services, Chris Greene 114G2 UCP 5132 377-4003
ENPW Human Resources & Workforce Services, John Mondragon L104 UCP 5145 377-3706
ENPL
ENPW3
Workforce Development Services, Ann Manheimer
Federal Student Aid Intern Program, Tara Young (A)
L115
114G1
UCP
UCP
5361
5132
377-3907
377-3491
ENW Student Aid Awareness & Applicant Services
ENW Student Aid Awareness & Applicant Services, Jennifer Douglas 32E4 UCP 5269 377-3201
ENW Chief of Staff, Michelle Draughn 32E2 UCP 5269 377-3216
ENWA Awareness & Outreach, Mary K. Muncie (A) 32E3 UCP 5369 377-3202
ENWB Applicant - Products & Customer Services, Michele Brown 31K5 UCP 5464 377-3203
EO Office of Communications and Outreach
EO Assistant Secretary, Lauren Maddox 7C115 LBJ 3500 401-0768
EO Press Secretary, Chad Colby (A) 7E203 LBJ 0150 205-4036
Chief of Staff, Meredith Beaton 7W103 LBJ 401-0607
EOA Communication Development
EOA Communication Development, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Sarah Flowers (A)
7C105 LBJ 401-8459
EOB Communication Services
EOB Deputy Assistant Secretary, John McGrath 5E309 LBJ 3500 401-1309
EOBC Creative ServicesTeam Director, Todd May 5E227 LBJ 3520 205-0708
EOBE Events Team Director, Anya Smith 5E205 LBJ 401-7196
EOBI
EOBP
Information Resources Center Director, Paul Steenen
Editorial Policy, Publications, and Printing Team Director,
Jacquelynn A. Zimmerman
5E248
5W116
LBJ
LBJ
3524
0131
401-2409
401-0762
EOBR Recognitions Program Team Director, Melissa Apostolides 5E119 LBJ 205-0512
EOE External Affairs and Outreach Services
EOE Deputy Assistant Secretary, Denise Dunckel 7C115 LBJ 260-7753
EOEI Intergovernmental Affairs Director, Rogers Johnson 5E202 LBJ 3500 401-0026
EOER Regional Services Director, (Vacant) 5E316 LBJ 3522 260-1830
EOM Media Relations and Strategic Communications
EOM Deputy Assistant Secretary, Chad Colby 7C111 LBJ 3522 401-4401
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EP Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE)
EP Assistant Secretary, Diane Auer Jones 7115 K St. 8500 502-7750
Chief of Staff, Christine Isett 7114 K St. 8500 219-7000
EP1 Executive Officer, Humphrey Barnes 7152 K St. 8503 502-7550
EP3 Accreditation and State Liaison Staff Director, Thomas Dawson (A) 7112 K St. 8509 219-7011
EPYEE National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity
Executive Director, Melissa Lewis
7127 K St. 8500 219-7009
EPYEM National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation
Executive Director, Melissa Lewis
7127 K St. 8500 219-7009
EPA Policy, Planning, and Innovation
EPA Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Planning, and Innovation, (Vacant) 8022 K St. 8502 502-7950
Chief of Staff (Vacant)
EPAF
Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education Director,
Ralph Hines (A)
6151
K St.
8544
502-7500
EPAB Program Oversight Staff Director, (Vacant) 6130 K St. 8502 502-7653
EPAC Policy and Budget Development Staff Director, David Bergeron 8022 K St. 8540 502-7575
EPAP Forecasting and Policy Analysis Staff Director, Daniel Madzelan 8036 K St. 8540 502-7575
EPAS Strategic Planning Staff Director, Dottie Kingsley 8074 K St. 8015 502-7888
EPH Higher Education Programs
EPH Deputy Assistant Secretary for Higher Education Programs,
Thomas Dawson
6114 K St. 8501 502-7555
Chief of Staff, Alan Schiff 6110 K St. 8501 502-7555
EPYEK Historically Black Colleges and Universities Capital Financing Board
Executive Director, Donald Watson (A)
6130 K St. 8501 219-7037
EPH1 Operations and Coordination Staff Director, Alan Schiff 6110 K St. 8501 502-7555
EPHA Higher Education Preparation and Support Service Director,
Linda Byrd-Johnson
7044 K St. 8510 502-7600
EPHB Institutional Development and Undergraduate Education Service Director,
James Law
6040 K St. 8512 502-7777
EPHC International Education Programs Service Director, Lynn Mahaffie 6006 K St. 8521 502-7700
EPHT Teacher and Student Development Programs Service Director,
James Davis (A)
6109 K St. 8524 219-7047
EQ Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (OSDFS)
EQ Assistant Deputy Secretary, Deborah A. Price 1E110A LBJ 6400 205-4169
EQ Chief of Staff, Catherine Davis 1E110B LBJ 6400 205-3864
EQ Special Assistant, Linda McKay 3E304 LBJ 6450 260-2517
EQ Associate Assistant Deputy Secretary, William Modzeleski 3E314 LBJ 6450 260-3954
EQ1 Executive Officer, Tina Hunter 3E206 LBJ 6410 260-2526
EQ2 Policy and Cross-Cutting Programs Director, Deborah Rudy 3E330 LBJ 6450 260-1875
EQ3 Center for School Preparedness Director, William Modzeleski (A) 3E314 LBJ 6450 260-3954
EQC Character and Civic Education Director, Robert Alexander 3E306 LBJ 6450 401-3354
EQH Health, Mental Health, Environmental Health, and Physical Education
Director, Deborah Rudy (A)
3E330 LBJ 6450 260-1875
EQN
EQS
Drug-Violence Prevention-National Programs Director, Charlotte Gillespie
Drug-Violence Prevention-State Programs Director, Paul Kesner
3E328
3E230
LBJ
LBJ
6450
6450
260-1862
205-8134
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ER Institute of Education Sciences (IES)
ER Director, Grover J. Whitehurst 600 CP 5500 219-1385
ERB Deputy for Administration and Policy, Sue Betka 600G CP 5501 219-1385
ERB1 Executive Officer, Ronald W. Cartwright 602H CP 5510 219-2185
ERB2 Grants Administration Staff, Brenda Wolff 508C CP 5643 219-2067
ERB3 Outreach & Communications Staff Director, Mike Bowler 627G CP 5532 219-1662
ERG Deputy for Science, Anne Ricciuti 602F CP 5520 219-2247
ERH National Center for Special Education Research
ERH Commissioner, National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER)
(Vacant)
510F CP 5550 219-2128
ERN National Center for Education Statistics
ERN Commissioner, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES),
Mark Schneider
9116 K St. 5574 502-7393
ERN Deputy Commissioner, NCES, Jack Buckley 9049 K St. 5575 502-7432
ERNI Early Childhood, International and Crosscutting Studies Division, NCES,
Associate Commissioner, Valena Plisko
9040 K St. 5650 502-7434
ERNL Elementary/Secondary and Libraries Studies Division, NCES,
Associate Commissioner, Jeffrey Owings
9114 K St. 5651 502-7423
ERNP Postsecondary Studies Division, NCES, Associate Commissioner,
Charles D. Carroll
8107 K St. 5680 502-7323
ERNS Assessment Division, NCES, Associate Commissioner, Peggy G. Carr 8095 K St. 5646 502-7321
ERR National Center for Education Research
ERR Commissioner, National Center for Education Research (NCER),
Lynn Okagaki
615C CP 5500 219-2006
ERRP Policy and Systems Division, NCER, Associate Commissioner, (Vacant)
ERRT Teaching and Learning Division, NCER, Associate Commissioner,
(Vacant)
ERT National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance
ERT Commissioner, National Center for Education Evaluation and Reform
Assistance (NCEE), Phoebe Cottingham
500E CP 219-2484
ERTE Evaluation Division, NCEE, Associate Commissioner, Ricky Takai 502D CP 5545 208-7080
ERTK Knowledge Utilization Division, NCEE, Associate Commissioner, (Vacant)
5544
ES Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE)
ES Assistant Secretary, Kerri Briggs 3W315 LBJ 6100 401-0113
ES Chief of Staff, Anne Campbell 3W313 LBJ 6100 401-0113
ES Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management, Alexander Goniprow (A) 3W314 LBJ 6100 401-0113
ES Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Strategic Initiatives,
Amanda L. Farris
3W311 LBJ 6100 401-0113
ES Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and State Technical Assistance,
Catherine Freeman
3W305 LBJ 6100 401-0113
ES1 Management & Administrative Unit, Executive Officer, Ruth Hall 3W308 LBJ 6110 260-3922
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ES Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) (cont)
ESA Impact Aid Programs
ESA Director, Catherine Schagh 3E105 LBJ 6244 260-3858
ESA1 Program Group One, Group Leader, Robin Robinson 3C105 LBJ 6244 260-2304
ESA2 Program Group Two, Group Leader, Marilyn Hall 3C133 LBJ 6244 205-8724
ESC Student Achievement and School Accountability
ESC Director, Zollie Stevenson (A) 3W226 LBJ 6132 260-0826
ESCJ Early Childhood and Reading Group, Group Leader, Patricia McKee 3W106 LBJ 6132 260-0991
ESCK Instructional Change Group, Group Leader, Gary Rutkin 3W214 LBJ 6132 260-4414
ESCL Monitoring and Audit Group, Group Leader, Charles Laster 3W104 LBJ 6132 205-5531
ESCM Policy Coordination Group, Group Leader, Susan Wilhelm 3W202 LBJ 6132 260-0984
ESCN Standards, Assessments and Accountability Group, Group Leader,
David Harmon (A)
3C140 LBJ 6132 205-3554
ESG School Support and Technology Program
ESG Director, Jenelle Leonard 3E309 LBJ 6400 401-3641
ESG1 Technology and Flexibility Program Group, Group Leader,
Enid Marshall
3E307 LBJ 6400 708-9499
ESG2 School Support and Technical Assistance Program Group, Group Leader,
Doris Werwie
3E231 LBJ 6400 205-9377
ESM Office of Migrant Education
ESM Director, Alexander Goniprow 3E317 LBJ 6135 260-1164
ESM1 Program Group One, Group Leader, Lisa Ramirez 3E311 LBJ 6135 260-1164
ESM2 Program Group Two, Group Leader, (Vacant) 3E333 LBJ 6135 260-1164
EST Academic Achievement and Teacher Quality Programs
EST Director, Joseph C. Conaty 3W203 LBJ 6200 260-8230
EST1 Academic Improvement Group, Sylvia Lyles 3W113 LBJ 6175 260-2551
EST2 High School Group, Braden Goetz 3W103 LBJ 6175 260-0982
EST3 Teacher Quality Group, James Butler 3W115 LBJ 6200 260-9737
ESV Office of Indian Education
ESV Office of Indian Education Director, Pierce Hammond (A) 3C106 LBJ 6335 205-0687
ESVA Team I, Lana Shaughnessy 5C140 LBJ 6335 205-2528
ESVB Team II, Bernard Garcia 5C141 LBJ 6335 260-1454
ET Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic
Achievement for Limited English Proficient Students (OELA)
ET Assistant Deputy Secretary/Director, Margarita Pinkos (A) 10087 PCP 6510 245-7138
ET Deputy of Policy, Margarita Pinkos 10089 PCP 6510 245-7136
ET Chief of Staff/Executive Officer, Richard Smith 10090 PCP 6510 245-7811
ETC State Consolidated Grants Division Director, Margarita Pinkos (A) 10089 PCP 6510 245-7149
ETP Continuation and Professional Development Grants Division Director,
Cynthia Ryan
10096 PCP 6510 245-7140
ETS Special Initiatives Division Director, Margarita Pinkos (A) 10089 PCP 6510 245-7811
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EU Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII)
EU Assistant Deputy Secretary, Morgan Brown 4W317 LBJ 5900 205-4500
EU Chief of Staff, Ebony Lee 4W331 LBJ 5900 205-2204
EU Associate Assistant Deputy Secretary, Virginia Gentles 4W314 LBJ 5900 205-7726
EU Associate Assistant Deputy Secretary, Margo Anderson 4W311 LBJ 5900 205-3010
EU Fund for the Improvement of Education Director, Linda Jones 4W203 LBJ 5930 205-4352
EU Communications Director, (Vacant)
EU Evaluation and Dissemination Director, Sharon K. Horn 4W332 LBJ 5900 205-4956
EU1 Executive Officer, Pat Knight 4W333 LBJ 5910 205-4746
EUF Family Policy Compliance Office Director, LeRoy Rooker 2W119 LBJ 5920 260-3887
EUN Office of Non-Public Education Director, Jack Klenk 4W307 LBJ 5940 401-1365
EUP Improvement Programs Director, Edith Harvey 4W308 LBJ 5950 260-1393
EUQ Teacher Quality Programs Director, Peggi Zelinko 4W306 LBJ 5960 260-2614
EUS Parental Options and Information Director, John Fiegel 4W231 LBJ 5970 260-2671
EUT Technology in Education Programs Director, Cheryl Petty Garnette 4W230 LBJ 5980 205-5666
EV Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE)
EV Assistant Secretary, Troy Justesen 11140 PCP 7100 245-7595
EV Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Colleges, Patricia Stanley 11140 PCP 7100 245-6683
EV Senior Advisor for Special Initiatives, Richard La Pointe 11101 PCP 7100 245-7704
EV Chief of Staff, William Knudsen 11133 PCP 7100 245-7540
EV1 Administrative Staff Executive Officer, Nick Dorka 11129 PCP 7110 245-7777
EV8 Center for Rural Education, Diane McCauley 11067 PCP 7100 245-7437
EV2 Policy, Research, Evaluation Staff Director, Dale King 11107 PCP 7120 245-7405
EVA Adult Education and Literacy Division
EVA Director, Cheryl Keenan 11046 PCP 7240 245-7721
EVA4 Accountability Team, Mike Dean 11152 PCP 7240 245-7828
EVA5 Monitoring and Administration Team, Joyce Campbell 11010 PCP 7240 245-7756
EVA6 Innovation and Improvement Team, Christopher Coro 11016 PCP 7240 245-7717
EVA7 Best Practices and Dissemination Team, Christopher Coro (A) 11016 PCP 7240 245-7717
EVH Academic and Technical Education Division
EVH Academic and Technical Education Division Director, Sharon Miller (A) 11126 PCP 7241 245-7846
EVH4 Accountability and Performance Branch, John Haigh 11023 PCP 7241 245-7735
EVH5 College and Career Transition Branch, Scott Hess 11037 PCP 7241 245-7772
EVH6 Program Administration Branch, Edward Smith 11053 PCP 7241 245-7700
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 15 -
11/2007
Region I Boston Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
Rhode Island, Vermont
EOD1 Secretary's Regional Representative, Michael Sentance 1030 617-289-0100
33 Arch Street, Boston, MA 02110-1490
EOD1 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, Kristen Lepore 1027 617-289-0102
Office for Civil Rights
Boston Enforcement Office Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
Rhode Island, Vermont
EC1 Office for Civil Rights Eastern Division, Enforcement Coordinator, Thomas Hibino 900 617-289-0011
Office for Civil Rights Boston Office - Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
ECD1 Director, Thomas J. Hibino 900 617-289-0011
ECD1 Chief Attorney, J. Michael Burns 900 617-289-0012
ECD1 Program Manager, Robert L. Pierce 900 617-289-0014
ECD1 Program/Administrative Manager, Carolyn Lazaris 900 617-289-0013
ECD11 Team I, Ralph D'Amico 900 617-289-0044
ECD12 Team II, Fannie Gaines 900 617-289-0024
ECD13 Team III, Ralph Montalvo 900 617-289-0045
ECD14 Team IV, Donna Russell 900 617-289-0019
ECD15 Team V, (Vacant)
Office of Inspector General
EFD1I Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Theresa C. Murray 1123 617-289-0084
Office of Management
EMD1A Federal Real Property Assistance Program
Director, Peter A. Wieczorek 1140 617-289-0172
33 Arch Street, Boston, MA 02110-1424
EMD1P Personnel Management Specialist, Patricia Warren 1139 617-289-0006
Federal Student Aid
END2S NY/Boston Team Lead, Rosemary Torpey 1007A 617-289-0142
ENBAS2 Boston QA and X-sites Duty Station, Holly Langer-Evans 1019B 617-289-0136
ENBAS1 Boston Training Delivery, Thomas Threlkeld 1016F 617-289-0144
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 16 -
11/2007
Region II New York New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico,
Virgin Islands
EOD2 Secretary's Regional Representative, Valerie Smith 2540 646-428-3905
32 Old Slip, New York, NY 10005-3534
EOD2 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, Orysia Dmytrenko 2538 646-428-3906
Office for Civil Rights
New York Enforcement Office New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico,
Virgin Islands
ECD2 Director, Randolph E. Wills 2635 646-428-3839
ECD2 Chief Program Officer, (Vacant) 2620
ECD2 Chief Civil Rights Attorney, Timothy Blanchard 2634 646-428-3805
ECD2 Administrative Officer, Diane S. Diggs 2630 646-428-3811
ECD2S Special Projects Unit
ECD21 Team A, Anna Moretto 2624 646-428-3826
ECD22 Team B, Michelle Armstrong 2612 646-428-3803
ECD23 Team C, John Carroll 2617 646-428-3807
ECD24 Team D, Felice Bowen 2620 646-428-3806
Office of Inspector General
EFD2A Regional Inspector General for Audit, Daniel P. Schultz 2647 646-428-3888
EFD2A Assistant Regional Inspector General for Audit, Robin Shinn 2648 646-428-3889
EFD1I Special Agent In Charge, Brian Hickey 2657B 646-428-3874
Office of Management
EMD2P Personnel Management Specialist, Angela K. Smith 2505 646-428-3794
Federal Student Aid
END2G Eastern Field Office, Financial Partner, Eligibility & Oversight, Eastern Region 25th Floor 646-428-3770
Director, Ann Marie Fusco
END2S School Participation Team NE (NY/Boston), Area Case Director, William Swift 2521 646-428-3755
END2S NY/Boston Team Lead, Betty Coughlin 2519 646-428-3737
ENBAS1 New York Training Delivery, Sandra Santana 2519 646-428-3754
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 17 -
11/2007
Region III Philadelphia Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
EOD3 Secretary's Regional Representative, Michael Conallen 505 215-656-6010
100 Penn Square East, Suite 505, Philadelphia, PA 19107
EOD3 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, (Vacant) 505 215-656-6010
Office for Civil Rights
Philadelphia Enforcement Office Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky,
Pennsylvania, West Virginia
ECD3 Director, Wendella P. Fox 515 215-656-8541
100 Penn Square East, Suite 515, Philadelphia, PA 19107-3323 (TDD) 877-521-2172
ECD3 Executive Assistant, Elizabeth Keenan 515 215-656-8557
ECD3 Program Manager, Charles N. Smailer 515 215-656-8591
ECD3 Chief Civil Rights Attorney, Lee A. Nell 515 215-656-8572
ECD31 Team I, Joseph Mahoney 515 215-656-8564
ECD32 Team II, Thomas Moshang 515 215-656-8556
ECD33 Team III, Myra E. Coleman 515 215-656-8522
ECD34 Team IV, Brenda Johnson 515 215-656-8549
ECD35 Team V, Robert Ford 515 215-656-8537
Office of Inspector General
EFD3A Regional Inspector General for Audit, Bernard Tadley 502 215-656-6900
EFD3A Assistant Regional Inspector General for Audit, Terri Lewis 502 215-656-6276
EFD3IW Special Agent in Charge, Mark Higgins (A) 502 215-656-6900
EFD3IW Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Mark Higgins 502 215-656-6900
EFD3IW Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Cheryl Cox 8021 202-245-6094
400 Maryland Ave., SW, PCP Stop 1500, Washington, DC 20202
EFD3IW OIG Pittsburgh Field Office 1503 412-395-4547
William S. Moorehead Federal Building, 1000 Liberty Ave., Suite 1503, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4004
Office of Management
EMD3P Personnel Management Specialist, (Vacant) 503 215-656-6023
Federal Student Aid
END3S Philadelphia Team Lead, Nancy Klingler 511 215-656-6436
END3S Co-Team Lead, John Loreng 511 215-656-6437
ENBAS1 Philadelphia Training Delivery, Gregory Martin 511 215-656-6452
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 18 -
11/2007
Enforcement Offices
District of Columbia Enforcement Office North Carolina, Virginia,
Washington, DC
ECW Office for Civil Rights Southern Division, Enforcement Coordinator, Taylor August 1620 214-661-9603
Office for Civil Rights District of Columbia Office - North Carolina, Virginia,
Washington, DC
ECW Director, Alice Wender 316 202-786-0530
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, PO Box 14620, Washington, DC 20044-4620 (TDD) 202-208-7741
ECW Program Manager, Dale Rhines 316 202-786-0510
ECW Chief Civil Rights Attorney, Martha Russo (A) 316 202-786-0520
ECW1 Compliance & Enforcement Team 1, Safiyyah Muhammad 316 202-208-7743
ECW2 Compliance & Enforcement Team 2, Karen Hakel 316 202-786-0553
ECW3 Compliance & Enforcement Team 3, Sharon Solomon 316 202-786-0517
ECW4 Compliance & Enforcement Team 4, Sheralyn Goldbecker 316 202-786-0516
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 19 -
11/2007
Region IV Atlanta Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
EOD4 Secretary's Regional Representative, Anne Hancock 19T40 404-562-6225
61 Forsyth Street, SW, Suite 19T40, Atlanta, GA 30303
EOD4 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, Lavin Gartland 19T40 404-562-6225
Office for Civil Rights
Atlanta Enforcement Office, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina,
Tennessee
ECD4 Office for Civil Rights Southern Division, Enforcement Coordinator, Taylor August 1620 214-661-9603
Office for Civil Rights Atlanta Office - Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina,
Tennessee
ECD4 Director, Gary S. Walker 19T70 404-562-6350
(TDD) 404-562-6454
ECD4 Administrative Officer, Deborah Poole 19T70 404-562-5463
ECD4 Chief Civil Rights Attorney, Doris Chriswell 19T70 404-562-5971
ECD4 Program Coordinator, Arinita Ballard 19T70 404-562-6377
ECD4 Special Assistant Georgetta Royals 19T70 404-562-6435
ECD4 National Senior Attorney - Gifted Programs, Barbra Shannon 18T90 404-562-6361
ECD41 Case Resolution Team A, Doris Maye 19T70 404-562-6419
ECD42 Case Resolution Team B, (Vacant)
ECD43 Case Resolution Team C, (Vacant)
ECD44 Case Resolution Team D, (Vacant)
ECD45 Case Resolution Team E, (Vacant)
ECD46 Case Resolution Team F, Brenda Niforth 19T70 404-562-6408
ECD47 Case Resolution Team G, Doris Shields 19T70 404-562-6432
ECD48 Case Resolution Team H, Timothy R. Noonan 19T70 404-562-3077
Office of Inspector General
EFD4A Regional Inspector General for Audit, Denise Wempe 18T71 404-562-6477
EFD4A Assistant Inspector General for Audit, Vacant
EFD4I Special Agent In Charge, Lester Fernandez 18T71 404-562-6460
EFD4I Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Michael Clark 18T71 404-562-6476
EFD4I Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Yessyka Santana 207 959-450-7341
9050 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
Office of Management
EMD4P Regional Personnel Officer, Leonard McKindra (A) 18T55 404-562-6248
EMD4P Regional Training and Development Center, Career Counselor, Alan Berry 18T52 404-562-6251
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 20 -
11/2007
Region IV Atlanta Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee (cont.)
Federal Student Aid
61 Forsyth Street, SW, Suite 18T, Atlanta, GA 30303
END4E Collections Contract Oversight Erin Swanson-Hall 19T30 404-562-6002
END4E1 Administrative Wage Garnishment Compliance, John Jordan 19T20 404-562-6075
END4E2 Collections Contract Analysis and Compliance A, Linda Gaddy 19T17 404-562-6060
END4E3 Collections Contract Analysis and Compliance B, David Bartnicki 19T30 404-562-6055
END4G Atlanta Field Office, Financial Partner Eligibility & Oversight Southern Region 18T20B 214-661-9515
Director, Jerry Wallace (A)
END4S School Participation Team (SC) Atlanta, Area Case Director, Charles Engstrom 18T20B 404-562-6309
END4S Team Lead, Christopher Miller 18T20B 404-562-6304
ENBAS1 Atlanta Training Delivery, Yolanda Adams 18T20 404-562-6291
Region V Chicago, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio,
Wisconsin
EOD5 Secretary's Regional Representative, Kristine Cohn 1437 312-730-1700
500 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60661
EOD5 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, Todd Zoellick 1440 312-730-1707
Office for Civil Rights
Chicago Enforcement Office Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin,
Iowa, North Dakota
EC3 Office for Civil Rights Midwestern Division, Enforcement Coordinator, Linda McGovern 312-730-1595
Office for Civil Rights Chicago Office - Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin,
Iowa, North Dakota
ECD5 Director, Linda McGovern 1470 312-730-1595
(TDD) 312-353-2540
ECD5 Program Manager, Algis Tamosiunas 1466 312-730-1608
ECD5 Chief Civil Rights Attorney, Debbie Osgood 1471 312-730-1598
ECD51 Team 1, Timothy Yaros 1454 312-730-1617
ECD52 Team 2, Dave Blom 1491 312-730-1566
ECD53 Team 3, Jeff Turnbull 1464 312-730-1611
ECD54 Team 4, Don Pollar 1455 312-730-1600
ECD5R Team 5, Madonna T. Lechner 1460 312-730-1587
Office of Inspector General
EFD5A Regional Inspector General for Audit, Gary D. Whitman (A) 1403 312-730-1658
EFD5A Assistant Regional Inspector General for Audit, Gary D. Whitman 1403 312-730-1658
EFD5I Special Agent In Charge, Thomas D. Utz, Jr. (A) 14111 312-730-1652
EFD5I Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Thomas D. Utz, Jr. 14111 312-730-1652
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 21 -
11/2007
Region V Chicago Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio,
Wisconsin (cont.)
Office of Management
EMD5P Regional Personnel Officer, Sharon Wysinger (A)
50 United Nations Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94102-4987 9302 415-486-5703
EMD5P Regional Training and Development Center, Career Counselor, Chris Bardwell 1426 312-730-1672
Federal Student Aid
111 N. Canal Street, Suite 830, Chicago, IL 60606
END5E Customer Care Group, Diane Spadoni 1525 312-730-1486
END5F TOP Hearings & Interagency Appeals, Lorene Bills 1505 312-730-1448
END5H Administrative Wage Garnishment Hearings, William Pranchke 1501 312-730-1482
END5J Escalated Issues, Juanita Ford 1532 312-730-1462
END5G Chicago, Financial Partner Eligibility & Oversight, Northern Region,
Roberta Russo 1551 312-730-1500
END5S School Participation Team NW (Chicago), Area Case Director, Douglas Parrott 1583 312-730-1532
END5S Team Leader, John Jaros, Jr. 1581 312-730-1525
ENBAS1 Chicago Training Delivery, Jamie Malone 1576J 312-730-1528
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 22 -
11/2007
Enforcement Offices
Cleveland Enforcement Office Michigan, Ohio
ECD5C Director, Harry Orris 750 216-522-7640
(TDD) 216-522-4944
ECD5C Program Manager, Catherine Anderlet 750 216-522-4468
ECD5C Chief Attorney, Sandhya Sumbramanian 750 216-522-7642
ECD5C Administrative Officer, Denise Ennis 750 216-522-4977
ECD5C1 Team 1, Donald Yarab 750 216-522-4979
ECD5C2 Team 2, Rhonda Raines 750 216-522-4953
ECD5C3 Team 3, Frederick Head 750 216-522-7621
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 23 -
11/2007
Region VI Dallas Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico,
Oklahoma, Texas
EOD6 Secretary's Regional Representative, Jim Davis 1510 214-661-9500
1999 Bryan Street, Dallas, TX 75201-6817
EOD6 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, (Vacant) 1510 214-661-9500
Office for Civil Rights
Dallas Enforcement Office Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Oklahoma, Texas
ECD6 Director, Taylor D. August 1620 214-661-9601
1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1620, Dallas, TX 75201
ECD6 Executive Assistant, Jann Laws Jackson 1620 214-661-9633
ECD6 Complaint Intake/Customer Service 1620 214-661-9600
ECD6 Program Coordinator, George D. Cole 1620 214-661-9607
ECD6 Chief Civil Rights Attorney, Angela Hights 1620 214-661-9613
ECD6A Team A, Charlene Furr 1620 214-661-9614
ECD6B Team B, John Stephens 1620 214-661-9651
ECD6C Team C, Paul Coxe 1620 214-661-9608
ECD6D Team D, Vicki Johnson 1620 214-661-9627
ECD6F Team F, Sandra Stephens 1620 214-661-9652
Office of Inspector General
EFD6A Regional Inspector General for Audit, Sherri Demmel 14-400 214-661-9526
EFD6A Assistant Regional Inspector General for Audit, Jon Kucholtz 14-400 214-661-9527
EFD6I Special Agent In Charge, Patricia A. Van Gilder 14-400 214-661-9530
EFD6I Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Steven D. Anderson 14-400 214-661-9540
Office of Management
EMD6P Human Resources Specialist, Linda Holloway 1520 214-661-9458
Federal Student Aid
END6G Dallas, Financial Partner Eligibility & Oversight, Southern Region, Director,
Jerry Wallace (A) 1540 214-661-9515
END6S School Participation team SC (Dallas), Area Case Director, Patrick Kennedy 14112 214-661-9480
END6S Dallas Team Lead, Janet Dragoo 14111 214-661-9481
ENBAS1 Dallas Training Delivery, David Elliott 14127 214-661-9453
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 24 -
11/2007
Region VII Kansas City Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
EOD7 Secretary's Regional Representative, Mary Cohen 2002 816-268-0405
8930 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64114-3302
EOD7 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, (Vacant) 2002 816-268-0409
Office for Civil Rights
Kansas City Enforcement Office Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska,
North Dakota, South Dakota
ECD7 Director, Angela M. Bennett E2037 816-268-0550
(TDD) 800-437-0833
ECD7 Program Manager, Steven D. Stratton E2037 816-268-0587
ECD7 Chief Attorney, William Dittmeier E2037 816-268-0558
ECD7S Service Leadership Team, (Vacant) E2037 816-268-0550
ECD71 A Team, (Vacant) E2037 816-268-0571
ECD72 AA Team, Alan Hughes E2037 816-268-0565
ECD73 AAA Team, Jane McQueeny E2037 816-268-0488
ECD74 AAAA Team, Jody Van Wey E2037 816-268-0570
Office of Inspector General
EFD7A Regional Inspector General for Audit, Gary D. Whitman (A) 1403 312-730-1658
EFD7A Assistant Regional Inspector General for Audit, Janice Keeney E2094 816-268-0500
Office of Management
EMD7P Personnel Management Specialist, Barbara Mullen E2043 816-268-0461
Federal Student Aid
8390 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64114-3302
Kansas City Office - Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska,
Tennessee
END7S School Participation Team SC, (Kansas City) Area Case Director, Ralph A. LoBosco E2064 816-268-0440
END7S Team Lead, Dvak Corwin E2028 816-268-0420
ENBAS1 Kansas City Training Delivery, Linda Coffey E2061-25 816-268-0431
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 25 -
11/2007
Region VIII Denver Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota,
Utah, Wyoming
EOD8 Secretary's Regional Representative, Patricia M. Chlouber 310 303-844-3544
Federal Building, 1244 Speer Blvd, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582
EOD8 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, Wendy Evans 310 303-844-3544
Office for Civil Rights
EC4 Office for Civil Rights Western Division, Enforcement Coordinator, Gary Jackson 206-220-7880
Denver Enforcement Office - Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah,
Wyoming
ECD8 Director, Mary Lou Mobley 300 303-844-4480
(TDD) 303-844-3417
ECD8 Program Manager, Nancy Haberkorn 300 303-844-4823
ECD8 Chief Civil Rights Attorney, (Vacant) 300 303-844-4821
ECD8 Deputy Chief Civil Rights Attorney, Nicole Huggins 300 303-844-5295
ECD81 Team A, L.Thomas Close 300 303-844-4506
ECD82 Team B, (Vacant) 300 303-844-4524
ECD83 Team C, Thomas Rock 300 303-844-5927
ECD84 Team D, Aaron Romine 300 303-844-4568
Office of Management
EMD8P Personnel Management Specialist, Debbie O'Toole 353 303-844-3864
Federal Student Aid
1391 Speer Blvd., Suite 800, Denver, CO 80204
END8S School Participation Team NW, (Denver) Area Case Director, Harry Shriver 800 303-844-3677 x116
END8S Team Lead, Dan Whiting 800 303-844-3677 x120
ENBAS1 Denver Training Delivery, Deborah Tarpley 800 303-844-3677 x118
ENBAS1 Denver Training Delivery, Jacque Straub 800 303-844-3677 x117
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 26 -
11/2007
Region IX San Francisco Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada,
American Samoa, Guam, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
EOD9 Secretary's Regional Representative, Chris Wright 9107 415-486-5708
50 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
EOD9 Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, Tori Hatada 9107 415-786-5708
Office for Civil Rights
San Francisco Enforcement Office California
ECD9 Director, Arthur C. Zeidman 7200 415-486-5555
(TDD) 877-521-2172
ECD9 Program Manager, Charles R. Love, Jr. 7200 415-486-5555
ECD9 Program Manager, (Vacant) 7200 415-486-5555
ECD9 Chief General Attorney, Paul D. Grossman 7200 415-486-5555
ECD96 Case Support Team Leader, Dorothy W. Brady 7200 415-486-5555
ECD91 Team A Leader, Robert E. Scott 7200 415-486-5554
ECD92 Team B Leader, David R. Rolandelli 7200 415-486-5547
ECD93 Team C Leader, Stephen Chen 7200 415-486-5509
ECD94 Team D Leader, James M. Wood, Jr. 7200 415-486-5566
ECD95 Team E Leader, Stella B. Klugman 7200 415-486-5526
Office of Inspector General
EFD9A Regional Inspector General for Audit, Gloria Pilotti 9-200 916-930-2388
501 I Street, Suite 9-200, Sacramento, CA 95814
EFD9A Assistant Regional Inspector General for Audit, Beverly Dalman 9-200 916-930-2393
EFD9I Special Agent In Charge, Natalie M. Forbort 1200 562-980-4141
One World Trade Center, Long Beach, CA 90831
EFD9I Assistant Special Agent In Charge, David J. Aspling 1200 562-980-4141
Office of Management
EMD9P Regional Personnel Officer, Sharon L. Wysinger 9302 415-486-5703
EMD9P Training and Development Center, Career Counselor, Marjorie Singer 9402 415-486-5718
Federal Student Aid
50 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
END9E Processing Regional Office, Jane Bryson 8603 415-486-5633
END9E1 Litigation Support, Chad Keller 8626 415-486-5652
END9E2 Loan Exchange Repurchase, Lawrence Graeber 8617 415-486-5648
END9E3 Student Aid Entitlements, Daniel Opperman 8618 415-486-5659
END9G San Francisco, Financial Partnership Eligibility & Oversight, Western Region, 7100 415-486-5680
Director, Roberta Russo
END9S School Participation Team, NW, (San Francisco/Seattle) Area Case Director, 9815 415-486-5609
Linda Henderson
END9S San Francisco/Seattle Co-Team Lead, Martina Fernandez-Rosario 9809 415-486-5605
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Com
Code Room Number
- 27 -
11/2007
Region X Seattle Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
EODX Secretary's Regional Representative, Donna Foxley 3362 206-220-7800
Jackson Federal Bldg, 915 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98174-1099
EODX Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative, Eric Earling 3362 206-220-7808
Office for Civil Rights
Seattle Enforcement Office Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon,
Washington, Pacific Regions
ECDX Director, Gary Jackson 3310 206-220-7900
(TDD) 206-220-7907
ECDX Associate Director, (Vacant) 3310 206-220-7900
ECDX Chief Attorney, John Benjes 3310 206-220-7890
ECDX Deputy Chief Attorney, Joan Rubin 3310 206-220-7892
ECDX Administrative Officer, Darlene Yamada 3310 206-220-4184
ECDX1 Team A, Dennis Moore 3310 206-220-7923
ECDX2 Team B, Susan Read 3310 206-220-7925
ECDX3 Team C, Randy Borkowski (A) 3310 206-220-7938
ECDX4 Team D, Randy Borkowski 3310 206-220-7938
Office of Management
EMDXP Personnel Management Specialist, Ike Gilbert 3388 206-220-7813
Jackson Federal Bldg, 915 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98174-1099
Federal Student Aid
701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1600, Seattle, WA 98101
END9S San Francisco/Seattle Team Lead, Marcia Clark 486 206-615-3699
ENBAS2 Seattle QA and X-sites Duty Station, Michael Cagle 1600 206-615-2586
ENBAS1 Seattle Training Delivery, Linda Burkhardt 1600 206-615-2174
ENBAS1 Seattle Training Delivery, Marianna Deeken 1600 206-615-2583
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Regional Satellite Offices
- 28-
11/2007
REGION II
U.S. Department of Education, OIG/OI and OA
Federal Building, Room 747
Box 772
150 Carlos Chardon Avenue
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico 00918-1721
Telephone - (787) 766-6278 Office of Audit
REGION IV
Office of Inspector General
9050 Pines Blvd, Suite 270
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
Telephone - (305) 356-7827
REGION IX
U.S. Department of Education, OIG/Investigations
One World Trade Center, Suite 2300
Long Beach, CA 90831
Telephone - (562) 980-4141
U.S. Department of Education, OIG/Investigation/Audit
501 I Street, Room 9-200
Sacramento, CA 95814
Telephone - (916) 930-2388
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
Education Boards, Commissions, and Councils
- 29 -
11/2007
EYEA Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance
Executive Director, William J. Goggins 413 CP 7582 219-2099
Designated Federal Official, Dan Madzelan 8036 K St. 8544 502-7816
EMJK Civil Rights Reviewing Authority
Director, Richard I. Slippen 2100A LP 7550 619-9700
EO Commission on Presidential Scholars
Executive Director, Melissa Apostolides 5E229 LBJ 7554 205-0512
EO Federal Interagency Committee on Education
Executive Director, Anthony Fowler 5E222 LBJ 7465 401-3673
EPYEK Historically Black Colleges and Universities Capital Financing Advisory Board
Executive Director, Donald Watson 7127 K St. 8500 219-7037
EPHC5 Jacob K. Javits Fellows Program Fellowship Board
Executive Director, Cosette Ryan 6008 K St. 8524 502-7637
EPYEE National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity
Executive Director, Melissa Lewis 7127 K St. 8500 219-7009
ESYI National Advisory Council on Indian Education
Acting Designated Federal Official, Pierce Hammond 3C106 LBJ 6335 205-0687
EZ National Assessment Governing Board
Executive Director, Charles Smith 800/825 NC 357-6938
Deputy Executive Director, Mary Crovo 800/825 NC 357-6938
Designated Federal Official, Munira Mwalimu 800/825 NC 357-6906
Designated Federal Official-Mary Grace Lucier 6021 CP 5530 219-2253
EYER National Board of Education Sciences
EPYEP National Board of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, III
Designated Federal Official, Ralph Hines (A) 6151 K St. 8544 502-7618
EPYEM National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation
Executive Director, Melissa Lewis 7127 K St. 8500 219-7009
EX National Institute for Literacy Advisory Board
Executive Director, Sandra L. Baxter Suite 730 I17 7560 233-2025
EAPYB President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Executive Director, Leonard Haynes, III 6123 K St. 8544 502-7549
EAYPT President's Board of Advisors on Tribal Colleges and Universities
Executive Director, Deborah Cavett 7010 K St. 8500 219-7040
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
Education Boards, Commissions, and Councils
- 30 -
11/2007
EAYHE A National Dialogue: The Secretary of Education's Commission
on the Future of Higher Education
Executive Director, Cheryl Oldham 7E303 LBJ 24 205-5233
EQYA Safe & Drug Free Schools & Communities Advisory Committee
Chief of Staff, Designated Federal Official, Catherine Davis 1E110B LBJ 6400 205-3864
EDYM National Mathematics Advisory Panel
Executive Director, Tyrell Flawn 5E332 LBJ 1400 260-8354
ESYR Reading First Advisory Committee
Designated Federal Official, Deborah Spitz 3W248 LBJ 260-3793
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Org Mail Com
Code Room Bldg Stop Number
Independent Organizations Affiliated with the Department of Education
- 31 -
11/2007
Architectural & Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
Executive Director, Lawrence Roffee
1331 F Street, NW, Washington DC 20004-1111 Suite 1000 272-0080
EX National Institute For Literacy
Executive Director, Sandra Baxter
1775 I Street, NW, Washington DC 20006-2417 Suite 730 I17 7560 233-2025
National Council on Disability
Executive Director, Mark Quigley (A)
1331 F Street, NW, Washington DC 20004-1107 Suite 850 272-2004
EZ National Assessment Governing Board
Executive Director, Charles E. Smith
800 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington DC 20002-4233 Suite 825 NC 7583 357-6938
Federally Aided Corporations
American Printing House for the Blind
President, Tuck Tinsley, III 502-895-2405
PO Box 6085, Louisville KY 40206-0085 1-800-223-1839
(www.aph.org)
Gallaudet University
President, Robert R. Davila (TTY/Voice) 202-651-5000
800 Florida Ave NE, Washington DC 20002-3695
(www.gallaudet.edu)
Howard University
President, H. Patrick Swygert 202-806-6100
2400 Sixth St NW, Suite 402, Washington DC 20059
(www.howard.edu)
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Dean, T. Alan Hurwitz (TTY/Voice) 585-475-6400
Lyndon Baines Johnson Building, 52 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester NY 14623-5604
(http://ntidweb.rit.edu)
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 32 -
11/2007
OS
Immediate Office of the Secretary 7W225 LBJ 401-0596
White House Liaison 7E216 LBJ 205-0501
Executive Management Staff 7E107 LBJ 205-0723
Scheduling and Advance Staff 7W221 LBJ 401-0048
Office of Educational Technology 7E224 LBJ 401-3941
Management Improvement Team 7E302C LBJ 260-4406
Executive Secretariat 7C140 LBJ 401-2854
Correspondence and Communication Control Unit 7E114 LBJ 260-7867
ODS
Immediate Office of the Deputy Secretary 7W308 LBJ 205-7655
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization 7046 PCP 245-6304
OCR
Office for Civil Rights 6107-O PCP 245-6872
Resource Management Group 6149 PCP 245-6842
Human Resources Team 6149 PCP 245-6842
Customer Service Team 7038 PCP 245-6840
Program Legal Group 6127 PCP 245-6846
OPEPD
Assistant Secretary 5E313 LBJ 260-7741
Policy and Program Studies Service 6W308 LBJ 401-3036
Budget Service 5W331C LBJ 401-6139
Administrative Budget Analysis Division 5W209C LBJ 205-0302
Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Research Analysis Division 5W101 LBJ 401-0220
Performance Information Management Service 6W254 LBJ 260-7216
OUS
Immediate Office of the Under Secretary 7E322C LBJ 205-0063
OIG
Office of Inspector General/Immediate Office 8th Floor PCP 245-6995
Audit Services 8th Floor PCP 245-7030
Evaluation and Inspection Services 8th Floor PCP 245-7089
Management Services 8th Floor PCP 245-7012
Investigation Services 8th Floor PCP 245-6990
Washington/Philadelphia Investigation Region 8th Floor PCP 245-7087
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 33 -
11/2007
OGC
General Counsel/Executive Office 205-2689
Educational Equity and Research Division 260-2972
Elementary, Secondary, Adult, and Vocational Education Division 205-0524
Ethics Division 260-5104
Postsecondary Education Division 401-5391
Regulatory Services Division 260-5085
Business and Administrative Law Division 401-9528
Legislative Counsel Division 260-5093
OSERS
Office of the Assistant Secretary
Human Resources Team/Executive Office 5152 PCP 245-7637
Communications & Customer Service Team 5129A PCP 245-7636
Office of Special Education Programs/Office of the Director 4114A PCP 245-7615
Program Support Services Group 4126A PCP 245-7616
Monitoring and State Improvement Planning Division 4001A PCP 245-7614
Research to Practice Division 4120A PCP 245-7619
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research/Office of the Director 6057 PCP 245-7630
Rehabilitation Services Administration/Office of the Commissioner 5081A PCP 245-7592
Program Support Staff 5172 PCP 245-7589
State Monitoring & Program Improvement Division 5001 PCP 245-7590
State Monitoring & Program Improvement Units 5029A PCP 245-7588
Training & Services Program Division 5029A PCP 245-7591
Training Programs Unit 5048A PCP 245-7593
CIO
Chief Information Officer 9109 PCP 245-6621
Executive Office 4E225 LBJ 401-2455
Assistive Technology Team BC101 LBJ 401-8469
Network Services Team 10056 PCP 245-6691
Development Services Team 9059 PCP 245-6622
OLCA
Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs 6W301 LBJ 401-1438
OCFO
Chief Financial Officer 4E327 LBJ 401-0006
Executive Officer 4E225 LBJ 401-2455
Contracts and Acquisition Management 7154 PCP 245-6280
Contracts Group A 7167 PCP 245-6278
Contracts Group B 7141 PCP 245-6298
Contracts Group C 7135 PCP 245-6296
Contracts Group D 7118 PCP 245-6297
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 34 -
11/2007
OCFO (cont)
Financial Improvement and Post Audit Operations 2102 UCP 275-3462
Post Audit Group 2102 UCP 275-3462
Indirect Cost Group 2102 UCP 275-4641
Internal Control Evaluation Group 22C7X UCP 275-4810
Financial Management Operations 4C146 LBJ 205-0765
General Accounting Group 4C146 LBJ 205-0765
Accounts Payable Group 4E117 LBJ 401-1955
Accounts Receivable Group 21J3 UCP 275-4642
Financial Systems Operations 4E248 LBJ 401-8341
Functional Applications Group 4E300 LBJ 205-0729
Electronic Grant Initiatives and Support Staff 7099 PCP 245-6271
Application Control Center 7041 PCP 245-6272
Systems Operations and Maintenance Group 4E248 LBJ 401-8341
Financial Systems Support Group 4E300 LBJ 205-0729
EDCAPS Vendor File 4E206 LBJ 260-1227
EDCAPS Helpdesk/Hotline 7054 PCP 245-6286
Financial Systems Transactions Group 4C127 LBJ 205-2435
OM
Office of the Assistant Secretary 2W311 LBJ 260-3761
Executive Office 2W133 LBJ 401-3513
Facilities and Management Services
Facilities Services Group 2E105 LBJ 401-0994
Federal Real Property Assistance Program 2E117 LBJ 401-0828
Management Services Group
Office of the Director 2E105 LBJ 401-0485
Customer Service Center 1E108 LBJ 260-7133
Human Resources Services 2E324 LBJ 401-0520
Training and Development Team 2W226 LBJ 401-0434
Office of Hearings and Appeals 2100A LBJ 619-9726
Equal Employment Opportunity Services 2W228 LBJ 205-5760
Security Services 2W229 LBJ 205-7940
Regulatory Information Management Services 9138 PCP 245-6623
FSA
Immediate Office of the Chief Operating Officer UCP 275-5000
Ombudsman UCP 275-0549
Program Compliance
Chief Compliance Officer UCP 275-5735
School Eligibility Channel UCP 275-3486
Integrated Partner Management UCP 275-5726
Financial Partnership & Oversight UCP 275-0913
Business Operations UCP 275-0439
Application Operations & Delivery Services UCP 275-4551
School Services and Training Channel UCP 275-4551
Program Operations Channel UCP 275-3479
Financial Partners Services UCP 275-0913
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 35 -
11/2007
FSA (cont)
Borrower Services UCP 275-3468
Chief Information Officer UCP 690-5033
Chief Financial Officer UCP 275-3477
Communications Management Services UCP 205-0079
Human Resources 22B6 UCP 275-0486
Student Aid Awareness and Applicant Services UCP 275-0064
OCO
Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary 7C115 LBJ 401-8607
Communication Development 7E245 LBJ 401-3130
Community Services 5E203 LBJ 205-0676
Information Resources Center 5E233 LBJ 401-0689
Educational Partnerships and Family Involvement 5E100 LBJ 205-9133
Regional Services 5E325 LBJ 401-8552
OPE
Office of the Assistant Secretary and Staff Offices
Office of the Assistant Secretary 7115 K St. 502-7677
Executive Office 7152 K St. 502-7866
Accreditation and State Liaison Staff 7128 K St. 219-7005
National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity 7007 K St. 219-7008
National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation 7007 K St. 219-7008
Policy, Planning and Innovation
Policy, Planning, and Innovation/Immediate Office 8022 K St. 502-7875
Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education 8026 K St. 502-7877
Policy, Budget Development Staff 8074 K St. 502-7873
Forecasting and Policy Analysis Staff 8093 K St. 502-7874
Strategic Planning Staff 8036 K St. 502-7876
Program Oversight Staff 8043 K St. 502-7665
Higher Education Programs
Higher Education Programs/Immediate Office 6114 K St. 502-7852
Operations and Coordination Staff 6114 K St. 502-7852
Higher Education Preparation and Support Service 7044 K St. 502-7857
Institutional Development and Undergraduate Education Service 6040 K St. 502-7861
International Education Programs Service 6006 K St. 502-7859
Teacher and Student Development Programs 6123 K St. 502-7675
OSDFS
Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools 3E324 LBJ 260-7767
Office of the Assistant Deputy Secretary 1E110 LBJ 260-5005
Executive Office 3E204 LBJ 260-5722
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 36 -
11/2007
IES
Office of the Director 600 CP 219-1402
Executive Office 602H CP 219-1466
National Center for Education Statistics/Office of the Commissioner 9109 K St. 502-7466
Early Childhood, International and Crosscutting Studies Division 9146 K St. 502-7455
Elementary/Secondary and Libraries Studies Division 9088 K St. 502-7475
Postsecondary Studies Division 8111 K St. 502-7460
Assessment Division 8015 K St. 502-7440
OESE
Office of the Assistant Secretary 3W315 LBJ 205-0303
Management and Administrative Unit 3W324 LBJ 205-0310
Impact Aid Programs/Office of the Director 3C143 LBJ 205-0088
Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs 3W240 LBJ 260-7764
Office of Migrant Education 3E327 LBJ 205-0089
Academic Achievement and Teacher Quality Programs 3W213 LBJ 260-8969
School Support and Technology Programs 3E243 LBJ 205-5870
Office of Indian Education/Office of the Director 5C128 LBJ 260-7779
OELA
Office of the Director 10086 PCP 245-7168
Executive Office 10090 PCP 245-7164
State Consolidated Grant Division 10118 PCP 245-7167
Continuation and Professional Development Grants Division 10065 PCP 245-7166
Special Initiatives Division 10094 PCP 245-7163
OII
Office of Innovation and Improvement 4W327 LBJ 401-4123
Executive Office 4W333 LBJ 401-4123
Office of Non-Public Education 4W341 LBJ 401-1368
Family Policy Compliance Office 2W113 LBJ 260-9001
Fund for the Improvement of Education 4W203 LBJ 205-5631
Parental Options and Information 4W225 LBJ 205-5630
Teacher Quality Programs 4W318 LBJ 401-8466
Improvement Programs 4W238 LBJ 205-5630
Technology in Education Programs 4W254 LBJ 205-5720
OVAE
Office of the Assistant Secretary 11113 PCP 245-7837
Administrative Staff 11102 PCP 245-7838
Adult Education and Literacy Division 11159 PCP 245-7839
Academic and Technical Education Division 11018 PCP 245-7170
11062 PCP 245-7171
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 37 -
11/2007
Region I
Secretary's Regional Representative 514 617-289-0151
Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative 514 617-289-0151
Office for Civil Rights - Boston Enforcement Office 911 617-289-0150
617-289-0155
Office of Inspector General 11th Fl 617-289-0156
Federal Real Property Assistance Program (Boston) 1143 617-289-0158
Human Resources Office 1095 617-565-6633
Region II
Secretary's Regional Representative 12th Fl 646-428-3904
Office for Civil Rights-New York Enforcement Office 646-428-3843
Office of Inspector General 26th Fl 646-428-3868
Human Resources Office 2505 646-428-3793
Eastern Region Financial Partner Eligibility & Oversight 2500 646-428-3773
Federal Student Aid 646-428-3742
Region III
Secretary's Regional Representative 505 215-656-6020
Office for Civil Rights - Philadelphia Enforcement Office 515 215-656-8605
215-656-5653
Office of Inspector General 502 215-656-6397
Human Resources Services 503 215-656-6026
Federal Student Aid 511 215-656-6499
District of Columbia Enforcement Office
District of Columbia Enforcement Office 316 202-208-7797
Region IV
Secretary's Regional Representative 19T40 404-562-6520
Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative 19T40 404-562-6520
Office for Civil Rights - Atlanta Enforcement Office 19T70 404-562-6455
Office of Inspector General 18T71 404-562-6509
Collections Contract Oversight 404-562-6008
Region V
Secretary's Regional Representative 1437 312-730-1704
Office for Civil Rights - Chicago Enforcement Office 1470 312-730-1567
Federal Student Aid - Customer Care Group 1525 312-730-1457
Northern Region Financial Partner Eligible & Oversight 1577 312-730-1503
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 38 -
11/2007
Cleveland Enforcement Office
Cleveland Enforcement Office 750 216-522-2573
Region VI
Secretary's Regional Representative 2700 214-661-9594
Deputy Secretary's Regional Representative 2700 214-661-9594
Office for Civil Rights - Dallas Enforcement Office 2600 214-661-9587
214-661-9583
Office of Inspector General 14-400 214-661-9531
214-661-9589
Human Resources Services 1520 214-661-9580
Southern Region Partner Services 1540 214-661-9581
Federal Student Aid 214-661-9662
Region VII
Secretary's Regional Representative 7th Fl 816-268-0407
Office for Civil Rights - Kansas City Enforcement Office 8th Fl 816-823-1404
Office of Inspector General 2nd Fl 816-823-1398
816-880-4011
Personnel Management E2043 816-823-1401
Federal Student Aid 2028 816-823-1402
Region VIII
Secretary's Regional Representative 310 303-844-2524
Office for Civil Rights - Denver Enforcement Office 300 303-844-4303
Regional Personnel Management 353 303-844-3708
Region IX
Secretary's Regional Representative 9107 415-486-5719
Office for Civil Rights - San Francisco Enforcement Office 7200 415-486-5570
Office of Inspector General
Sacramento, CA 9-200 916-930-2390
Long Beach, CA 1200 562-980-4143
Human Resources Services 9300 415-486-5706
Processing Regional Office 415-487-7778
Western Region Financial Partner Eligibility & Oversight 7100 415-486-5679
School Participation Team - San Francisco/Seattle 7100 415-486-5676
Region X
Secretary's Regional Representative 3362 206-220-7806
Office for Civil Rights - Seattle Enforcement Office 3310 206-220-7887
Human Resources Office 3388 206-220-7949
Federal Student Aid 1600 206-615-2508
Organizational Directory
Fax Numbers
Room Number Bldg Fax Number
- 39 -
11/2007
Education Boards, Commissions, and Councils
Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance 413 CP 219-3032
Civil Rights Reviewing Authority 2100A LP 619-9726
Commission on Presidential Scholars 5E205 LBJ 205-0676
Federal Interagency Committee on Education 5E230 LBJ 260-7465
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Capital Financing Advisory Board 6033 K St. 502-7852
Jacob K. Javits Fellows Program Fellowship Board 6014 K St. 502-7860
National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity 7007 K St. 219-7008
National Advisory Council on Indian Education 5C128 LBJ 260-7779
National Advisory Governing Board 800/825 NC 357-6945
National Board of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education 8022 K St. 502-7877
National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation 7007 K St. 219-7008
National Board of Education Sciences 6021 CP 210-1466
National Institute for Literacy Advisory Board 730 I17 233-2050
National Mathematics Advisory Panel 5E332 LBJ 260-7741
President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities 6109 K St. 502-7879
President's Board of Advisors on Tribal Colleges and Universities 7010 K St. 219-7086
Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities 1E110B LBJ 205-5005
Independent Organizations Affiliated with the Department of Education
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Suite 1000 272-0081
National Institute For Literacy Suite 730 I17 233-2050
National Council on Disability Suite 850 272-2022
National Assessment Governing Board Suite 825 NC 357-6945
Federally Aided Corporations
American Printing House for the Blind 502-899-2274
Gallaudet University 202-651-5704
National Technical Institute for the Deaf 585-475-5978
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
TDD/TTY Numbers
- 40 -
11/2007
OSERS
Office of the Assistant Secretary 205-5465
Human Resources Team (Executive Office) 205-2735
Office of Special Education Programs
Louise Tripoli 260-8875
Office of the Director/Deputy Director 205-5637
National Initiatives Team 205-8170
Rehabilitation Services Administration
Office of the Commissioner 205-5538
OM
Executive Office
Bruce Monblatt 260-8956
Human Resources Services
Vacancy Information 401-2296
Office of Hearings and Appeals
Informal Dispute Resolution Center 619-9731
FSA
Office of the Ombudsman 377-3800
OCO
Communication Development 401-0594
Information Resource Center 401-1032
Region I
Office for Civil Rights - Boston Enforcement Office 617-289-0063
Region III
Office for Civil Rights - Philadelphia Enforcement Office 877-521-2172
District of Columbia Enforcement Office
District of Columbia Enforcement Office 202-208-7741
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
TDD/TTY Numbers
- 41 -
11/2007
Region IV
Office for Civil Rights - Atlanta Enforcement Office 404-562-6454
Region V
Office for Civil Rights - Chicago Enforcement Office 312-353-2540
Cleveland Enforcement Office
Cleveland Enforcement Office 216-522-4944
Region VII
Office for Civil Rights - Kansas City Enforcement Office 800-437-0833
Region VIII
Office for Civil Rights - Denver Enforcement Office 303-844-3417
Region IX
Office for Civil Rights - San Francisco Enforcement Office 877-521-2172
Region X
Office for Civil Rights - Seattle Enforcement Office 206-220-7907
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Conference Rooms
Room Number Capacity Office Contact Person Phone Number
- 42 -
11/2007
LBJ
Auditorium 200+ OM/MS 708-HELP (Option #3)
2C100 16 OM Available In Outlook
2C101 16 OM Available In Outlook
2E100 6-8 OM Available In Outlook
2E101 4 OM Available In Outlook
2E102 8-10 OM Available In Outlook
2E104 4 OM Available In Outlook
2W100 8 OM Available In Outlook
4C101 14 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
4E100 8 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
4E101 6 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
4E102 8 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
4E104 6 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
5C100 14 OPEPD Maria Wade 401-1700
5C102 6 OPEPD Maria Wade 401-1700
5C103 6 OPEPD Maria Wade 401-1700
5E100 8 OCO Katrina Bridges 401-0431
5E101 25 OCO Katrina Bridges 401-0431
5E307 14 OCO Katrina Bridges 401-0431
5W100 8 OPEPD Maria Wade 401-1700
6C100 14 OPEPD Azalea Saunders 401-3132
6C101 15 OGC Mary Proctor/Aubrey Stallings 401-8340
6E100 8 OGC Mary Proctor/Aubrey Stallings 401-8340
6E101 6 OGC Mary Proctor/Aubrey Stallings 401-8340
6E102 8 OGC Mary Proctor/Aubrey Stallings 401-8340
6E104 6 OGC Mary Proctor/Aubrey Stallings 401-8340
6W100 8 OPEPD Azalea Saunders 401-3132
7C100 14 OS/SEC Erika Kirby 401-3082
7C101 14 OS/SEC Erika Kirby 401-3082
7E100 8 OS/SEC Erika Kirby 401-3082
7E102 8 OS/SEC Erika Kirby 401-3082
PCP
4080 45 OSEP/OSERS Juanita Carpenter 245-7294
4090 30 OSEP/OSERS Juanita Carpenter 245-7294
4095 10 OSEP/OSERS Juanita Carpenter 245-7294
4155 15 OSEP/OSERS Juanita Carpenter 245-7294
6008 20 OCR Corey Pickeral 245-6705
6083 25 OCR Sharon Davis 245-6798
6158 50 OCR Corey Pickeral 245-6705
6163 10 OCR Corey Pickeral 245-6705
7080 38 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
7085 8 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
7093 14 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
7105 38 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
7193 8 OCFO Available in Outlook 401-0322
8th Floor Varies OIG Theodore Polk 245-7044
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
Conference Rooms
Room Number Capacity Office Contact Person Phone Number
- 43 -
11/2007
Region IX
137 64 FSA Program Compliance 415-556-4201
254 40 SRR 415-556-4120
546 23 SRR 415-556-4120
GSA
Cohen Bldg.
Auditorium 500 Marlene Holmes 619-0510
ROB
Auditorium 210 Reservations by E-Mail Only. EMails
should be sent to EACH of the
following GSA Associates:
1034 30 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
1917 14 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
2664B 30 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
5009 30 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
5051 30 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
490 L'Enfant Plaza
A 50 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
B 50 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
A&B 100 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
C 12 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
Training Room D 15 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
The Training Room 30 john.dildy@gsa.gov,
olivia.jefferson@gsa.gov, &
barbara.badawi@gsa.gov
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 44 -
11/2007
Administrative Codes (Organization Codes) 401-0697
Administrative Communications System (ACS) (ED Directives) 401-8548
Advisory Committee Information (membership, location, etc.) 401-3677
Website:
http://www.ed.gov/inits/commissionsboards/index.html
Airport Limousine Service
Baltimore Washington International 1-800-435-9294
Shuttle from Amtrak to BWI 1-800-872-7245
Super Shuttle (BWI, Dulles, and Reagan National) 1-800-258-3826
Website: www.supershuttle.com
Application Control Center for Grants, 7066 PCP 245-6288
Audiovisual Services 708-HELP
Audit Follow-Up 377-3816
Blood Drive, 2E107 LBJ 205-7899
Building Passes (Picture ID's), 2C103 LBJ
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Outside Normal Business Hours call: 401-0372 or
401-3611
Building Services (light, heat, air conditioning--all bldgs)
Normal Workday--Customer Service Center 708-HELP
After Normal Workday--Emergency Control Center 708-1111
Cafeteria Liaison, 2E100 LBJ 205-3957
Cafeteria Manager (Edibles) 646-1372
Contracts and Acquisition Management
Policy 245-6205
Scheduling 245-6289
Solicitation Mail out/Proposal Receipt, 7153 PCP 245-6289
Copier Analyst/Services 401-3088/401-0411
Copy Centers
L-09 CP 219-1815
BE109 LBJ (B Level) 205-5088
401-7562
6009 K Street 219-7119
P2 Level PCP 245-7671
1208 UCP 377-3346/47
Credit Union
2nd floor, HHH 488-5400
Customer Service/Hotline 708-4357
Day Care Center
Switzer 1300 Corridor 260-7643
260-7644
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 45 -
11/2007
Delegations of Authority 260-8961
Departmental Auditorium 708-HELP
Option #3
ED Notebook 205-3957
ED Publications (EDPUBS) 1-877-4ED-PUBS
Internet Library@ed.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity, 2W228 LBJ 401-3560
Equipment--new and surplus 708-HELP
Equipment Repair (typewriters, calculators) 708-HELP
Fedex/Mail Room, B Level 102 LBJ 401-0966/401-0969
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act--Buckley
Amendment) Inquiries 260-3887
Federal Real Property Assistance Program (FRPA) Inquires 202-260-4558
Finance
Accounts Receivable 401-1457
Funds Availability
Program Funds--Current Year 1-888-336-8930
Prior Year Funds--Administrative and Program 1-888-336-8930
Payments
Contracts & Miscellaneous Grants 401-0995
FEDWIRE/ACH-EFT 401-1114
ACH Payments 1-888-336-8930
Fire and Safety Specialist, 2W336 LBJ 401-1301
(Pager)
1-800-496-1438
Fitness Centers
Fitness Association of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (FAB)
Postal Square Building #2, Washington, DC 691-7809
Regional Office Building Fitness Association (ROBFA)
Regional Office Building #3, 7th and D Streets, SW
Washington, DC 205-9731
LBJ Education Building
400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Room BC105
Washington, DC 20202 205-5205
Region 1
FitCorp
Prudential Center, Suite 2475, Boston, MA 02199 617-375-5600
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 46 -
11/2007
Fitness Centers (cont.)
Region 3
The Sporting Club at the Bellevue 215-985-9876
224 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Region 4
Atlanta Federal Center, 61 Forsythe Street, SW 404-562-7703
Atlanta, GA 30303
Region 5
Randolph Athletic Club 312-269-5820
188 W. Randolph Street, 27th Fl, Chicago, IL 60601
Region 6
YMCA Downtown Dallas 214-954-0500
601 North Akard Street, Dallas, TX 75201
Region 8
1244 Speer Boulevard, Denver, CO 80294 303-844-6086
Kevin Daly, ED Contact
Region 9
50 United Nations Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94102 415-437-7918
Thomas Purvis, ED Contact
Region 10
915 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98174-1009 206-220-6134
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Inquiries, PCP 9143 245-6651
Furniture 708-HELP
Government Purchase Cards 245-6204
Grants
Application Mail out/Receipt, 7066 PCP 245-6288
Policy 245-6119
Scheduling 245-6119
Graphics, 5W116 LBJ 401-0762
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 47 -
11/2007
Guards' Offices
LBJ, Lobby (C Street, East) 205-9039
LBJ, Lobby (Maryland Ave) 401-1596
ROB3, 7th St Lobby 708-7181
Switzer, Rm 1020 205-5434
UCP Lobby 377-3333
Federal Protective Service Police Control Center 708-1111
Health and Environmental Safety, 2C105 260-8977
Health Units (HQ)
BC115 LBJ 401-0464
9900 PCP 245-6670
Room 1553, GAO, 441 G Street, NW (Serving Capitol 512-5486
Place)
Room 7239, HUD, 451 7th Street, SW (Serving L'Enfant 708-4265
Plaza)
Room 369, Lafayette Building, 811 Vermont Avenue, NW 565-9321
Room LL80, National Park Service, 800 N. Capitol
Street, NW 523-5203
Suite G1-20, Ronald Reagan Building,
1331 Pennsylvania Ave., NW 565-1940
Room 7161, 1990 K Street, NW 502-7863
Suite 2100, Union Center Plaza III, 830 1st Street, NE 377-3574
Health Units (Regional Offices)
Region 1
John F. Kennedy Bldg., Room E-110 617-565-1041
Government Center (Lowrise), Boston, MA 02203 (Fax) 617-565-1049
Region 2
Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, 26 Federal Plaza 212-264-9177
Room 138, New York, NY 10278-0004 (Fax) 212-264-4381
United States Federal Building, 150 Carlos Chardon Ave. 787-766-5348/5503
Room 402, Hato Rey, PR 00918-1713 (Fax) 787-766-5804
Region 3
Basement Level, 1650 Arch Street 215-814-2800
Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Fax) 215-814-2810
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 48 -
11/2007
Health Units (Regional Offices) (cont.)
Region 4
Atlanta Federal Center, 100 Alabama Street, SW 404-562-7551
Room 2-R40, Atlanta, GA 30303 (Fax) 404-562-7590
Region 5
Federal Building, 536 South Clark Street, Room 288 312-353-0307/0308
Chicago, IL 60605-1521 (Fax) 312-353-0145
Federal Building & United States Courthouse 651-290-3051/3052
316 Robert Street, Room 167 (Fax) 651-290-3560
St. Paul, MN 55101-1423
Region 6
1301 Young Street, Room 150 214-767-3286
Dallas, TX 75202 (Fax) 214-767-8354
Federal Building, 300 East 8th Street, Room G-159 512-916-5616
Austin, TX 78701-3220 (Fax) 512-916-5637
Region 7
Federal Building, 601 East 12th Street, Room 901 816-426-3377
Kansas City, MO 64106 (Fax) 816-426-3352
Region 8
Denver Federal Building & Courthouse, Federal 303-844-3786
Office Building, 1961 Stout Street, Room 322 (Fax) 303-844-4096
Denver, CO 80294
Region 9
DFOH Health Center, 50 United Nations Plaza, Room 40 415-437-8830
San Francisco, CA 94102-4988 (Fax) 415-437-8832
Federal Building, 501 I Street, Suite 7-300 916-930-2290
Sacramento, CA 95814 (Fax) 916-930-2295
Region 10
Jackson Federal Building, 915 2nd Avenue, Room 570 206-220-7630
Seattle, WA 98174-1099 (Fax) 206-220-4672
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 49 -
11/2007
Help Desk 708-HELP
I.D. Badges--See Building Passes
Indirect Cost Determination 377-3838
Informal Dispute Resolution Center 619-9700
Information Collection Clearances, PCP 9164 245-6604
Information Resource Center 1-800-USA-LEARN
Inspector General's Fraud Hotline 245-6911
Library
Administration 205-4410
Cataloging 260-8169
Circulation 205-4945
Collection Development 260-0203
Electronic Document Delivery 205-8698
Electronic Resources 260-8181
Interlibrary Loan 260-0194
Government Documents 260-8170
On-Line Databases 260-8181
Reference/Research/Statistics 205-5015 or
205-5019
Outside Washington Area 1-800-424-1616
Email Library@ed.gov
Lost and Found--see Guards' Offices
Mail Management (Mailing Advice, Back Shipment, Overnight
and Accountable (Numbered) Mail Information) 401-1292
Mail Room, BC102 LBJ (Internal/External Pickup/Delivery) 401-0966/401-0969
Metro 637-7000
Website: www.wmata.com (TTY) 638-3780
Motor Pool, 1E102 LBJ 401-3861
Movers 708-HELP
National Library of Education
Director 219-1012
ERIC Director 208-2321
News Room (press releases, etc.) 7E200 LBJ 401-1576
Organization/Reorganization Approval (Information) (TDD) 260-8956
Organization Codes (Administrative Codes) 401-0697
Parking, 2E327 LBJ 205-4860
Parking Attendants, B-Level 401-6570
Payroll Liaison 401-0536
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 50 -
11/2007
Personnel Information
Employee Records, 2C120 LBJ 401-9025
Employment Information 205-3885
Employment Verifications 401-9025
Forms--available from Customer Service Team III, 2C116 LBJ 401-9025
Grievances 401-3927
Health Benefits 401-1920
Incentive Awards 401-1920
Insurance 401-1920
Labor Relations 401-3927
Retirement 401-1920
Special Programs Recruitment 401-0126
Staffing, Recruitment, Classification and Position
Management, Headquarters Customer Service Team I --
OESE, OELA, OCR, OVAE, OPE, IES, FSA, OII, OSDFS
National Institute of Literacy/Advisory Councils, 2E212 LBJ 401-2419
Headquarters Customer Service Team II --
OS, ODS, OLCA, OUS, OCO, OM, OIG, OCFO, OGC,
OSERS, OCIO, OPEPD, 2E316 LBJ 401-0553
Personnel Locator
ED Information Resource Center 1-800-USA-LEARN
HHS 619-0257
Post Offices
1554 HHS-N--Self Service
437 L'Enfant Plaza (Hrs 8-5) 842-4526
Russell Senate Office (Cons. and Delaware Ave) (Hrs 8:30 224-3900
AM - 5:30 PM)
National Capitol Station (2 Mass. Ave., NE) 523-2368
PPRA (Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment) Inquiries 260-3887
Printing and Reproduction (GPO), 5C108 LBJ 401-3606
Privacy Act Inquiries, PCP 9143 245-6651
Procurement--See Contracts
Publications Information (editing, clearance and
production procedures, etc.) 5W116 LBJ 401-0762
Records Management and Retention, PCP 9158 245-6628
Security
Department 401-3611
Personnel Background Investigations 205-9780
Student Aid 1-800-4-FED-AID
Student Loans (Default) 1-800-621-3115
Department of Education
Organizational Directory
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
- 51 -
11/2007
Suggestion System 401-2204
Telecommunications 245-6644
Telephone Repair 708-4357
Line Trouble (no dial tone, static, cut-off, etc.) or
Malfunctioning Set (light doesn't work, bell doesn't
ring, needs new cord, etc.) 708-4357
Training
Course Registration 401-1973
Information 401-1973
Atlanta Eastern Training and Development Center (Region
(Serving Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York and Boston)
Alan Berry 404-562-6251
Chicago Mid-Western Training and Development
Center (Region 5) (Serving Chicago, Kansas City, Dallas
and Cleveland)
Chris Bardwell 312-730-1672
San Francisco Western Training and Development
Center (Region 9) (Serving San Francisco, Denver
and Seattle)
Marjorie Singer 415-486-5718
Transit Benefits, 2E105 LBJ 260-8977
Travel
Policy & Procedures, Government Travel Cards 401-2108
Reservations
Carlson Travel 866-845-7940
Fax 484-0043
Emergency/After Hours: 1-800-383-6723
Union: American Federation of Government Employees,
Local 2607, 5C154 LBJ 401-0945
Council 252, 5C155 LBJ 401-0947
Workers' Compensation, 2C121 LBJ 260-1120
Saturday, October 25 -- Education Review.....
ED REVIEW
October 24, 2008
...a bi-weekly update on U.S. Department of Education activities relevant to the Intergovernmental and Corporate community and other stakeholders
______________________________________________________________________
STUDENT LOAN ACCESS
In a joint statement on October 10, Secretary Spellings and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson pledged additional support for the student loan market. "Continuing constraints in our capital markets have posed challenges for students and student lenders throughout the last year," they said. "We recognize that education is the foundation of a strong American workforce, and we must not let challenges in our capital markets hinder our students' opportunities. Given these ongoing concerns, the Administration is taking a series of steps to support the student loan market." Earlier in the week, President Bush signed an extension of the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act (see http://edlabor.house.gov/micro/loansact_extend.shtml). Since the original May 2008 enactment of this law, no student has been unable to access federal student aid. The new law simply extends -- for another year -- certain temporary provisions, including granting the Secretary of Education the authority to purchase loans from lenders within the federal guaranteed loan program (to ensure they continue to have access to capital to originate new loans). Next steps? "Over the next few months, schools and lenders will be making decisions for the 2009-2010 school year," the executives noted. "Using our newly extended authorities, the Administration is moving aggressively to support the continued availability of funding for federal student loans in the next school year, with the goal of restoring the federal guaranteed student loan market to normal operations. We are working on an expedited basis and will make further announcements in the coming weeks." FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2008/10/10102008.html. (Note: A dedicated agency web site, http://federalstudentaid.ed.gov/ffelp/, provides key guidance regarding the authority to purchase loans.)
Meanwhile, last week, the Department conducted the last of six public meetings soliciting issues to be considered for action by negotiated rulemaking committees under the Higher Education Opportunity Act. A list of presenters and a transcript from each meeting is available at http://www.ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html#neg-reg.
And, this week, the Department published in the Federal Register final regulations for Title IV student loan programs, as amended by the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (see http://edlabor.house.gov/micro/ccraa.shtml). These regulations address, among other issues, income-based repayment plans, public service loan forgiveness, economic hardship deferments, and military deferments. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/finrule/2008-4/102308a.html.
______________________________________________________________________
BROAD PRIZE
Congratulations to the Brownsville Independent School District, winner of the 2008 Broad Prize for Urban Education -- the largest education prize in America awarded to the most improved urban district. Brownsville, located at the southern-most tip of Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border and serving one of the poorest urban populations in the U.S. (with 94% of students qualifying for subsidized lunch), bested four finalists: Aldine (TX), Broward County (FL), Long Beach (CA), and Miami-Dade. (Long Beach won the 2003 Broad Prize, and Aldine and Miami-Dade are three-time finalists. This was Brownsville's and Broward County's first year in the running.) The $2 million prize goes directly to graduating high school seniors for college scholarships. Brownsville receives $1 million, while the other finalists receive $250,000 each. Scholarships are given to students who demonstrate significant financial need and have a record of academic improvement during their high school career. Recipients who enroll in four-year colleges will receive up to $20,000 ($5,000 per year). Recipients who enroll in two-year colleges will receive up to $5,000 ($2,500 per year). FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.broadprize.org/.
______________________________________________________________________
OUT OF AFRICA
For more than a week, Secretary Spellings traveled the African continent, discussing a variety of regional and multilateral education programs. In Zambia (http://zambia.usembassy.gov/pr10202008.html), she met with government representatives, toured the Bwafwano OVC Home-Based Care Center (supported through President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), visited Silver Rest Basic School and Mwaanabwami Community School, and addressed hundreds of teacher trainees at David Livingston College of Education. In Kenya (http://nairobi.usembassy.gov/2008-press-releases/pr_20081017.html), the Secretary met with President Mwai Kibaki and Minister of Higher Education Sally Kosgei regarding implementing the Africa-U.S. Higher Education Collaboration Initiative, as well as visited Nairobi's Precious Blood School and Dagoretti High School. In Rwanda, the Secretary laid a wreath at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre (in memory of those who fell victim to the 1994 genocide), visited the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Girls' School, and delivered remarks at the Africa Regional Higher Education Summit (http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/education_and_universities/afrsummit/). The regional summit builds on the work that began during the Higher Education Summit for Global Development (http://www.hedglobalsummit.org/), held at the U.S. Department of State in April 2008.
______________________________________________________________________
ED PUBLICATIONS
On October 21, the Department's Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) released the latest publications in its popular series of "Innovations in Education" guides. "Creating and Sustaining Successful K-8 Magnet Schools" profiles six elementary and middle school magnets that uses instructional themes -- in subjects such as leadership, fine arts, and math and science -- to meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds. This guide offers insight into the strategies these schools used in planning and implementation and, more importantly, outlines the keys to success that have helped make the schools sustainable in the face of changes in context and leadership. "Successful Magnet High Schools" profiles eight secondary school magnets that are effectively preparing students for college and the workforce. This guide spotlights innovative approaches to forming a culture of high-quality teaching, providing rigorous academic programs, promoting equity, forging partnerships, and modeling innovation. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/about/pubs/intro/innovations.html#ms.
Later that day, OII released "A Commitment to Quality: National Charter School Policy Forum Report," drawing from discussions with nearly 100 charter school leaders at the Department's May 2008 forum on charter schools and 15 years of experience and research with charter schools. Among its findings, the report indicates that, in several states, more than 70% of charter schools had reading proficiency rates for low-income students that exceeded statewide rates for low-income students in 2006-07. The report also delineates six principles to produce and maintain quality charter schools: (1) charters achieve excellence early in their operations; (2) charters improve their performance year in and year out; (3) charters that have consistently strong results can expand and replicate; (4) charters have access to a robust infrastructure to help students and teachers succeed; (5) charter authorizers remedy chronic underperformance by closing the school and opening superior options swiftly; and (6) charters strengthen all corners of public education by sharing successful practices and fostering choice and competition among schools. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/csforum/report.html.
In addition, the Department's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has unveiled results from the 2005 school crime supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey. Data is presented on the prevalence and type of student victimization at school (4% of students ages 12-18 reported they were victims of any crime at school), selected characteristics of victims, and the availability of drugs and presence of gangs and weapons. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2009306.
______________________________________________________________________
TITLE III INTERPRETATIONS
Last Friday (October 17), the Secretary issued final interpretations for several provisions of Title III of the No Child Left Behind Act. In particular, she interprets provisions related to the annual administration of English language proficiency assessments to limited English proficient (LEP) students served by Title III, the establishment and implementation of annual measurable achievement objectives for states and subgrantees receiving Title III funds, and state and local implementation of Title III accountability provisions. Department officials made adjustments to the proposed interpretations based on comments submitted by states and other interested parties. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/other/2008-4/101708a.html.
Also: Earlier this month, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Kerri Briggs and Acting Assistant Deputy Secretary for English Language Acquisition Richard Smith sent a letter and guidance document to Chief State School Officers reiterating that states and school districts may not replace local, state, or other federal funds with Title III funds. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE TO GO http://preview.ed.gov/programs/sfgp/legislation.html.
______________________________________________________________________
FROM THE FIELD…
Some important announcements:
The National Endowment for the Arts' The Big Read, now in its fourth year, provides citizens with the chance to read and discuss a single book within their communities. Libraries, municipalities, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for one of approximately 400 grants that will be awarded for programming between September 2009 and June 2010. The deadline for applications is February 3. Aside from a $2,500 to $20,000 grant and financial support to attend an orientation meeting, communities will receive many resources, including reader's and teacher's guides and audio guides with commentary from artists, educators, and notable public figures. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.neabigread.org/.
The National Endowment for the Humanities recently extended the deadline (to November 14) for the second round of Picturing America applications. This initiative promotes the study, teaching, and understanding of U.S. history and culture by introducing students and the general public to America's art treasures. It supplies schools and public libraries with free, high-quality reproductions of 40 great American works of art (approximately 24" x 36" in size) and an illustrated teacher resource book with notes for all grade levels. The materials will be delivered in spring 2009. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://picturingamerica.neh.gov/.
Through December 19, elementary and secondary students, teachers, administrators, and parents from across the nation have the opportunity to share their ideas and opinions on how technology should be used in the education process, through Project Tomorrow's sixth annual Speak Up survey. Results are shared with participating schools so they can use the data for planning and community discussions. Results are also used by government agencies and various organizations to inform new programs and policies. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.tomorrow.org/speakup/.
______________________________________________________________________
QUOTE TO NOTE
"The loan purchase and participation interest programs implemented over the last few months have helped ensure that federal student loans were available to students enrolling in postsecondary institutions for the 2008-09 school year, and federal student lending is now exceeding last year's pace. Our financing program has supported just over 40% of the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans that have been distributed this year. Over 800 lenders have enrolled in our loan purchase program. Almost $51 million of federally guaranteed loans have been originated for the current school year, up from approximately $45 billion for the same period last year."
-- Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings and Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson (10/10/08)
______________________________________________________________________
UPCOMING EVENTS
On Tuesday (October 28), at 12:00 noon ET in Columbia, South Carolina, Secretary Spellings will issue final Title I regulations to strengthen the No Child Left Behind Act, including requirements that states implement a uniform graduation rate and enhance parents' leverage in accessing public school choice and supplemental educational services options for their children. Soon thereafter, materials will be posted at http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2008/10/10282008.html.
The next Scientific Evidence in Education (SEE) forum is set for October 30 (11:30 a.m.-1:45 a.m. ET) at the Charles Sumner School (1201 17th and M Street, N.W.), in Washington, DC. The topic? "Meeting the Teacher Quality Imperative: New Evidence on Teacher Induction and Professional Development." The forums are free, but space is limited, so register in advance online. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.seeforums.org/.
Over the next two weeks, the Department will be exhibiting at the National Black Child Development Institute's 38th Annual Conference in Atlanta (October 25-28), the National Coalition of ESEA Title I Parents' 35th Annual In-Service Training Conference in Birmingham, AL (October 29-November 2), and the National Middle School Association's 35th Annual Conference in Denver (October 30-November 1). If you are attending any of these events, please stop by the Department's booth.
______________________________________________________________________
Please feel free to contact the Office of Communications and Outreach with any questions:
Director, Intergovernmental Affairs -- Rogers Johnson, (202) 401-0026, mailto:Rogers.Johnson@ed.gov
Deputy Director -- Keith Brancato, (202) 401-6178, mailto:Keith.Brancato@ed.gov
Program Analyst -- Adam Honeysett, (202) 401-3003, mailto:Adam.Honeysett@ed.gov
To be added or removed from distribution, or submit comments (we welcome your feedback!),
contact Adam Honeysett. Or, visit http://www.ed.gov/news/newsletters/edreview/.
This newsletter contains hypertext links to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user's convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on these sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites.
October 24, 2008
...a bi-weekly update on U.S. Department of Education activities relevant to the Intergovernmental and Corporate community and other stakeholders
______________________________________________________________________
STUDENT LOAN ACCESS
In a joint statement on October 10, Secretary Spellings and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson pledged additional support for the student loan market. "Continuing constraints in our capital markets have posed challenges for students and student lenders throughout the last year," they said. "We recognize that education is the foundation of a strong American workforce, and we must not let challenges in our capital markets hinder our students' opportunities. Given these ongoing concerns, the Administration is taking a series of steps to support the student loan market." Earlier in the week, President Bush signed an extension of the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act (see http://edlabor.house.gov/micro/loansact_extend.shtml). Since the original May 2008 enactment of this law, no student has been unable to access federal student aid. The new law simply extends -- for another year -- certain temporary provisions, including granting the Secretary of Education the authority to purchase loans from lenders within the federal guaranteed loan program (to ensure they continue to have access to capital to originate new loans). Next steps? "Over the next few months, schools and lenders will be making decisions for the 2009-2010 school year," the executives noted. "Using our newly extended authorities, the Administration is moving aggressively to support the continued availability of funding for federal student loans in the next school year, with the goal of restoring the federal guaranteed student loan market to normal operations. We are working on an expedited basis and will make further announcements in the coming weeks." FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2008/10/10102008.html. (Note: A dedicated agency web site, http://federalstudentaid.ed.gov/ffelp/, provides key guidance regarding the authority to purchase loans.)
Meanwhile, last week, the Department conducted the last of six public meetings soliciting issues to be considered for action by negotiated rulemaking committees under the Higher Education Opportunity Act. A list of presenters and a transcript from each meeting is available at http://www.ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html#neg-reg.
And, this week, the Department published in the Federal Register final regulations for Title IV student loan programs, as amended by the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (see http://edlabor.house.gov/micro/ccraa.shtml). These regulations address, among other issues, income-based repayment plans, public service loan forgiveness, economic hardship deferments, and military deferments. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/finrule/2008-4/102308a.html.
______________________________________________________________________
BROAD PRIZE
Congratulations to the Brownsville Independent School District, winner of the 2008 Broad Prize for Urban Education -- the largest education prize in America awarded to the most improved urban district. Brownsville, located at the southern-most tip of Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border and serving one of the poorest urban populations in the U.S. (with 94% of students qualifying for subsidized lunch), bested four finalists: Aldine (TX), Broward County (FL), Long Beach (CA), and Miami-Dade. (Long Beach won the 2003 Broad Prize, and Aldine and Miami-Dade are three-time finalists. This was Brownsville's and Broward County's first year in the running.) The $2 million prize goes directly to graduating high school seniors for college scholarships. Brownsville receives $1 million, while the other finalists receive $250,000 each. Scholarships are given to students who demonstrate significant financial need and have a record of academic improvement during their high school career. Recipients who enroll in four-year colleges will receive up to $20,000 ($5,000 per year). Recipients who enroll in two-year colleges will receive up to $5,000 ($2,500 per year). FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.broadprize.org/.
______________________________________________________________________
OUT OF AFRICA
For more than a week, Secretary Spellings traveled the African continent, discussing a variety of regional and multilateral education programs. In Zambia (http://zambia.usembassy.gov/pr10202008.html), she met with government representatives, toured the Bwafwano OVC Home-Based Care Center (supported through President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), visited Silver Rest Basic School and Mwaanabwami Community School, and addressed hundreds of teacher trainees at David Livingston College of Education. In Kenya (http://nairobi.usembassy.gov/2008-press-releases/pr_20081017.html), the Secretary met with President Mwai Kibaki and Minister of Higher Education Sally Kosgei regarding implementing the Africa-U.S. Higher Education Collaboration Initiative, as well as visited Nairobi's Precious Blood School and Dagoretti High School. In Rwanda, the Secretary laid a wreath at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre (in memory of those who fell victim to the 1994 genocide), visited the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Girls' School, and delivered remarks at the Africa Regional Higher Education Summit (http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/education_and_universities/afrsummit/). The regional summit builds on the work that began during the Higher Education Summit for Global Development (http://www.hedglobalsummit.org/), held at the U.S. Department of State in April 2008.
______________________________________________________________________
ED PUBLICATIONS
On October 21, the Department's Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) released the latest publications in its popular series of "Innovations in Education" guides. "Creating and Sustaining Successful K-8 Magnet Schools" profiles six elementary and middle school magnets that uses instructional themes -- in subjects such as leadership, fine arts, and math and science -- to meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds. This guide offers insight into the strategies these schools used in planning and implementation and, more importantly, outlines the keys to success that have helped make the schools sustainable in the face of changes in context and leadership. "Successful Magnet High Schools" profiles eight secondary school magnets that are effectively preparing students for college and the workforce. This guide spotlights innovative approaches to forming a culture of high-quality teaching, providing rigorous academic programs, promoting equity, forging partnerships, and modeling innovation. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/about/pubs/intro/innovations.html#ms.
Later that day, OII released "A Commitment to Quality: National Charter School Policy Forum Report," drawing from discussions with nearly 100 charter school leaders at the Department's May 2008 forum on charter schools and 15 years of experience and research with charter schools. Among its findings, the report indicates that, in several states, more than 70% of charter schools had reading proficiency rates for low-income students that exceeded statewide rates for low-income students in 2006-07. The report also delineates six principles to produce and maintain quality charter schools: (1) charters achieve excellence early in their operations; (2) charters improve their performance year in and year out; (3) charters that have consistently strong results can expand and replicate; (4) charters have access to a robust infrastructure to help students and teachers succeed; (5) charter authorizers remedy chronic underperformance by closing the school and opening superior options swiftly; and (6) charters strengthen all corners of public education by sharing successful practices and fostering choice and competition among schools. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/csforum/report.html.
In addition, the Department's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has unveiled results from the 2005 school crime supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey. Data is presented on the prevalence and type of student victimization at school (4% of students ages 12-18 reported they were victims of any crime at school), selected characteristics of victims, and the availability of drugs and presence of gangs and weapons. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2009306.
______________________________________________________________________
TITLE III INTERPRETATIONS
Last Friday (October 17), the Secretary issued final interpretations for several provisions of Title III of the No Child Left Behind Act. In particular, she interprets provisions related to the annual administration of English language proficiency assessments to limited English proficient (LEP) students served by Title III, the establishment and implementation of annual measurable achievement objectives for states and subgrantees receiving Title III funds, and state and local implementation of Title III accountability provisions. Department officials made adjustments to the proposed interpretations based on comments submitted by states and other interested parties. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/other/2008-4/101708a.html.
Also: Earlier this month, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Kerri Briggs and Acting Assistant Deputy Secretary for English Language Acquisition Richard Smith sent a letter and guidance document to Chief State School Officers reiterating that states and school districts may not replace local, state, or other federal funds with Title III funds. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE TO GO http://preview.ed.gov/programs/sfgp/legislation.html.
______________________________________________________________________
FROM THE FIELD…
Some important announcements:
The National Endowment for the Arts' The Big Read, now in its fourth year, provides citizens with the chance to read and discuss a single book within their communities. Libraries, municipalities, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for one of approximately 400 grants that will be awarded for programming between September 2009 and June 2010. The deadline for applications is February 3. Aside from a $2,500 to $20,000 grant and financial support to attend an orientation meeting, communities will receive many resources, including reader's and teacher's guides and audio guides with commentary from artists, educators, and notable public figures. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.neabigread.org/.
The National Endowment for the Humanities recently extended the deadline (to November 14) for the second round of Picturing America applications. This initiative promotes the study, teaching, and understanding of U.S. history and culture by introducing students and the general public to America's art treasures. It supplies schools and public libraries with free, high-quality reproductions of 40 great American works of art (approximately 24" x 36" in size) and an illustrated teacher resource book with notes for all grade levels. The materials will be delivered in spring 2009. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://picturingamerica.neh.gov/.
Through December 19, elementary and secondary students, teachers, administrators, and parents from across the nation have the opportunity to share their ideas and opinions on how technology should be used in the education process, through Project Tomorrow's sixth annual Speak Up survey. Results are shared with participating schools so they can use the data for planning and community discussions. Results are also used by government agencies and various organizations to inform new programs and policies. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.tomorrow.org/speakup/.
______________________________________________________________________
QUOTE TO NOTE
"The loan purchase and participation interest programs implemented over the last few months have helped ensure that federal student loans were available to students enrolling in postsecondary institutions for the 2008-09 school year, and federal student lending is now exceeding last year's pace. Our financing program has supported just over 40% of the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans that have been distributed this year. Over 800 lenders have enrolled in our loan purchase program. Almost $51 million of federally guaranteed loans have been originated for the current school year, up from approximately $45 billion for the same period last year."
-- Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings and Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson (10/10/08)
______________________________________________________________________
UPCOMING EVENTS
On Tuesday (October 28), at 12:00 noon ET in Columbia, South Carolina, Secretary Spellings will issue final Title I regulations to strengthen the No Child Left Behind Act, including requirements that states implement a uniform graduation rate and enhance parents' leverage in accessing public school choice and supplemental educational services options for their children. Soon thereafter, materials will be posted at http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2008/10/10282008.html.
The next Scientific Evidence in Education (SEE) forum is set for October 30 (11:30 a.m.-1:45 a.m. ET) at the Charles Sumner School (1201 17th and M Street, N.W.), in Washington, DC. The topic? "Meeting the Teacher Quality Imperative: New Evidence on Teacher Induction and Professional Development." The forums are free, but space is limited, so register in advance online. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.seeforums.org/.
Over the next two weeks, the Department will be exhibiting at the National Black Child Development Institute's 38th Annual Conference in Atlanta (October 25-28), the National Coalition of ESEA Title I Parents' 35th Annual In-Service Training Conference in Birmingham, AL (October 29-November 2), and the National Middle School Association's 35th Annual Conference in Denver (October 30-November 1). If you are attending any of these events, please stop by the Department's booth.
______________________________________________________________________
Please feel free to contact the Office of Communications and Outreach with any questions:
Director, Intergovernmental Affairs -- Rogers Johnson, (202) 401-0026, mailto:Rogers.Johnson@ed.gov
Deputy Director -- Keith Brancato, (202) 401-6178, mailto:Keith.Brancato@ed.gov
Program Analyst -- Adam Honeysett, (202) 401-3003, mailto:Adam.Honeysett@ed.gov
To be added or removed from distribution, or submit comments (we welcome your feedback!),
contact Adam Honeysett. Or, visit http://www.ed.gov/news/newsletters/edreview/.
This newsletter contains hypertext links to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user's convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on these sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008 -- Leadership Rural North Dakota Agenda
RLND Seminar Six Agenda
Understanding the Resource Spectrum
New Town, ND
4 Bears Casino
October 23-25, 2008
Objectives of the Seminar:
• Participants will understand the seven capitals (resources) in a community.
• Participants will discuss the seven capitals and how they relate to their community.
• Participants will visit resources in New Town, Tioga and Stanley area.
Prework for the Seminar
• Read Rural Communities Legacy and Change by Cornelia Butler Flora and Jan Flora
Hotel arrangements
4 Bears Casino
202 Frontage Road
New Town, ND 58763
800-294-5454
701-627-4018
Meeting room arrangements
4 Bears Casino
Arikara Meeting Room
202 Frontage Road
New Town, ND 58763
800-294-5454
701-627-4018
FYI - 4 Bears Casino is four miles west of New Town on Hwy. 23.
Marie’s cell phone # 701-730-1282
Thursday, October 23rd Dress – Business Professional
11:00 – 11:45 Check into hotel – Please note: The seminar starts an hour early with lunch.
11:45 – Noon Arrive at Arikara meeting room
Noon - 2 p.m. Lunch
Welcome to Year Two of RLND and Seminar Six
Networking with fellow RLND participants
Mary Schmitt and Jim Hennessy, share seminar information
Marie Hvidsten, facilitator
2:00 – 2:20 Welcome
Clare Aubol, Mayor of New Town
2:30 – 3:30 Connecting Citizens to Strengthen Communities-Understanding
Capitals Workshop
Lynette Flage, presenter
Horizons Community Leadership Specialist
NDSU Extension Service
3:30 – 3:45 Break
3:45 – 5:45 Capitals discussion continued
5:45 – 6:30 Open
6:30 – 9:00 Leadership Dinner - RLND Alumni are invited to attend.
4 Bears Casino restaurant, Arikara meeting room
Waterbuster DVD will be shown
Guest Speakers: Fred Baker and Marilyn Hudson, Tribal Elders
9:00 - ? Networking (use meeting room)
Friday, October 24th Dress – Business Casual
6:45 – 7:45 Breakfast - meeting room (January SMT will meet for breakfast
from 7:10 to 7:45 a.m.)
7:50 – 8:00 Load bus in front of casino
Representative Onstad will be on the bus with us.
8:00 – Noon Tour old bridge section
Tour Crow Flies High area
Tour New Town – drive by college
Northrop Grumman tour – Terry Wilbur and Brian Fleur,
Northrop Grumman Industries
North Segment Building – Cheyene Erickson, NDSU
Extension Service – Fry Bread break
Visit Wolf’s Trading Post
Drive 1804 Highway to Tioga
Noon – 1:00 Lunch
Sportsman Café, Tioga
Lunch Sponsor: Sheldon Welding and Steel, Inc.
Roger Baker, owner
Lunch Speaker: Kathy Neset from Neset Consulting, Tioga
Guests: Representative Dorvan Solberg
Representative Kenton Onstad
Jamie Eraas, Tioga City Auditor
1:00 – 2:30 Tour Sheldon Welding
Tour the city of Tioga
Tour an oil rig
2:30 – 3:00 Travel to Stanley
3:00 – 5:00 Tour Ina Mae Rude Aquatic Center
Visit Dakota Drugstore for ice cream break - sponsored by Mountrail Ag Improvement
Drive by daycare center, building projects in Stanley
Visit bronze studio
5:00 – 6:00 Drive to New Town through the oil fields in Palermo, Parshall area
Drive by Gas Plant
Arrive at Scenic Restaurant near New Town
6:30 – 8:30 Dinner
Scenic Restaurant – New Town
Guest speaker: Gary Peterson
President
Lakeside State Bank
Seminar Sponsor
Guest Speaker: Dwight Schmitt
General Manager/CEO
Northwest Communications Cooperative (NCC)
Seminar Sponsor
Guests: Senator John Warner
Representative Kenton Onstad
8:30 – 8:45 Bus takes us back to hotel.
9:00 - ? Networking
Saturday, October 25th Dress – Jeans
6:45 – 7:45 Breakfast in meeting room (November SMT meet from 7 to 7:45
for breakfast.)
8:00 – 9:00 Connect capitals to RLND Project
Marie Hvidsten, facilitator
9:00 – 9:45 Washington DC seminar update
Rich and Lowell
9:45 – 10:15 Break – travel to earth lodges for rest of seminar.
10:15 – 11:15 “Open mike” – participants share issues, concerns, etc. they are
dealing with in their community. Ask for ideas on what others
have done in similar situations.
11:15 – 11:30 Update on November seminar – Angie and Candice
11:30 – Noon Discuss Legislative Social during January 2009 seminar.
Reflections, evaluations
Bringing It Home: * Map the capitals in your home community. What does
the information mean for your community?
* Connect the capitals information to your RLND Project.
Understanding the Resource Spectrum
New Town, ND
4 Bears Casino
October 23-25, 2008
Objectives of the Seminar:
• Participants will understand the seven capitals (resources) in a community.
• Participants will discuss the seven capitals and how they relate to their community.
• Participants will visit resources in New Town, Tioga and Stanley area.
Prework for the Seminar
• Read Rural Communities Legacy and Change by Cornelia Butler Flora and Jan Flora
Hotel arrangements
4 Bears Casino
202 Frontage Road
New Town, ND 58763
800-294-5454
701-627-4018
Meeting room arrangements
4 Bears Casino
Arikara Meeting Room
202 Frontage Road
New Town, ND 58763
800-294-5454
701-627-4018
FYI - 4 Bears Casino is four miles west of New Town on Hwy. 23.
Marie’s cell phone # 701-730-1282
Thursday, October 23rd Dress – Business Professional
11:00 – 11:45 Check into hotel – Please note: The seminar starts an hour early with lunch.
11:45 – Noon Arrive at Arikara meeting room
Noon - 2 p.m. Lunch
Welcome to Year Two of RLND and Seminar Six
Networking with fellow RLND participants
Mary Schmitt and Jim Hennessy, share seminar information
Marie Hvidsten, facilitator
2:00 – 2:20 Welcome
Clare Aubol, Mayor of New Town
2:30 – 3:30 Connecting Citizens to Strengthen Communities-Understanding
Capitals Workshop
Lynette Flage, presenter
Horizons Community Leadership Specialist
NDSU Extension Service
3:30 – 3:45 Break
3:45 – 5:45 Capitals discussion continued
5:45 – 6:30 Open
6:30 – 9:00 Leadership Dinner - RLND Alumni are invited to attend.
4 Bears Casino restaurant, Arikara meeting room
Waterbuster DVD will be shown
Guest Speakers: Fred Baker and Marilyn Hudson, Tribal Elders
9:00 - ? Networking (use meeting room)
Friday, October 24th Dress – Business Casual
6:45 – 7:45 Breakfast - meeting room (January SMT will meet for breakfast
from 7:10 to 7:45 a.m.)
7:50 – 8:00 Load bus in front of casino
Representative Onstad will be on the bus with us.
8:00 – Noon Tour old bridge section
Tour Crow Flies High area
Tour New Town – drive by college
Northrop Grumman tour – Terry Wilbur and Brian Fleur,
Northrop Grumman Industries
North Segment Building – Cheyene Erickson, NDSU
Extension Service – Fry Bread break
Visit Wolf’s Trading Post
Drive 1804 Highway to Tioga
Noon – 1:00 Lunch
Sportsman Café, Tioga
Lunch Sponsor: Sheldon Welding and Steel, Inc.
Roger Baker, owner
Lunch Speaker: Kathy Neset from Neset Consulting, Tioga
Guests: Representative Dorvan Solberg
Representative Kenton Onstad
Jamie Eraas, Tioga City Auditor
1:00 – 2:30 Tour Sheldon Welding
Tour the city of Tioga
Tour an oil rig
2:30 – 3:00 Travel to Stanley
3:00 – 5:00 Tour Ina Mae Rude Aquatic Center
Visit Dakota Drugstore for ice cream break - sponsored by Mountrail Ag Improvement
Drive by daycare center, building projects in Stanley
Visit bronze studio
5:00 – 6:00 Drive to New Town through the oil fields in Palermo, Parshall area
Drive by Gas Plant
Arrive at Scenic Restaurant near New Town
6:30 – 8:30 Dinner
Scenic Restaurant – New Town
Guest speaker: Gary Peterson
President
Lakeside State Bank
Seminar Sponsor
Guest Speaker: Dwight Schmitt
General Manager/CEO
Northwest Communications Cooperative (NCC)
Seminar Sponsor
Guests: Senator John Warner
Representative Kenton Onstad
8:30 – 8:45 Bus takes us back to hotel.
9:00 - ? Networking
Saturday, October 25th Dress – Jeans
6:45 – 7:45 Breakfast in meeting room (November SMT meet from 7 to 7:45
for breakfast.)
8:00 – 9:00 Connect capitals to RLND Project
Marie Hvidsten, facilitator
9:00 – 9:45 Washington DC seminar update
Rich and Lowell
9:45 – 10:15 Break – travel to earth lodges for rest of seminar.
10:15 – 11:15 “Open mike” – participants share issues, concerns, etc. they are
dealing with in their community. Ask for ideas on what others
have done in similar situations.
11:15 – 11:30 Update on November seminar – Angie and Candice
11:30 – Noon Discuss Legislative Social during January 2009 seminar.
Reflections, evaluations
Bringing It Home: * Map the capitals in your home community. What does
the information mean for your community?
* Connect the capitals information to your RLND Project.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
October 23, 2008 -- Career Conversations A Pilot Program by Kayla Effertz / ND Department of Commerce
Career Conversations
PILOT PROGRAM
FALL 2008
North Dakota students are reporting a lack of awareness of businesses and career opportunities available in North Dakota. Education about pathways to higher education is readily available; however the connection to North Dakota business and industry to education is not as clear.
I. Program Goal
The overarching goal of a career promotion program is to create awareness of high wage/high demand careers and companies in North Dakota that employ these careers to parents and students in grades nine through twelve.
II. Program Overview
The ND Career Conversations Program provides students in grades nine through twelve direct access to individuals working in North Dakota. Through a webcam, teachers and counselors will be able to have live conversations via telephone or webcam with an individual working in North Dakota from his or her office. The conversations could be broadcast to an individual or classroom, and have the option to be recorded and stored on sites such as youtube.com for future viewing by any interested party, such as parents.
The Department of Commerce (DOC) Career Promotion/Internship Coordinator will be charged with scheduling the conversations between the classrooms and business. The conversations will have up to six online connections, but can be viewed unlimited times after the conversation has occurred on multiple websites.
III. Teacher/Classroom Benefits
Teachers and classrooms will be able to benefit through by relating coursework to “real life” situations. The program is designed to be easy for teachers to coordinate and use in the classroom. Students will be exposed to individuals in the North Dakota workplace and make a school to work connection.
Teachers who complete the program will receive a certificate to be displayed in a public place in the school recognizing their commitment to the future of North Dakota.
IV. School Requirements
Equipment
Participating schools will be required to have an LCD projector, broadband connection and a Macintosh or Windows compatible computer with the below requirements:
Windows:
Pentium 4.1 GHz with 256MB of RAM,
20MB hard disk space,
Broadband connection (cable, dsl,etc.),
Microsoft Windows 2000, XP or Vista;
Macintosh:
Power Mac G5 (1GHz) or Intel Mac with 256MB of RAM
20MB hard disk space,
Tiger, Leopard (OSX 10.4 and up.),
A webcam will be provided on a loan basis for the purpose of the conversation and expected to be returned to the Department of Commerce within one week of the completed conversation. If the participating school has a compatible webcam, it may be used.
Plans of Study/Forms
Participating schools would be required to report the names and email (email optional) of the participants to the DOC. The teacher or counselor will need to review the individual students’ plans of study within one month of the conversation. If the student does not have a pre-existing plan of study, a plan can be created to qualify.
The DOC will use the names of the individuals to track the number of unique individuals the program reaches. The names will also be provided to CTE to understand:
1. The numbers of students participating that had a plan of study previous to the program.
2. Of the students who have a plan of study, how many plans change post conversation.
The teacher will agree to:
1. Notify parents/community of the conversation. (see promotion for materials provided)
2. Facilitate a classroom discussion to develop questions for the speaker based upon the discussion guide provided by the DOC. (discussion guide provided)
3. Administer a pre and post survey to the students. (provided)
4. Completing and submitting the summary sheet which includes: (form provided)
a. Number of classroom participants
b. Satisfaction with program
c. Short summarization of class discussion after the career conversation
d. Number of changes in plans of study
V. Implementation
This program would be implemented from August 15, 2008-December 15, 2008. The high school classes that would be targeted to speak to would be:
1. Math
2. Science
3. Agricultural Education
4. Technology Education/Information Technology
5. 9th Grade Career Development Class
The industries and suggested occupations to be featured in conversations will be:
1. Healthcare
a. Nursing
b. Radiologist Technician
2. Technology
a. Software Engineer
b. Hardware Engineer
3. Technical Trades
a. Welder
b. Electrician
c. Electrical Lineworker
d. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
4. Energy
a. Boilermakers
b. Ironworkers,
c. Instrumentation and Control Technicians.
5. Engineering
a. Electrical/Civil/Mechanical Engineering
6. Education
a. Secondary educators in math, science, foreign language
The Career Promotion/Internship Coordinator will either be at the classroom site to oversee the conversation or at a webcam connection to evaluate the conversation as it is occurring.
VI. Training
A site set-up session would be offered via telephone for the participating classroom prior to the conversation to test the webcam and internet connection.
The Career Promotion/Internship Coordinator will be available to attend up to 4 classroom visits outside of the Bismarck/Mandan area to ensure:
1. Technology is connected appropriately
2. Classroom participants are engaged
3. Surveys are administered properly
VII. Resources
The cost to implement this pilot program is estimated to be $1,105.
ITEM COST
1. ooVoo.com Subscription $45
2. 4 webcams ($80 per camera) $160
3. Travel & Expenses for site set-up $900
1. ooVoo.com Subscription
To facilitate the conversations between the classrooms and the businesses, a variety of software applications can be utilized. The preferred choice for video chat provider is oovoo.com. This software will enable up to 6-way live video chats, unlimited 5-minute video messages, the ability to share and send files up to 25MB each, record unlimited video chats, store and stream up to 1,000 minutes of videos remotely (per month), stream video recordings on the web, and priority customer service. The cost of this service is $15 per month, with one month free trial. This software can be purchased on a month-to-month basis and can be cancelled at anytime.
If the professional does not want to use a webcam or be seen on the screen, the conversation can still occur via telephone.
2. Webcams
Four webcams would be purchased to be sent to participating schools and business to be used and returned.
The Workforce Development Division will be responsible for the purchase of the webcams and all participating schools will be required to sign a release stating they will return the webcam or pay for the purchase price of the webcam.
3. Travel & Expenses
The Career Promotion/Internship Coordinator would travel to four scheduled sites to provide assistance in technology connections, monitor classroom participation and ensure that surveys are administered correctly.
Up to 4 site visits will be funded for travel expenses to include up to:
Meals: $100
Mileage: $800*
The Workforce Development Division will be responsible for travel and expenses.
*Mileage is based upon visiting sites Grand Forks, Williston, Minot, Devils Lake. This is a rough estimate.
VIII. Evaluation and Performance Metrics
A pre and post test will be provided to the students and the business to understand if this career promotion strategy will be effective. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be collected to determine if this activity should be continued and expanded.
Qualitative Data
The individuals who participate in the conversations would be given a pre test before the conversation to assess the perception of opportunities to work in North Dakota. After the conversation is finished, a post evaluation would be administered to understand if perceptions of have changed. Within one month of the conversation, the plan of study is to be reviewed by the student and teacher/parent/counselor. When the plan of study has been re-filed, a short survey will be given to the student to understand if the career conversation had any effect on their secondary or post secondary decisions.
Quantitative Data
All participating teachers would be required to submit a class roster listing the students’ names who participated for the purpose of knowing the unique users of the program. Email addresses are optional.
Outcomes
Success and continuation of this program will be determined based upon:
1. A minimum of 10 conversations taking place.
2. A minimum of 5 North Dakota businesses involvement.
3. A minimum of 5 North Dakota schools involvement.
4. A minimum of 500 unique participants.
5. Participants have an increased awareness of opportunities available to work in North Dakota. (post survey results)
6. Increase in participation of classes that lead to careers in high demand. (Plan of study reflect change or continuation)
7. Satisfied teachers (post teacher survey)
8. The number of views of the posted videos
9. The number of views from the DOC website that lead to CTE website.
IX. Promotion
To gain school participants for the pilot program, the following networks will be notified:
1. CTE Business Resource Survey Pilot contractors (majority are teachers and counselors)
2. DPI listservs
3. Presentations at teacher/staff development sessions prior to school starting
4. Presentations to school boards
5. CTE Career counselor listerv
6. Career Resource Coordinators seeking suggestions of teachers willing to participate
7. Regional Education Association
To gain business participants for the pilot program the following networks will be notified:
1. ITCND
2. YP State and Local Networks
3. Chamber of Commerce Newsletter (tentative)
4. General Press Release
To gain parent and community awareness, the following tools will be offered to participating teachers/counselors to promote the conversation:
1. ooVoo.com software has the capability to create up to five minute video messages. This application could be used to send a video invite to parents to ask their child about the conversation at school or to log into view it themselves.
2. During parent/teacher conferences, teachers will hand out a hotjobs brochure in addition to a ½ page flier with the website address encouraging parents to view the conversation their classroom had.
3. Program will be provided to career and technical education organizations such as FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America, DECA (An Association of Marketing Students), FFA (An Association of Agricultural Education Students) and others to encourage coordination at a student level.
4. Conversations can be recorded and uploaded to another site such as youtube or the Workforce Development page.
Teachers are required to notify parents and the community either prior or after the conversation. This can be done through email, posting on the school website, flier, newsletter or any existing method that parents and community members are currently receiving information about school activities. Example materials will be provided to the teacher.
X. Selection Criteria
Teachers/counselors and their respective classrooms that are chosen to participate in this pilot program will be based upon:
1. Students reached are in grades 9-12.
2. Courses in one of the four selected classes.
An application will be made available online at the DOC Workforce Development division website and through paper copy.
Teachers/counselors may double up to meet the required number of students reached per conversation. Participating teachers/classrooms and professionals will be identified for participation no later than September 30, 2008.
This pilot program will be implemented in the fall of 2008 to be evaluated in December 2008 for continuation and/or expansion.
PILOT PROGRAM
FALL 2008
North Dakota students are reporting a lack of awareness of businesses and career opportunities available in North Dakota. Education about pathways to higher education is readily available; however the connection to North Dakota business and industry to education is not as clear.
I. Program Goal
The overarching goal of a career promotion program is to create awareness of high wage/high demand careers and companies in North Dakota that employ these careers to parents and students in grades nine through twelve.
II. Program Overview
The ND Career Conversations Program provides students in grades nine through twelve direct access to individuals working in North Dakota. Through a webcam, teachers and counselors will be able to have live conversations via telephone or webcam with an individual working in North Dakota from his or her office. The conversations could be broadcast to an individual or classroom, and have the option to be recorded and stored on sites such as youtube.com for future viewing by any interested party, such as parents.
The Department of Commerce (DOC) Career Promotion/Internship Coordinator will be charged with scheduling the conversations between the classrooms and business. The conversations will have up to six online connections, but can be viewed unlimited times after the conversation has occurred on multiple websites.
III. Teacher/Classroom Benefits
Teachers and classrooms will be able to benefit through by relating coursework to “real life” situations. The program is designed to be easy for teachers to coordinate and use in the classroom. Students will be exposed to individuals in the North Dakota workplace and make a school to work connection.
Teachers who complete the program will receive a certificate to be displayed in a public place in the school recognizing their commitment to the future of North Dakota.
IV. School Requirements
Equipment
Participating schools will be required to have an LCD projector, broadband connection and a Macintosh or Windows compatible computer with the below requirements:
Windows:
Pentium 4.1 GHz with 256MB of RAM,
20MB hard disk space,
Broadband connection (cable, dsl,etc.),
Microsoft Windows 2000, XP or Vista;
Macintosh:
Power Mac G5 (1GHz) or Intel Mac with 256MB of RAM
20MB hard disk space,
Tiger, Leopard (OSX 10.4 and up.),
A webcam will be provided on a loan basis for the purpose of the conversation and expected to be returned to the Department of Commerce within one week of the completed conversation. If the participating school has a compatible webcam, it may be used.
Plans of Study/Forms
Participating schools would be required to report the names and email (email optional) of the participants to the DOC. The teacher or counselor will need to review the individual students’ plans of study within one month of the conversation. If the student does not have a pre-existing plan of study, a plan can be created to qualify.
The DOC will use the names of the individuals to track the number of unique individuals the program reaches. The names will also be provided to CTE to understand:
1. The numbers of students participating that had a plan of study previous to the program.
2. Of the students who have a plan of study, how many plans change post conversation.
The teacher will agree to:
1. Notify parents/community of the conversation. (see promotion for materials provided)
2. Facilitate a classroom discussion to develop questions for the speaker based upon the discussion guide provided by the DOC. (discussion guide provided)
3. Administer a pre and post survey to the students. (provided)
4. Completing and submitting the summary sheet which includes: (form provided)
a. Number of classroom participants
b. Satisfaction with program
c. Short summarization of class discussion after the career conversation
d. Number of changes in plans of study
V. Implementation
This program would be implemented from August 15, 2008-December 15, 2008. The high school classes that would be targeted to speak to would be:
1. Math
2. Science
3. Agricultural Education
4. Technology Education/Information Technology
5. 9th Grade Career Development Class
The industries and suggested occupations to be featured in conversations will be:
1. Healthcare
a. Nursing
b. Radiologist Technician
2. Technology
a. Software Engineer
b. Hardware Engineer
3. Technical Trades
a. Welder
b. Electrician
c. Electrical Lineworker
d. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
4. Energy
a. Boilermakers
b. Ironworkers,
c. Instrumentation and Control Technicians.
5. Engineering
a. Electrical/Civil/Mechanical Engineering
6. Education
a. Secondary educators in math, science, foreign language
The Career Promotion/Internship Coordinator will either be at the classroom site to oversee the conversation or at a webcam connection to evaluate the conversation as it is occurring.
VI. Training
A site set-up session would be offered via telephone for the participating classroom prior to the conversation to test the webcam and internet connection.
The Career Promotion/Internship Coordinator will be available to attend up to 4 classroom visits outside of the Bismarck/Mandan area to ensure:
1. Technology is connected appropriately
2. Classroom participants are engaged
3. Surveys are administered properly
VII. Resources
The cost to implement this pilot program is estimated to be $1,105.
ITEM COST
1. ooVoo.com Subscription $45
2. 4 webcams ($80 per camera) $160
3. Travel & Expenses for site set-up $900
1. ooVoo.com Subscription
To facilitate the conversations between the classrooms and the businesses, a variety of software applications can be utilized. The preferred choice for video chat provider is oovoo.com. This software will enable up to 6-way live video chats, unlimited 5-minute video messages, the ability to share and send files up to 25MB each, record unlimited video chats, store and stream up to 1,000 minutes of videos remotely (per month), stream video recordings on the web, and priority customer service. The cost of this service is $15 per month, with one month free trial. This software can be purchased on a month-to-month basis and can be cancelled at anytime.
If the professional does not want to use a webcam or be seen on the screen, the conversation can still occur via telephone.
2. Webcams
Four webcams would be purchased to be sent to participating schools and business to be used and returned.
The Workforce Development Division will be responsible for the purchase of the webcams and all participating schools will be required to sign a release stating they will return the webcam or pay for the purchase price of the webcam.
3. Travel & Expenses
The Career Promotion/Internship Coordinator would travel to four scheduled sites to provide assistance in technology connections, monitor classroom participation and ensure that surveys are administered correctly.
Up to 4 site visits will be funded for travel expenses to include up to:
Meals: $100
Mileage: $800*
The Workforce Development Division will be responsible for travel and expenses.
*Mileage is based upon visiting sites Grand Forks, Williston, Minot, Devils Lake. This is a rough estimate.
VIII. Evaluation and Performance Metrics
A pre and post test will be provided to the students and the business to understand if this career promotion strategy will be effective. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be collected to determine if this activity should be continued and expanded.
Qualitative Data
The individuals who participate in the conversations would be given a pre test before the conversation to assess the perception of opportunities to work in North Dakota. After the conversation is finished, a post evaluation would be administered to understand if perceptions of have changed. Within one month of the conversation, the plan of study is to be reviewed by the student and teacher/parent/counselor. When the plan of study has been re-filed, a short survey will be given to the student to understand if the career conversation had any effect on their secondary or post secondary decisions.
Quantitative Data
All participating teachers would be required to submit a class roster listing the students’ names who participated for the purpose of knowing the unique users of the program. Email addresses are optional.
Outcomes
Success and continuation of this program will be determined based upon:
1. A minimum of 10 conversations taking place.
2. A minimum of 5 North Dakota businesses involvement.
3. A minimum of 5 North Dakota schools involvement.
4. A minimum of 500 unique participants.
5. Participants have an increased awareness of opportunities available to work in North Dakota. (post survey results)
6. Increase in participation of classes that lead to careers in high demand. (Plan of study reflect change or continuation)
7. Satisfied teachers (post teacher survey)
8. The number of views of the posted videos
9. The number of views from the DOC website that lead to CTE website.
IX. Promotion
To gain school participants for the pilot program, the following networks will be notified:
1. CTE Business Resource Survey Pilot contractors (majority are teachers and counselors)
2. DPI listservs
3. Presentations at teacher/staff development sessions prior to school starting
4. Presentations to school boards
5. CTE Career counselor listerv
6. Career Resource Coordinators seeking suggestions of teachers willing to participate
7. Regional Education Association
To gain business participants for the pilot program the following networks will be notified:
1. ITCND
2. YP State and Local Networks
3. Chamber of Commerce Newsletter (tentative)
4. General Press Release
To gain parent and community awareness, the following tools will be offered to participating teachers/counselors to promote the conversation:
1. ooVoo.com software has the capability to create up to five minute video messages. This application could be used to send a video invite to parents to ask their child about the conversation at school or to log into view it themselves.
2. During parent/teacher conferences, teachers will hand out a hotjobs brochure in addition to a ½ page flier with the website address encouraging parents to view the conversation their classroom had.
3. Program will be provided to career and technical education organizations such as FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America, DECA (An Association of Marketing Students), FFA (An Association of Agricultural Education Students) and others to encourage coordination at a student level.
4. Conversations can be recorded and uploaded to another site such as youtube or the Workforce Development page.
Teachers are required to notify parents and the community either prior or after the conversation. This can be done through email, posting on the school website, flier, newsletter or any existing method that parents and community members are currently receiving information about school activities. Example materials will be provided to the teacher.
X. Selection Criteria
Teachers/counselors and their respective classrooms that are chosen to participate in this pilot program will be based upon:
1. Students reached are in grades 9-12.
2. Courses in one of the four selected classes.
An application will be made available online at the DOC Workforce Development division website and through paper copy.
Teachers/counselors may double up to meet the required number of students reached per conversation. Participating teachers/classrooms and professionals will be identified for participation no later than September 30, 2008.
This pilot program will be implemented in the fall of 2008 to be evaluated in December 2008 for continuation and/or expansion.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 -- Information Technology Council of North Dakota
IT workforce input requested:
ITCND is in the final stages of the 2008 IT Workforce Needs Assessment. Your input is requested in order to provide real-time, quantifiable data regarding the state’s IT workforce. This data will complement the information collected through nearly 30 face-to-face interviews.
Please click here by Friday, Oct. 24, to complete the brief (5 minute) survey.
The information gathered will be used to promote North Dakota IT careers to students, parents and educators through the IT Career Awareness Program, as well as to develop additional strategies to address IT workforce issues.
Goettle addresses ITCND:
ITCND held its 2008 IT Awards Program and Annual Meeting on Oct. 14 in Fargo. The event was attended by nearly 70 IT business, education and government representatives.
Keynote speaker Shane Goettle, North Dakota Department of Commerce commissioner, provided information on IT tax and business incentives, including the sales and use tax exemption for computer and telecommunications equipment and the research expense income tax credit. He also discussed Operation Intern, Experience North Dakota and other workforce-related programs implemented by the Department of Commerce. He commended ITCND’s IT Career Awareness effort and said the Department of Commerce looks forward to working with ITCND to promote IT careers across the state.
Additional information on IT tax incentives can be found at www.nd.gov/tax or by calling the ND Tax Department at 701-328-3700. Additional information on the ND Department of Commerce programs can be found at www.ndcommerce.com.
Other keynote speakers included Clydene Stangvik with the Cisco Networking Academy and Doug McDonald with Praxis Strategy Group. Stangvik informed attendees on the results of a recent nationwide study aimed at assessing the demand for and supply of networking skills. The results indicated an increasing gap in specialty skills required for networking professionals. McDonald presented the preliminary results of the North Dakota 2008 IT Workforce Needs Assessment.
These presentations are available at the ITCND website.
IT award winners recognized:
ITCND recognized six of North Dakota’s IT leaders for outstanding achievements at the eighth annual IT Awards Program on Oct. 14 in Fargo.
“North Dakota possesses a large pool of highly-qualified and innovative IT business leaders, both individuals and business, that deserve recognition for their achievements,” says Gary Inman, ITCND president.
Inman, along with Shane Goettle, ND Department of Commerce commissioner, and Mike Eggl, ITCND vice president, presented awards in six categories to the following recipients:
· Dakota Carrier Network – Bismarck and Fargo, received the “Outstanding Achievement in Business” award. Dakota Carrier Network was recognized as a technology leader due to its creation of a statewide fiber network and its role as a key player in economic development opportunities in North Dakota.
· AgriData Inc. – Grand Forks, received the “Innovative Business User of Technology” award. AgriData Inc. was recognized as a pioneer in the concept of IT for the agricultural industry. It has been developing and providing map-based information management systems and services for agricultural applications since 2001.
· Brian Wolf, National Information Solutions Cooperative – Mandan, received the “Entrepreneur” award. Wolf was recognized for his innovative contributions to the technology industry in general and specifically at the National Information Solutions Cooperative. He has been a positive change agent, leader, teacher and mentor, contributing to the advancement of North Dakota’s IT industry.
· Eric Ripley, Red River High School – Grand Forks, received the “Outstanding Achievement in Education” award. He was recognized for his preparation of students to become leaders in the North Dakota IT industry through education, experiences and opportunities.
· North DakotaParks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) – Bismarck, received the “Outstanding Achievement in Digital Government” award. NDPRD was honored for its development and implementation of an online management system, which strengthens customer service and promotes North Dakota parks and recreation.
· Senator Tom Seymour, District 5 – Mandan, received the “Legislative” award. He was recognized for being a strong proponent of IT interests in public policy matters, as well as his contributions to technology education in North Dakota and beyond.
For additional information on the winners, visit the ITCND website.
LAST CALL: Advertise in the 2009 State of the IT Industry Guide:
Last call for advertisers in the 2009 State of the IT Industry Guide! Guarantee your spot in the guide by completing the commitment form and returning it to office@itcnd.org by Friday, Oct. 31.
In 2007, the State of the IT Industry Guide provided a voice for North Dakota’s growing information technology industry through distribution to more than 5,000 people, including legislators, other key policymakers and university officials. Your partnership is essential for an even more successful 2009 State of the IT Industry Guide.
The full-color 2009 publication will provide information about opportunities within the North Dakota information technology industry and the industry’s impact on the state. State policymakers will use the guide to develop strategies to overcome barriers and capitalize on opportunities surrounding the industry. This publication, distributed by ITCND, the North Dakota Department of Commerce and local economic developers, will also be used as a tool for information technology business and employee recruitment.
For additional information, visit the ITCND website or contact Annika Nelson at 701-355-4458.
Comparing the candidates:
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a non-partisan group, recently released a report comparing the presidential candidates’ policies on technology and innovation. The report outlines the policy positions of Senators John McCain and Barack Obama on the issues of science, technology and innovation in regard to economic growth. View the report here.
Note: This is strictly for informational purposes as ITCND does not endorse either candidate.
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Monday, October 20, 2008
Tuesday, October 20 - North Dakota Housing and Finance Authority
Greetings from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency!
The fall 2008 issue of Thresholds, the quarterly newsletter of the NDHFA is
now available online at
The current issue highlights an Agency milestone, the purchase of $2 billion
worth of FirstHomeT program loans. The recently enacted federal Housing and
Economic Recovery Act is discussed in a Neighborhood Stabilization Program
editorial and a comparison of the FirstHome program vs. the First-time Buyer
Tax Credit. Details on upcoming Agency events including the Qualified
Allocation Plan hearing and the Statewide Housing Conference are also
coveredBM__MailAutoSig.
We hope you will find the activities reported in the newsletter to be
helpful and informative.
Sarah Mudder, Communications Coordinator
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency
1500 East Capitol Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 328-8056 Fax: (701) 328-8090
Email: smudder@ndhfa.org Web: www.ndhfa.org
If you wish to discontinue receiving our newsletter via email, please reply
to this message and ask to be removed from our distribution list. If you
have a business associate that would like to be added to our email
distribution list, respond to this message and provide contact information
for that individual.
The fall 2008 issue of Thresholds, the quarterly newsletter of the NDHFA is
now available online at
The current issue highlights an Agency milestone, the purchase of $2 billion
worth of FirstHomeT program loans. The recently enacted federal Housing and
Economic Recovery Act is discussed in a Neighborhood Stabilization Program
editorial and a comparison of the FirstHome program vs. the First-time Buyer
Tax Credit. Details on upcoming Agency events including the Qualified
Allocation Plan hearing and the Statewide Housing Conference are also
coveredBM__MailAutoSig.
We hope you will find the activities reported in the newsletter to be
helpful and informative.
Sarah Mudder, Communications Coordinator
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency
1500 East Capitol Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 328-8056 Fax: (701) 328-8090
Email: smudder@ndhfa.org Web: www.ndhfa.org
If you wish to discontinue receiving our newsletter via email, please reply
to this message and ask to be removed from our distribution list. If you
have a business associate that would like to be added to our email
distribution list, respond to this message and provide contact information
for that individual.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Monday, October 20 ---- Budget and Finance Committee of the North Dakota Legislature
NORTH DAKOTA LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Minutes of the
BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Roughrider Room, State Capitol
Bismarck, North Dakota
Representative Al Carlson, Chairman, called the
meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Members present: Representatives Al Carlson,
Ole Aarsvold, Merle Boucher, Jeff Delzer, Bob
Skarphol, Ken Svedjan, Clark Williams; Senators
Randel Christmann, Tony Grindberg, Ray Holmberg,
Elroy N. Lindaas, David O'Connell, Larry J. Robinson,
Bob Stenehjem
Members absent: Representatives Rick Berg,
Bob Martinson
Others present: Jim W. Smith, Legislative
Council, Bismarck
See attached appendix for additional persons
present.
It was moved by Senator Grindberg, seconded
by Senator Robinson, and carried on a voice vote
that the minutes of the previous meeting be
approved as distributed.
STATUS OF GENERAL FUND
Ms. Pam Sharp, Director, Office of Management
and Budget (OMB), presented a report on the status
of the general fund, including oil and gas tax
distributions to local governments. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Ms. Sharp presented the following schedule
showing the status of the general fund for the 2007-09
biennium as of August 31, 2008, and reflecting the
July 2008 revised revenue forecast for the remainder
of the biennium:
July 1, 2007, balance $295,541,176
Estimated revenues 2,612,741,314
Estimated available funds $2,908,282,490
Appropriations (2,461,973,956)
Estimated June 30, 2009, balance $446,308,534
Ms. Sharp presented the following schedule
showing the status of the permanent oil tax trust fund
for the 2007-09 biennium as of August 31, 2008, and
reflecting the July 2008 revised revenue forecast for
the remainder of the biennium:
July 1, 2007, balance $143,270,662
Estimated revenues 634,030,335
Estimated available funds $777,300,997
Appropriations and transfers (145,716,541)
Estimated June 30, 2009, balance $631,584,456
Compared to the original legislative revenue
forecast for the 2007-09 biennium through August
2008, Ms. Sharp said general fund revenues have
exceeded estimates by $218.7 million or 16.6 percent.
She said major positive variances relate to individual
and corporate income tax categories.
Ms. Sharp presented a schedule of oil and gas tax
and mineral royalty allocations to cities and counties
for fiscal years 2004 through 2008 and for fiscal year
2009 through September 22, 2008. She said total
allocations for fiscal year 2008 totaled $40.8 million,
$13.2 million more than the $27.6 million allocated for
fiscal year 2007.
Representative Skarphol asked for information on
oil prices, production, and tax collections for
July 2008. Ms. Sharp said OMB would provide that
information.
Senator Christmann asked for information on
outstanding bonds of the state, including information
on the amount of debt that has been reduced during
the 2007-09 biennium. Senator Holmberg suggested
receiving information on outstanding special
assessment balances of state agencies. Chairman
Carlson asked OMB to provide for the committee at its
next meeting information on the state's outstanding
debt and related general fund payments due during
the 2007-09 and 2009-11 bienniums, special
assessment balances outstanding and payments due
during the 2009-11 biennium, and opportunities the
state may have to prepay outstanding debt and
special assessment balances during the 2009-11
biennium.
2009-11 BIENNIUM
BUDGET INFORMATION
The Legislative Council staff presented a
memorandum entitled Authorized Number of Full-
Time Equivalent Positions - Consideration of Inclusion
in Appropriation Bills. The Legislative Council staff
said based on a request at an earlier committee
meeting, the memorandum includes examples of
appropriation bills that identify the number of
authorized full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for
each agency within the bill. The Legislative Council
staff said the examples include an alternative
appropriation bill format that identifies an agency's
base level funding, adjustments or enhancements,
and legislative appropriation within one section of the
bill using a three-column format as well as the current
Budget and Finance 2 September 23, 2008
appropriation bill format utilizing three sections of the
bill. The Legislative Council staff reviewed the current
process of authorizing the number of FTE positions for
each agency and the Emergency Commission's role in
authorizing additional FTE positions during the
interim. The Legislative Council staff said in order for
the current Emergency Commission process to
continue, the Emergency Commission would need
specific statutory authority to approve additional FTE
positions.
Ms. Sheila Peterson, Fiscal Management Director,
Office of Management and Budget, commented on the
proposed appropriation bill changes. She said OMB
supports the three-column format for providing agency
appropriations within one section of the appropriation
bill. She suggested that if FTE positions are included
in agency appropriation bills, the number be identified
for each agency in total and not identified for each
division of an agency. She also suggested the
committee provide the Emergency Commission the
additional statutory authority needed to continue
authorizing additional FTE positions during the
interim.
Senator Holmberg expressed support for the threecolumn
appropriation bill format and including the FTE
positions in the appropriation bill; however, he said,
agencies should have flexibility to shift FTE positions
within their agencies.
Representative Delzer suggested that if the
committee considers a bill draft to authorize the
Emergency Commission to authorize additional FTE
positions during the interim, Budget Section approval
should be required for any additional FTE positions.
It was moved by Representative Delzer,
seconded by Senator Holmberg, and carried on a
roll call vote that the committee recommend,
pursuant to North Dakota Century Code (NDCC)
Section 54-44.1-07 relating to the form of the
budget data, the Budget Section request the Office
of Management and Budget to prepare the
appropriation bills for introduction to the 2009
Legislative Assembly in a format that provides:
• Base level funding, adjustments or
enhancements, and the appropriation for
each agency in a single section using a
three-column format.
• The number of FTE positions in total for
each agency shown for the base level,
adjustments or enhancements, and the
authorized (appropriation) level.
Representatives Carlson, Aarsvold, Boucher,
Delzer, Skarphol, Svedjan, and Williams and Senators
Christmann, Grindberg, Holmberg, Lindaas,
O'Connell, Robinson, and Stenehjem voted "aye." No
negative votes were cast.
Ms. Sharp provided information relating to the
2009-11 biennium budget, including the number of
agency budget requests submitted to date, estimated
ongoing and one-time revenues and related general
fund transfers, cost-to-continue items, major
anticipated appropriations, major initiatives that may
be considered as part of the executive budget,
potential state government efficiencies being identified
as part of the budget development process, and
potential options for use of funding in the permanent
oil tax trust fund.
Ms. Sharp said OMB has granted extensions until
October 15 for a number of state agency budgets. To
date, she said, OMB has held 14 agency budget
hearings. She presented a schedule identifying
anticipated revenues for the 2009-11 biennium,
including $2.735 billion of ongoing general fund
revenues and $666 million of revenues to the
permanent oil tax trust fund. She said this information
is based on OMB's July 2008 preliminary forecast.
Ms. Sharp presented a schedule identifying for
each agency 2009-11 preliminary budget limits,
including adjustments for one-time funding, authorized
carryover, bond payments, cost-to-continue current
services, and phased-in programs.
Ms. Sharp said major initiatives being considered
in the development of the executive budget include
funding priorities, reserves, and tax relief. She said
the Governor has discussed providing additional
higher education tuition assistance of $34 million,
providing $300 million of property tax relief,
$100 million of additional school funding, and
$100 million of income tax relief.
Ms. Sharp said the executive budget development
process is not yet complete so potential state
government efficiencies and options for use of funding
in the permanent oil tax trust fund have not yet been
identified. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Representative Carlson asked for OMB's estimate
of cost-to-continue items of state agencies.
Ms. Sharp said because each agency is unique, it is
difficult to identify a specific percentage increase for
cost-to-continue items that would be applicable to all
agencies.
Representative Skarphol suggested OMB provide
a schedule summarizing major cost components of
agency budgets to assist the Legislative Assembly in
evaluating state agency budgets.
The Legislative Council staff presented a
memorandum entitled Preliminary Outlook - North
Dakota 2009-11 Biennium General Fund Budget. The
Legislative Council staff said the memorandum
provides preliminary information on general fund
ongoing and one-time revenues and expenditures
anticipated for the 2009-11 biennium. The Legislative
Council staff said the memorandum also identifies the
estimated fiscal effect for the 2009-11 biennium on the
general fund if initiated measure No. 1 relating to the
creation of a constitutional permanent oil tax trust fund
and measure No. 2 relating to a reduction of individual
and corporate income tax rates are approved in the
November 2008 general election.
Senator Holmberg said the information included in
the report should be considered only for discussion
purposes and is not an indication of amounts the
Budget and Finance 3 September 23, 2008
2009 Legislative Assembly may approve for the
2009-11 biennium.
Representative Boucher suggested the committee
receive information on major special funds, including
potential funds that may be available for the 2009-11
biennium. Chairman Carlson asked the Legislative
Council staff to provide the committee with information
on amounts that may be available in major special
funds during the 2009-11 biennium.
Mr. Eric Hardmeyer, President, Bank of North
Dakota, provided information regarding potential
amounts that may be available for transfer to the
general fund from the Bank of North Dakota for the
2009-11 biennium. Mr. Hardmeyer said for calendar
year 2007, the net income of the Bank was
$51,086,000 and the Bank's leverage ratio was
7.19 percent. He said the Bank's goal is have a
leverage ratio of at least 8 percent. Mr. Hardmeyer
said the Bank is anticipating future net income as
follows:
2008 $57 million
2009 $55 million
2010 $55 million
2011 $55 million
Mr. Hardmeyer said if the 2009 Legislative
Assembly transfers $60 million of Bank of North
Dakota profits to the general fund during the 2009-11
biennium, this amount would be approximately
55 percent of the Bank's projected earnings during the
biennium. He said continuing to transfer $60 million of
profits per biennium will allow for capital growth of
$50 million to provide for nearly $300 million in capital
and a leverage ratio of nearly 8 percent at the end of
the 2009-11 biennium. A copy of the report is on file
in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. Vance Taylor, General Manager, Mill and
Elevator, provided information regarding potential
amounts that may be available for transfer to the
general fund during the 2009-11 biennium. Mr. Taylor
said from July 1999 through June 2007, the mill
earned profits of $28.9 million, of which $19 million
was transferred to the general fund. For the 2007-09
biennium, he said, the Legislative Assembly has
required a transfer of $5 million from the mill's profits
to the general fund. For fiscal year 2008, he said, the
mill experienced a net loss of $821,000 due to record
high grain prices, volatile basis levels, and futures
market aberrations. He said these negative market
conditions continued to affect profits for the first
quarter of 2009; however, he said, if market conditions
continue to stabilize 2007-09 biennium profits are
anticipated to be at a break-even level. For the
2009-11 biennium, he said, the mill anticipates profits
to return to a more normal level of approximately
$7.2 million, which is the average of the last four
bienniums. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Representative Boucher suggested the Legislative
Assembly consider allowing the Bank of North Dakota
or the Mill and Elevator flexibility in transferring funds
to the general fund based on the state's need for the
funds and unique circumstances affecting the Bank or
the mill.
In response to a question from Representative
Carlson, Mr. Taylor said the Mill and Elevator is
authorized a line of credit at the Bank of North Dakota
of up to $75 million.
In response to a question from Representative
Skarphol, Mr. Taylor said he would provide to the
committee the current estimated value of the Mill and
Elevator.
Ms. Karlene Fine, Executive Director, Industrial
Commission, provided information regarding potential
amounts that may be available for transfer to the
general fund from the student loan trust fund during
the 2009-11 biennium. She said for the period
July 2001 through June 2007, the student loan trust
has transferred $44.4 million to the general fund. In
addition, she said, the 2007 Legislative Assembly
authorized transfers of $523,380 to the State Board of
Higher Education for providing funding for veterinary
students attending Kansas State University. For the
2007-09 biennium, she said, the trust anticipates
income of approximately $3 million compared to a
$2.4 million estimate for the 2009-11 biennium. She
said the reduction is due to the student loan portfolio
declining as students repay their loans. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. Gary Preszler, Commissioner, Land
Department, provided information on potential
amounts that may be available for transfer from the
lands and minerals trust fund to the general fund
during the 2009-11 biennium. He said the lands and
minerals trust fund consists of over 700,000 mineral
acres formerly owned by the Bank of North Dakota
and the State Treasurer and the minerals located
under navigable rivers and lakes. He said the trust
currently receives oil and gas royalties from over
270 producing wells. Oil and gas leases are offered
through auctions each quarter. In addition, he said,
the trust receives royalties and lease bonus payments
from mining of coal, sand, and gravel. He said current
projections indicate that the lands and minerals trust
fund will have a $16.8 million June 30, 2009, balance
and anticipated revenues of over $24 million for the
2009-11 biennium. He said based on these
projections, an estimated $39 million could be
transferred to the general fund during the 2009-11
biennium resulting in a $1 million ending balance for
the fund on June 30, 2011. A copy of the report is on
file in the Legislative Council office.
The committee recessed for lunch at 12:00 noon
and reconvened at 1:00 p.m.
AGENCY BUDGET INFORMATION
Ms. Brenda M. Weisz, Chief Financial Officer,
Department of Human Services, provided information
regarding the status of the department's 2007-09
biennium budget and information on its 2009-11
biennium budget request. She said the only major
program change affecting the department's 2007-09
Budget and Finance 4 September 23, 2008
biennium budget is the increase in eligibility from
140 percent to 150 percent of poverty for the
children's health insurance program effective
October 1, 2008.
Ms. Weisz presented a schedule showing, by
major program, anticipated expenditures compared to
appropriated amounts for the 2007-09 biennium. In
total, she said, the department is anticipating unspent
general fund appropriation authority of $3.3 million for
the 2007-09 biennium.
Ms. Weisz said the 2007 Legislative Assembly
authorized the department to obtain a loan of up to
$3.5 million from the Bank of North Dakota for
providing developmental disabilities services grants.
At the present time, she anticipates the department
will need to obtain a loan of $1 million to provide these
services for the biennium.
Ms. Weisz reported on the status of the Medicaid
management information system computer project.
She said the 2007 Legislative Assembly appropriated
$3.6 million for the project. She said although the
project has experienced delays, she does not
anticipate the project to exceed the appropriated
amount.
Mr. Alex Schweitzer, Superintendent, Department
of Human Services institutions, provided an update on
capital projects of the State Hospital and
Developmental Center. He said the 2007 Legislative
Assembly appropriated $3.1 million from the general
fund for construction of a high security addition to the
GM Building on the campus of the State Hospital to
provide for an expansion of the State Hospital's
secure services program. He said because
admissions to the secure services unit have been less
than anticipated and because bids for the construction
project were $5.2 million, $2.1 million more than
appropriated, the department and OMB are planning
to use the $3.1 million for other capital projects that
were delayed or deferred because of cost increases
or new needs. He said the department is planning to
use the funds for:
New security fence $307,042
16 West building improvements 326,420
Flooring replacement 54,976
Sewer pipe repairs 31,730
Increased costs of the electrical distribution system 1,211,504
Employees Building improvements 675,000
Paint booth 49,500
Architectural and engineering costs 233,427
Total $2,889,599
A copy of the report is on file in the Legislative
Council office.
Representative Delzer asked whether legislative
approval is needed to change the use of these funds.
The Legislative Council staff said staff would review
statutory provisions and report to the Budget Section
chairman before the Budget Section meets on
Thursday, September 25, 2008.
Mr. Dave Krabbenhoft, Department of Corrections
and Rehabilitation, provided information on the status
of the department's 2007-09 biennium budget and on
the department's 2009-11 biennium budget request.
He said for the 2007-09 biennium to date, the number
of male inmates has averaged 1,288, two fewer than
the estimated number of 1,290. For female inmates,
he said, the average number to date is 151, 60 fewer
than the estimate of 211. Because the actual number
of inmates has been less than projected, he said, the
department is currently anticipating a small amount of
unspent general fund appropriation authority for the
2007-09 biennium.
Regarding the 2009-11 biennium budget request,
Mr. Krabbenhoft said the department has not yet
submitted its budget request and has been granted an
extension by OMB until October 15. He said the
department is currently estimating an average of
1,354 male inmates for the 2009-11 biennium, which
is a 5 percent increase over the average inmate
population to date during the 2007-09 biennium. He
said the department is estimating an average of
164 female inmates for the 2009-11 biennium, which
is an 8.6 percent increase over the average number of
female inmates to date during the 2007-09 biennium.
He said for the 2009-11 biennium budget request, the
priorities of the department are to provide adequate
funding for its employees and to obtain funding for
remodeling and expanding the State Penitentiary as
recommended by the Legislative Council's interim
Correctional Facility Review Committee. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. Dale Frink, State Engineer, State Water
Commission, provided information regarding
anticipated uses of additional resources trust fund
revenues available for the 2007-09 biennium and
information on the commission's 2009-11 biennium
budget request. He said the State Water Commission
has not yet completed its 2009-11 biennium budget
request. He said the department anticipates an
unallocated balance in the resources trust fund on
June 30, 2009, of approximately $20 million resulting
in approximately $120 million for new water projects
during the 2009-11 biennium.
Mr. Frink said the State Water Commission has
$87,690,000 of water development trust fund bond
principal outstanding. He said the 2009-11 biennium
bond payments associated with these bonds total
$16,866,625. In addition, he said, the State Water
Commission has $17,291,000 of Southwest Pipeline
Project bonds outstanding requiring 2009-11 biennium
payments of $2,391,375. He said these payments are
made by the Southwest Water Authority from revenue
generated by the Southwest Pipeline Project. He said
the State Water Commission's total outstanding bonds
are $105 million. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Representative Delzer asked that the committee
receive information at its next meeting on the status of
outstanding bonds of the state and options for retiring
the bonds early. Chairman Carlson asked the
Legislative Council staff to arrange for OMB to present
this information to the committee at its next meeting.
Budget and Finance 5 September 23, 2008
Ms. Dorette Kerian, Director of Information and
Technology Systems and Services, North Dakota
University System, provided information on the
Northern Tier Network. She said NDCC Section
15-10-45 provides for the uses of the Northern Tier
Network. She said while provisions of the Century
Code section include the use of the Northern Tier
Network for educational purposes, questions have
arisen as to who may use it and for what purposes.
She said there are significant advantages to the state
of allowing full use of the Northern Tier Network in
support of elementary and secondary and higher
education in North Dakota. She said allowing
expanded use of the Northern Tier Network by the
University System and elementary and secondary
education could reduce bandwidth growth and
traditional Internet-related costs for these entities. A
copy of the report is on file in the Legislative Council
office.
Mr. Kent Blickensderfer, Qwest Corporation,
commented on the use of the Northern Tier Network
by nonuniversity entities. He said during past
legislative sessions, Qwest, along with the North
Dakota Association of Telecommunications
Cooperatives, other telecommunications companies,
the Governor, and the Legislative Assembly, agreed
that the state should not compete in the private
telecommunications business. He expressed concern
that the University System, through the Northern Tier
Network, is requesting changes that will allow a state
entity to compete with private telecommunications
companies. He said NDCC Section 15-10-45, which
restricts the state from competing with private
providers, should not be changed. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Senator Grindberg asked the Legislative Council to
provide information on companies that have received
grants or hardware from the Northern Tier Network.
Mr. David Crothers, North Dakota Association of
Telecommunications Cooperatives, commented on
the Northern Tier Network. He said the association
opposes the University System's proposed changes to
NDCC Section 15-10-45 relating to competition with
private industry. He said current statutory provisions
limit the use of the Northern Tier Network by higher
education to research purposes only. He said the
2007 Legislative Assembly provided funding for the
Northern Tier Network but recognized that parameters
must be established to ensure that the state of North
Dakota would not enter the telecommunications
business or become a competitor to private providers.
He said the University System is proposing to remove
these restrictions and allow the Northern Tier Network
to carry information previously provided by private
telecommunications companies. A copy of the report
is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Ms. Cathy Forsch, Director of Operations, Tax
Department, provided information on the department's
"Gentax" computer system, including actual return on
investment compared to estimates made as part of
the original project plan. She said the original
estimates of additional state revenue resulting from
implementation of the "Gentax" computer system were
$2.5 million per year. She said the Tax Department
through June 2008 has realized revenue increases of
$7.7 million resulting from implementation of the
system. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Chairman Carlson announced the next committee
meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October
21, 2008, and said the committee will be reviewing
potential total available revenue for the 2009-11
biennium and potential spending levels for the
2009-11 biennium to consider as recommendations to
forward to the Legislative Council.
Representative Skarphol asked whether there are
other cost-of-living indexes that should be reviewed
when considering funding for certain state agencies.
He said the Higher Education Committee has been
informed that a higher education cost adjustment
(HECA) index is more appropriate for calculating costof-
living increases relating to higher education. He
said the HECA index is generally a higher percentage
than the consumer price index.
The committee adjourned subject to the call of the
chair at 3:45 p.m.
_________________________________________
Allen H. Knudson
Legislative Budget Analyst and Auditor
ATTACH:1
Minutes of the
BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Roughrider Room, State Capitol
Bismarck, North Dakota
Representative Al Carlson, Chairman, called the
meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Members present: Representatives Al Carlson,
Ole Aarsvold, Merle Boucher, Jeff Delzer, Bob
Skarphol, Ken Svedjan, Clark Williams; Senators
Randel Christmann, Tony Grindberg, Ray Holmberg,
Elroy N. Lindaas, David O'Connell, Larry J. Robinson,
Bob Stenehjem
Members absent: Representatives Rick Berg,
Bob Martinson
Others present: Jim W. Smith, Legislative
Council, Bismarck
See attached appendix for additional persons
present.
It was moved by Senator Grindberg, seconded
by Senator Robinson, and carried on a voice vote
that the minutes of the previous meeting be
approved as distributed.
STATUS OF GENERAL FUND
Ms. Pam Sharp, Director, Office of Management
and Budget (OMB), presented a report on the status
of the general fund, including oil and gas tax
distributions to local governments. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Ms. Sharp presented the following schedule
showing the status of the general fund for the 2007-09
biennium as of August 31, 2008, and reflecting the
July 2008 revised revenue forecast for the remainder
of the biennium:
July 1, 2007, balance $295,541,176
Estimated revenues 2,612,741,314
Estimated available funds $2,908,282,490
Appropriations (2,461,973,956)
Estimated June 30, 2009, balance $446,308,534
Ms. Sharp presented the following schedule
showing the status of the permanent oil tax trust fund
for the 2007-09 biennium as of August 31, 2008, and
reflecting the July 2008 revised revenue forecast for
the remainder of the biennium:
July 1, 2007, balance $143,270,662
Estimated revenues 634,030,335
Estimated available funds $777,300,997
Appropriations and transfers (145,716,541)
Estimated June 30, 2009, balance $631,584,456
Compared to the original legislative revenue
forecast for the 2007-09 biennium through August
2008, Ms. Sharp said general fund revenues have
exceeded estimates by $218.7 million or 16.6 percent.
She said major positive variances relate to individual
and corporate income tax categories.
Ms. Sharp presented a schedule of oil and gas tax
and mineral royalty allocations to cities and counties
for fiscal years 2004 through 2008 and for fiscal year
2009 through September 22, 2008. She said total
allocations for fiscal year 2008 totaled $40.8 million,
$13.2 million more than the $27.6 million allocated for
fiscal year 2007.
Representative Skarphol asked for information on
oil prices, production, and tax collections for
July 2008. Ms. Sharp said OMB would provide that
information.
Senator Christmann asked for information on
outstanding bonds of the state, including information
on the amount of debt that has been reduced during
the 2007-09 biennium. Senator Holmberg suggested
receiving information on outstanding special
assessment balances of state agencies. Chairman
Carlson asked OMB to provide for the committee at its
next meeting information on the state's outstanding
debt and related general fund payments due during
the 2007-09 and 2009-11 bienniums, special
assessment balances outstanding and payments due
during the 2009-11 biennium, and opportunities the
state may have to prepay outstanding debt and
special assessment balances during the 2009-11
biennium.
2009-11 BIENNIUM
BUDGET INFORMATION
The Legislative Council staff presented a
memorandum entitled Authorized Number of Full-
Time Equivalent Positions - Consideration of Inclusion
in Appropriation Bills. The Legislative Council staff
said based on a request at an earlier committee
meeting, the memorandum includes examples of
appropriation bills that identify the number of
authorized full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for
each agency within the bill. The Legislative Council
staff said the examples include an alternative
appropriation bill format that identifies an agency's
base level funding, adjustments or enhancements,
and legislative appropriation within one section of the
bill using a three-column format as well as the current
Budget and Finance 2 September 23, 2008
appropriation bill format utilizing three sections of the
bill. The Legislative Council staff reviewed the current
process of authorizing the number of FTE positions for
each agency and the Emergency Commission's role in
authorizing additional FTE positions during the
interim. The Legislative Council staff said in order for
the current Emergency Commission process to
continue, the Emergency Commission would need
specific statutory authority to approve additional FTE
positions.
Ms. Sheila Peterson, Fiscal Management Director,
Office of Management and Budget, commented on the
proposed appropriation bill changes. She said OMB
supports the three-column format for providing agency
appropriations within one section of the appropriation
bill. She suggested that if FTE positions are included
in agency appropriation bills, the number be identified
for each agency in total and not identified for each
division of an agency. She also suggested the
committee provide the Emergency Commission the
additional statutory authority needed to continue
authorizing additional FTE positions during the
interim.
Senator Holmberg expressed support for the threecolumn
appropriation bill format and including the FTE
positions in the appropriation bill; however, he said,
agencies should have flexibility to shift FTE positions
within their agencies.
Representative Delzer suggested that if the
committee considers a bill draft to authorize the
Emergency Commission to authorize additional FTE
positions during the interim, Budget Section approval
should be required for any additional FTE positions.
It was moved by Representative Delzer,
seconded by Senator Holmberg, and carried on a
roll call vote that the committee recommend,
pursuant to North Dakota Century Code (NDCC)
Section 54-44.1-07 relating to the form of the
budget data, the Budget Section request the Office
of Management and Budget to prepare the
appropriation bills for introduction to the 2009
Legislative Assembly in a format that provides:
• Base level funding, adjustments or
enhancements, and the appropriation for
each agency in a single section using a
three-column format.
• The number of FTE positions in total for
each agency shown for the base level,
adjustments or enhancements, and the
authorized (appropriation) level.
Representatives Carlson, Aarsvold, Boucher,
Delzer, Skarphol, Svedjan, and Williams and Senators
Christmann, Grindberg, Holmberg, Lindaas,
O'Connell, Robinson, and Stenehjem voted "aye." No
negative votes were cast.
Ms. Sharp provided information relating to the
2009-11 biennium budget, including the number of
agency budget requests submitted to date, estimated
ongoing and one-time revenues and related general
fund transfers, cost-to-continue items, major
anticipated appropriations, major initiatives that may
be considered as part of the executive budget,
potential state government efficiencies being identified
as part of the budget development process, and
potential options for use of funding in the permanent
oil tax trust fund.
Ms. Sharp said OMB has granted extensions until
October 15 for a number of state agency budgets. To
date, she said, OMB has held 14 agency budget
hearings. She presented a schedule identifying
anticipated revenues for the 2009-11 biennium,
including $2.735 billion of ongoing general fund
revenues and $666 million of revenues to the
permanent oil tax trust fund. She said this information
is based on OMB's July 2008 preliminary forecast.
Ms. Sharp presented a schedule identifying for
each agency 2009-11 preliminary budget limits,
including adjustments for one-time funding, authorized
carryover, bond payments, cost-to-continue current
services, and phased-in programs.
Ms. Sharp said major initiatives being considered
in the development of the executive budget include
funding priorities, reserves, and tax relief. She said
the Governor has discussed providing additional
higher education tuition assistance of $34 million,
providing $300 million of property tax relief,
$100 million of additional school funding, and
$100 million of income tax relief.
Ms. Sharp said the executive budget development
process is not yet complete so potential state
government efficiencies and options for use of funding
in the permanent oil tax trust fund have not yet been
identified. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Representative Carlson asked for OMB's estimate
of cost-to-continue items of state agencies.
Ms. Sharp said because each agency is unique, it is
difficult to identify a specific percentage increase for
cost-to-continue items that would be applicable to all
agencies.
Representative Skarphol suggested OMB provide
a schedule summarizing major cost components of
agency budgets to assist the Legislative Assembly in
evaluating state agency budgets.
The Legislative Council staff presented a
memorandum entitled Preliminary Outlook - North
Dakota 2009-11 Biennium General Fund Budget. The
Legislative Council staff said the memorandum
provides preliminary information on general fund
ongoing and one-time revenues and expenditures
anticipated for the 2009-11 biennium. The Legislative
Council staff said the memorandum also identifies the
estimated fiscal effect for the 2009-11 biennium on the
general fund if initiated measure No. 1 relating to the
creation of a constitutional permanent oil tax trust fund
and measure No. 2 relating to a reduction of individual
and corporate income tax rates are approved in the
November 2008 general election.
Senator Holmberg said the information included in
the report should be considered only for discussion
purposes and is not an indication of amounts the
Budget and Finance 3 September 23, 2008
2009 Legislative Assembly may approve for the
2009-11 biennium.
Representative Boucher suggested the committee
receive information on major special funds, including
potential funds that may be available for the 2009-11
biennium. Chairman Carlson asked the Legislative
Council staff to provide the committee with information
on amounts that may be available in major special
funds during the 2009-11 biennium.
Mr. Eric Hardmeyer, President, Bank of North
Dakota, provided information regarding potential
amounts that may be available for transfer to the
general fund from the Bank of North Dakota for the
2009-11 biennium. Mr. Hardmeyer said for calendar
year 2007, the net income of the Bank was
$51,086,000 and the Bank's leverage ratio was
7.19 percent. He said the Bank's goal is have a
leverage ratio of at least 8 percent. Mr. Hardmeyer
said the Bank is anticipating future net income as
follows:
2008 $57 million
2009 $55 million
2010 $55 million
2011 $55 million
Mr. Hardmeyer said if the 2009 Legislative
Assembly transfers $60 million of Bank of North
Dakota profits to the general fund during the 2009-11
biennium, this amount would be approximately
55 percent of the Bank's projected earnings during the
biennium. He said continuing to transfer $60 million of
profits per biennium will allow for capital growth of
$50 million to provide for nearly $300 million in capital
and a leverage ratio of nearly 8 percent at the end of
the 2009-11 biennium. A copy of the report is on file
in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. Vance Taylor, General Manager, Mill and
Elevator, provided information regarding potential
amounts that may be available for transfer to the
general fund during the 2009-11 biennium. Mr. Taylor
said from July 1999 through June 2007, the mill
earned profits of $28.9 million, of which $19 million
was transferred to the general fund. For the 2007-09
biennium, he said, the Legislative Assembly has
required a transfer of $5 million from the mill's profits
to the general fund. For fiscal year 2008, he said, the
mill experienced a net loss of $821,000 due to record
high grain prices, volatile basis levels, and futures
market aberrations. He said these negative market
conditions continued to affect profits for the first
quarter of 2009; however, he said, if market conditions
continue to stabilize 2007-09 biennium profits are
anticipated to be at a break-even level. For the
2009-11 biennium, he said, the mill anticipates profits
to return to a more normal level of approximately
$7.2 million, which is the average of the last four
bienniums. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Representative Boucher suggested the Legislative
Assembly consider allowing the Bank of North Dakota
or the Mill and Elevator flexibility in transferring funds
to the general fund based on the state's need for the
funds and unique circumstances affecting the Bank or
the mill.
In response to a question from Representative
Carlson, Mr. Taylor said the Mill and Elevator is
authorized a line of credit at the Bank of North Dakota
of up to $75 million.
In response to a question from Representative
Skarphol, Mr. Taylor said he would provide to the
committee the current estimated value of the Mill and
Elevator.
Ms. Karlene Fine, Executive Director, Industrial
Commission, provided information regarding potential
amounts that may be available for transfer to the
general fund from the student loan trust fund during
the 2009-11 biennium. She said for the period
July 2001 through June 2007, the student loan trust
has transferred $44.4 million to the general fund. In
addition, she said, the 2007 Legislative Assembly
authorized transfers of $523,380 to the State Board of
Higher Education for providing funding for veterinary
students attending Kansas State University. For the
2007-09 biennium, she said, the trust anticipates
income of approximately $3 million compared to a
$2.4 million estimate for the 2009-11 biennium. She
said the reduction is due to the student loan portfolio
declining as students repay their loans. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. Gary Preszler, Commissioner, Land
Department, provided information on potential
amounts that may be available for transfer from the
lands and minerals trust fund to the general fund
during the 2009-11 biennium. He said the lands and
minerals trust fund consists of over 700,000 mineral
acres formerly owned by the Bank of North Dakota
and the State Treasurer and the minerals located
under navigable rivers and lakes. He said the trust
currently receives oil and gas royalties from over
270 producing wells. Oil and gas leases are offered
through auctions each quarter. In addition, he said,
the trust receives royalties and lease bonus payments
from mining of coal, sand, and gravel. He said current
projections indicate that the lands and minerals trust
fund will have a $16.8 million June 30, 2009, balance
and anticipated revenues of over $24 million for the
2009-11 biennium. He said based on these
projections, an estimated $39 million could be
transferred to the general fund during the 2009-11
biennium resulting in a $1 million ending balance for
the fund on June 30, 2011. A copy of the report is on
file in the Legislative Council office.
The committee recessed for lunch at 12:00 noon
and reconvened at 1:00 p.m.
AGENCY BUDGET INFORMATION
Ms. Brenda M. Weisz, Chief Financial Officer,
Department of Human Services, provided information
regarding the status of the department's 2007-09
biennium budget and information on its 2009-11
biennium budget request. She said the only major
program change affecting the department's 2007-09
Budget and Finance 4 September 23, 2008
biennium budget is the increase in eligibility from
140 percent to 150 percent of poverty for the
children's health insurance program effective
October 1, 2008.
Ms. Weisz presented a schedule showing, by
major program, anticipated expenditures compared to
appropriated amounts for the 2007-09 biennium. In
total, she said, the department is anticipating unspent
general fund appropriation authority of $3.3 million for
the 2007-09 biennium.
Ms. Weisz said the 2007 Legislative Assembly
authorized the department to obtain a loan of up to
$3.5 million from the Bank of North Dakota for
providing developmental disabilities services grants.
At the present time, she anticipates the department
will need to obtain a loan of $1 million to provide these
services for the biennium.
Ms. Weisz reported on the status of the Medicaid
management information system computer project.
She said the 2007 Legislative Assembly appropriated
$3.6 million for the project. She said although the
project has experienced delays, she does not
anticipate the project to exceed the appropriated
amount.
Mr. Alex Schweitzer, Superintendent, Department
of Human Services institutions, provided an update on
capital projects of the State Hospital and
Developmental Center. He said the 2007 Legislative
Assembly appropriated $3.1 million from the general
fund for construction of a high security addition to the
GM Building on the campus of the State Hospital to
provide for an expansion of the State Hospital's
secure services program. He said because
admissions to the secure services unit have been less
than anticipated and because bids for the construction
project were $5.2 million, $2.1 million more than
appropriated, the department and OMB are planning
to use the $3.1 million for other capital projects that
were delayed or deferred because of cost increases
or new needs. He said the department is planning to
use the funds for:
New security fence $307,042
16 West building improvements 326,420
Flooring replacement 54,976
Sewer pipe repairs 31,730
Increased costs of the electrical distribution system 1,211,504
Employees Building improvements 675,000
Paint booth 49,500
Architectural and engineering costs 233,427
Total $2,889,599
A copy of the report is on file in the Legislative
Council office.
Representative Delzer asked whether legislative
approval is needed to change the use of these funds.
The Legislative Council staff said staff would review
statutory provisions and report to the Budget Section
chairman before the Budget Section meets on
Thursday, September 25, 2008.
Mr. Dave Krabbenhoft, Department of Corrections
and Rehabilitation, provided information on the status
of the department's 2007-09 biennium budget and on
the department's 2009-11 biennium budget request.
He said for the 2007-09 biennium to date, the number
of male inmates has averaged 1,288, two fewer than
the estimated number of 1,290. For female inmates,
he said, the average number to date is 151, 60 fewer
than the estimate of 211. Because the actual number
of inmates has been less than projected, he said, the
department is currently anticipating a small amount of
unspent general fund appropriation authority for the
2007-09 biennium.
Regarding the 2009-11 biennium budget request,
Mr. Krabbenhoft said the department has not yet
submitted its budget request and has been granted an
extension by OMB until October 15. He said the
department is currently estimating an average of
1,354 male inmates for the 2009-11 biennium, which
is a 5 percent increase over the average inmate
population to date during the 2007-09 biennium. He
said the department is estimating an average of
164 female inmates for the 2009-11 biennium, which
is an 8.6 percent increase over the average number of
female inmates to date during the 2007-09 biennium.
He said for the 2009-11 biennium budget request, the
priorities of the department are to provide adequate
funding for its employees and to obtain funding for
remodeling and expanding the State Penitentiary as
recommended by the Legislative Council's interim
Correctional Facility Review Committee. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. Dale Frink, State Engineer, State Water
Commission, provided information regarding
anticipated uses of additional resources trust fund
revenues available for the 2007-09 biennium and
information on the commission's 2009-11 biennium
budget request. He said the State Water Commission
has not yet completed its 2009-11 biennium budget
request. He said the department anticipates an
unallocated balance in the resources trust fund on
June 30, 2009, of approximately $20 million resulting
in approximately $120 million for new water projects
during the 2009-11 biennium.
Mr. Frink said the State Water Commission has
$87,690,000 of water development trust fund bond
principal outstanding. He said the 2009-11 biennium
bond payments associated with these bonds total
$16,866,625. In addition, he said, the State Water
Commission has $17,291,000 of Southwest Pipeline
Project bonds outstanding requiring 2009-11 biennium
payments of $2,391,375. He said these payments are
made by the Southwest Water Authority from revenue
generated by the Southwest Pipeline Project. He said
the State Water Commission's total outstanding bonds
are $105 million. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Representative Delzer asked that the committee
receive information at its next meeting on the status of
outstanding bonds of the state and options for retiring
the bonds early. Chairman Carlson asked the
Legislative Council staff to arrange for OMB to present
this information to the committee at its next meeting.
Budget and Finance 5 September 23, 2008
Ms. Dorette Kerian, Director of Information and
Technology Systems and Services, North Dakota
University System, provided information on the
Northern Tier Network. She said NDCC Section
15-10-45 provides for the uses of the Northern Tier
Network. She said while provisions of the Century
Code section include the use of the Northern Tier
Network for educational purposes, questions have
arisen as to who may use it and for what purposes.
She said there are significant advantages to the state
of allowing full use of the Northern Tier Network in
support of elementary and secondary and higher
education in North Dakota. She said allowing
expanded use of the Northern Tier Network by the
University System and elementary and secondary
education could reduce bandwidth growth and
traditional Internet-related costs for these entities. A
copy of the report is on file in the Legislative Council
office.
Mr. Kent Blickensderfer, Qwest Corporation,
commented on the use of the Northern Tier Network
by nonuniversity entities. He said during past
legislative sessions, Qwest, along with the North
Dakota Association of Telecommunications
Cooperatives, other telecommunications companies,
the Governor, and the Legislative Assembly, agreed
that the state should not compete in the private
telecommunications business. He expressed concern
that the University System, through the Northern Tier
Network, is requesting changes that will allow a state
entity to compete with private telecommunications
companies. He said NDCC Section 15-10-45, which
restricts the state from competing with private
providers, should not be changed. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Senator Grindberg asked the Legislative Council to
provide information on companies that have received
grants or hardware from the Northern Tier Network.
Mr. David Crothers, North Dakota Association of
Telecommunications Cooperatives, commented on
the Northern Tier Network. He said the association
opposes the University System's proposed changes to
NDCC Section 15-10-45 relating to competition with
private industry. He said current statutory provisions
limit the use of the Northern Tier Network by higher
education to research purposes only. He said the
2007 Legislative Assembly provided funding for the
Northern Tier Network but recognized that parameters
must be established to ensure that the state of North
Dakota would not enter the telecommunications
business or become a competitor to private providers.
He said the University System is proposing to remove
these restrictions and allow the Northern Tier Network
to carry information previously provided by private
telecommunications companies. A copy of the report
is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Ms. Cathy Forsch, Director of Operations, Tax
Department, provided information on the department's
"Gentax" computer system, including actual return on
investment compared to estimates made as part of
the original project plan. She said the original
estimates of additional state revenue resulting from
implementation of the "Gentax" computer system were
$2.5 million per year. She said the Tax Department
through June 2008 has realized revenue increases of
$7.7 million resulting from implementation of the
system. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Chairman Carlson announced the next committee
meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October
21, 2008, and said the committee will be reviewing
potential total available revenue for the 2009-11
biennium and potential spending levels for the
2009-11 biennium to consider as recommendations to
forward to the Legislative Council.
Representative Skarphol asked whether there are
other cost-of-living indexes that should be reviewed
when considering funding for certain state agencies.
He said the Higher Education Committee has been
informed that a higher education cost adjustment
(HECA) index is more appropriate for calculating costof-
living increases relating to higher education. He
said the HECA index is generally a higher percentage
than the consumer price index.
The committee adjourned subject to the call of the
chair at 3:45 p.m.
_________________________________________
Allen H. Knudson
Legislative Budget Analyst and Auditor
ATTACH:1
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Sunday- October 19, 2008 -- Medicare
Hello Everyone,
Please enjoy the information contained in this edition of Frontier Focus. Please be sure to share it with your members, colleagues, providers and office billing staff. Thank you for your continued efforts to broadcast Medicare information to the providers in Region VIII.
Table of Contents
1. Upcoming Training for the Medicare Part B Drugs Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP)
2. ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Other Part A and Part B Providers
3. Your Latest NPI Update
4. MLN Learning Management System Now Available!
5. CMS Announces Updates to the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative Web Page
6. Availability of an Interim Study of Alternative Payment Localities Under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
7. Medicare Remit Easy Print (MREP) Software Version 2.5 is Now Available!
8. Availability of Valuable Resources In Preparation for a Potential Influenza Pandemic
9. Your October Flu Shot Reminder
10. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Upcoming Training for the Medicare Part B Drugs Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP)
Noridian Administrative Services, the designated carrier for the CAP, offers interactive, online workshops about the CAP for Part B Drugs and Biologicals. These workshops train CAP vendors and elected physicians on a variety of CAP topics, including how to transition out of the CAP at the end of 2008 due to the postponement of the program for 2009. NAS staff will also be available to answer questions. Interested parties may view additional information about and register for these workshops on the Noridian website at:
https://www.noridianmedicare.com/cap_drug/train/schedule.html
Upcoming workshops will be held on the following dates:
10/22/08 at 2:00 pm CST
11/24/08 at 2:00 pm CST
Additional information about the CAP and the 2009 postponement is available at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CompetitiveAcquisforBios/01_overview.asp
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2. ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Other Part A and Part B Providers
Other Part A and Part B providers may now register for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call that will be conducted on November 12, 2008, from
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EST. To register for this call, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/icd10/Downloads/ICD10_otherproviders.pdf. For additional information about this conference call and to access the ICD-10 Overview Presentation that will be discussed during the call, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/07_Sponsored_Calls.asp.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3. Your Latest NPI Update
NPPES - Keeping It Safe and Keeping it Updated
This message is for health care providers, particularly physicians and other practitioners, who have obtained National Provider Identifiers (NPIs) and have records in the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recommends that each health care provider, including individual physicians and non-physician practitioners:
Know and maintain their NPPES User Ids and passwords.
Reset their NPPES passwords at least once a year. See the NPPES Application Help page regarding the ‘Reset Password’ rules. Those rules indicate the length, format, content and requirements of NPPES passwords.
Review their NPPES records in order to ensure that the information reflects current and correct information.
Maintaining NPPES Account Information for Safety and Accessibility
Health care providers, including physicians and non-physician practitioners, should maintain their own NPPES account information (i.e., User ID, Password, and Secret Question/Answer) for safety and accessibility purposes.
Viewing NPPES Information
Health care providers, including physicians and non-physician practitioners, can view their NPPES information in one of two ways:
(1) By accessing the NPPES record at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/Welcome.do and following the NPI hyperlink and selecting Login. The user will be prompted to enter the User ID and password that he/she previously created. *
* If the health care provider has forgotten the password, enter the User ID and click the “Reset Forgotten Password” button to navigate to the Reset Password Page. If the health care provider enters an incorrect User ID and Password combination three times, the User ID will be disabled. Please contact the NPI Enumerator at 1-800-465-3203 if the account is disabled or if the health care provider has forgotten the User ID.
OR
(2) By accessing the NPI Registry at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/NPIRegistryHome.do. The NPI Registry gives the health care provider an online view of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)-disclosable NPPES data. The health care provider can search for its information using the name or NPI as the criterion.
Updating NPPES Information
Health care providers, including physicians and non-physician practitioners, can correct, add, or delete information in their NPPES records by accessing their NPPES records at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/Welcome.do and following the NPI hyperlink and selecting Login. The user will be prompted to enter the User ID and password that he/she previously created.
Please note: Required information cannot be deleted from an NPPES record; however, required information can be changed/updated to ensure that NPPES captures the correct information. Certain information is inaccessible via the web, thus requiring the change/update to be made via paper application. The paper NPI Application/Update Form can be downloaded and printed at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/cmsforms/downloads/CMS10114.pdf.
Need More Information?
Providers can apply for an NPI online at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov or can call the NPI enumerator to request a paper application at 1-800-465-3203. Having trouble viewing any of the URLs in this message? If so, try to cut and paste any URL in this message into your web browser to view the intended information.
Note: All current and past CMS NPI communications are available by clicking "CMS Communications" in the left column of the www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand CMS webpage.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4. MLN Learning Management System Now Available!
The Medicare Learning Network’s (MLN) Learning Management System (LMS) that hosts our web-based training courses and product ordering page is now available and has a new look. All of your certificates and product ordering history is still available and you can use your same user id and password. There is no need to register again. If you have any questions, please send them to MLN@cms.hhs.gov .
To access the system go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts and click on web-based training modules or MLN product ordering page at the bottom of the page.
Thank you for your patience while we were upgrading the system.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5. CMS Announces Updates to the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative Web Page
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce a new E-Prescribing Incentive Program section page on the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) webpage at www.cms.hhs.gov/pqri/03_EPrescribingIncentiveProgram.asp#TopOfPage on the CMS website. This new section page will provide information about the new E-Prescribing incentive program that was authorized by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA).
Included on this page in the Downloads section is an “Introduction to E-Prescribing Incentive Program” Fact Sheet that describes the MIPPA provisions for the E-Prescribing incentive program. Additional information about the E-Prescribing incentive program and how to qualify for the E-Prescribing incentive for the 2009 reporting year will be posted in early November.
Information is continually being added, so please visit the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative webpage at https://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI on the CMS website often.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6. Availability of an Interim Study of Alternative Payment Localities Under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
Medicare is statutorily required to adjust payments for physician fee schedule services to account for differences in costs due to geographic location. There are currently 89 different localities which have not been revised since 1997. In the CY 2009 Physician Fee Schedule notice of proposed rulemaking which was released on June 30, 2008, we indicated that we would post on the CMS website a preliminary study of several options for revising the payment localities. The report entitled: “Review of Alternative GPCI Payment Locality Structures”, which was produced by Acumen, LLC under contract to CMS, may currently be found at the following link:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PhysicianFeeSched/downloads/ReviewOfAltGPCIs.pdf .
Our study of possible alternative payment locality configurations is in the early stages of development. At this time we are not proposing to make any changes to the payment localities. We encourage interested parties to submit comments on the options presented in the report as well as suggestions for other options. These comments will be considered in the development of possible future notice and comment rulemaking. When we are ready to propose any changes to the locality configuration, we will provide extensive opportunities for public comment (for example, a town hall meeting or open door forum) on specific proposals before implementing any change.
Electronic comments on the interim report may be submitted to MPFS@cms.hhs.gov until November 3, 2008. (Note: Address for sending comments has been corrected, and comment period extended).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7. Medicare Remit Easy Print (MREP) Software Version 2.5 is Now Available!
Attention Medicare Fee-for-Service Professional Providers and Suppliers:
Version 2.5 of the MREP software is available for download at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/AccesstoDataApplication/02_MedicareRemitEasyPrint.asp on the CMS website. For a description of the changes in this version, see the “What’s New” section of the MREP User Guide – Version 2.5 at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/AccesstoDataApplication/Downloads/EasyPrintUserGuide.pdf.
Note: The latest Codes.ini file is now available. This file is necessary when the MREP software is distributed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8. Availability of Valuable Resources In Preparation for a Potential Influenza Pandemic
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) wants to alert providers to a valuable resource in the preparation for a potential influenza pandemic. "Community Pan-Flu Preparedness: A Checklist of Key Legal Issues for Healthcare Providers," is a scalable tool designed to assist providers along the continuum of care, as well as the broader healthcare and public health communities, in taking concrete steps to prepare for an influenza pandemic. The Checklist was informed by a public interest dialogue session convened by the American Health Lawyers Association, Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Participants from federal and state agencies, the provider and payor communities, academia, and other stakeholders discussed the role of the healthcare sector in community pan-flu preparedness. They also shared their best thinking regarding the challenges to pan-flu preparedness and practical solutions to such challenges. These ideas and recommendations were incorporated into the Checklist in order to make the resource as practical and relevant as possible.
CMS encourages hospitals and other health care providers to review the Checklist as they consider the legal impediments and implementation challenges to community pan-flu preparedness and practical solutions to such challenges.
This publication can be found at: http://www.healthlawyers.org/panfluchecklist
Also note that on October 22, 2008, AHLA also is sponsoring a teleconference entitled “The Sneeze Heard 'Round the World: Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Strategies to Adopt Now.” The teleconference will focus on the considerations unique to preparedness planning for influenza pandemics, including protection of employees and maintaining operations, implementation of altered clinical pathways, and strategies for successful public health and provider coordination that need to be addressed at the present time to ensure an adequate level of preparedness. One of the country’s leading experts, Dr. Michael T. Osterholm, and three experts in the emerging specialty of emergency preparedness law will discuss practical preparedness steps that healthcare entities, providers and payors can implement now. To learn more about the teleconference, go to http://www.healthlawyers.org/pi/teleconference
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9. Your October Flu Shot Reminder
Flu Season Is Upon Us! Begin now to take advantage of each office visit as an opportunity to encourage your patients to get a flu shot. It’s still their best defense against combating the flu this season. (Medicare provides coverage of the flu vaccine without any out-of-pocket costs to the Medicare patient. No deductible or copayment/coinsurance applies.) And don’t forget, health care personnel can spread the highly contagious flu virus to patients. Protect Yourself. Don’t Get the Flu. Don’t Give the Flu. Get Your Flu Shot.
Remember - Influenza vaccine plus its administration are covered Part B benefits. Note that influenza vaccine is NOT a Part D covered drug.
For information about Medicare’s coverage of the influenza virus vaccine and its administration as well as related educational resources for health care professionals, please go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/Downloads/flu_products.pdf on the CMS website.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs
Do You Know Someone Who Is Having Trouble Paying For Prescription Drugs?
Medicare Can Help!
· If an individual has limited income and resources, they may qualify for extra help from Medicare. It could be worth over $3,300 in savings on prescription drug costs per year.
· Encourage people with Medicare to file for Extra Help online: https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/i1020/main.html or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone.
· State Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP) offices can assist with the application. Find contact information for a local SHIP Counselor at http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/static/allStateContacts.asp or by calling
1-800-MEDICARE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lucretia James
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Region VIII
1600 Broadway, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-1568
lucretia.james@cms.hhs.gov
Please enjoy the information contained in this edition of Frontier Focus. Please be sure to share it with your members, colleagues, providers and office billing staff. Thank you for your continued efforts to broadcast Medicare information to the providers in Region VIII.
Table of Contents
1. Upcoming Training for the Medicare Part B Drugs Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP)
2. ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Other Part A and Part B Providers
3. Your Latest NPI Update
4. MLN Learning Management System Now Available!
5. CMS Announces Updates to the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative Web Page
6. Availability of an Interim Study of Alternative Payment Localities Under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
7. Medicare Remit Easy Print (MREP) Software Version 2.5 is Now Available!
8. Availability of Valuable Resources In Preparation for a Potential Influenza Pandemic
9. Your October Flu Shot Reminder
10. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Upcoming Training for the Medicare Part B Drugs Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP)
Noridian Administrative Services, the designated carrier for the CAP, offers interactive, online workshops about the CAP for Part B Drugs and Biologicals. These workshops train CAP vendors and elected physicians on a variety of CAP topics, including how to transition out of the CAP at the end of 2008 due to the postponement of the program for 2009. NAS staff will also be available to answer questions. Interested parties may view additional information about and register for these workshops on the Noridian website at:
https://www.noridianmedicare.com/cap_drug/train/schedule.html
Upcoming workshops will be held on the following dates:
10/22/08 at 2:00 pm CST
11/24/08 at 2:00 pm CST
Additional information about the CAP and the 2009 postponement is available at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CompetitiveAcquisforBios/01_overview.asp
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2. ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Other Part A and Part B Providers
Other Part A and Part B providers may now register for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call that will be conducted on November 12, 2008, from
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EST. To register for this call, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/icd10/Downloads/ICD10_otherproviders.pdf. For additional information about this conference call and to access the ICD-10 Overview Presentation that will be discussed during the call, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/07_Sponsored_Calls.asp.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3. Your Latest NPI Update
NPPES - Keeping It Safe and Keeping it Updated
This message is for health care providers, particularly physicians and other practitioners, who have obtained National Provider Identifiers (NPIs) and have records in the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recommends that each health care provider, including individual physicians and non-physician practitioners:
Know and maintain their NPPES User Ids and passwords.
Reset their NPPES passwords at least once a year. See the NPPES Application Help page regarding the ‘Reset Password’ rules. Those rules indicate the length, format, content and requirements of NPPES passwords.
Review their NPPES records in order to ensure that the information reflects current and correct information.
Maintaining NPPES Account Information for Safety and Accessibility
Health care providers, including physicians and non-physician practitioners, should maintain their own NPPES account information (i.e., User ID, Password, and Secret Question/Answer) for safety and accessibility purposes.
Viewing NPPES Information
Health care providers, including physicians and non-physician practitioners, can view their NPPES information in one of two ways:
(1) By accessing the NPPES record at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/Welcome.do and following the NPI hyperlink and selecting Login. The user will be prompted to enter the User ID and password that he/she previously created. *
* If the health care provider has forgotten the password, enter the User ID and click the “Reset Forgotten Password” button to navigate to the Reset Password Page. If the health care provider enters an incorrect User ID and Password combination three times, the User ID will be disabled. Please contact the NPI Enumerator at 1-800-465-3203 if the account is disabled or if the health care provider has forgotten the User ID.
OR
(2) By accessing the NPI Registry at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/NPIRegistryHome.do. The NPI Registry gives the health care provider an online view of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)-disclosable NPPES data. The health care provider can search for its information using the name or NPI as the criterion.
Updating NPPES Information
Health care providers, including physicians and non-physician practitioners, can correct, add, or delete information in their NPPES records by accessing their NPPES records at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/Welcome.do and following the NPI hyperlink and selecting Login. The user will be prompted to enter the User ID and password that he/she previously created.
Please note: Required information cannot be deleted from an NPPES record; however, required information can be changed/updated to ensure that NPPES captures the correct information. Certain information is inaccessible via the web, thus requiring the change/update to be made via paper application. The paper NPI Application/Update Form can be downloaded and printed at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/cmsforms/downloads/CMS10114.pdf.
Need More Information?
Providers can apply for an NPI online at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov or can call the NPI enumerator to request a paper application at 1-800-465-3203. Having trouble viewing any of the URLs in this message? If so, try to cut and paste any URL in this message into your web browser to view the intended information.
Note: All current and past CMS NPI communications are available by clicking "CMS Communications" in the left column of the www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand CMS webpage.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4. MLN Learning Management System Now Available!
The Medicare Learning Network’s (MLN) Learning Management System (LMS) that hosts our web-based training courses and product ordering page is now available and has a new look. All of your certificates and product ordering history is still available and you can use your same user id and password. There is no need to register again. If you have any questions, please send them to MLN@cms.hhs.gov .
To access the system go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts and click on web-based training modules or MLN product ordering page at the bottom of the page.
Thank you for your patience while we were upgrading the system.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5. CMS Announces Updates to the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative Web Page
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce a new E-Prescribing Incentive Program section page on the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) webpage at www.cms.hhs.gov/pqri/03_EPrescribingIncentiveProgram.asp#TopOfPage on the CMS website. This new section page will provide information about the new E-Prescribing incentive program that was authorized by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA).
Included on this page in the Downloads section is an “Introduction to E-Prescribing Incentive Program” Fact Sheet that describes the MIPPA provisions for the E-Prescribing incentive program. Additional information about the E-Prescribing incentive program and how to qualify for the E-Prescribing incentive for the 2009 reporting year will be posted in early November.
Information is continually being added, so please visit the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative webpage at https://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI on the CMS website often.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6. Availability of an Interim Study of Alternative Payment Localities Under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
Medicare is statutorily required to adjust payments for physician fee schedule services to account for differences in costs due to geographic location. There are currently 89 different localities which have not been revised since 1997. In the CY 2009 Physician Fee Schedule notice of proposed rulemaking which was released on June 30, 2008, we indicated that we would post on the CMS website a preliminary study of several options for revising the payment localities. The report entitled: “Review of Alternative GPCI Payment Locality Structures”, which was produced by Acumen, LLC under contract to CMS, may currently be found at the following link:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PhysicianFeeSched/downloads/ReviewOfAltGPCIs.pdf .
Our study of possible alternative payment locality configurations is in the early stages of development. At this time we are not proposing to make any changes to the payment localities. We encourage interested parties to submit comments on the options presented in the report as well as suggestions for other options. These comments will be considered in the development of possible future notice and comment rulemaking. When we are ready to propose any changes to the locality configuration, we will provide extensive opportunities for public comment (for example, a town hall meeting or open door forum) on specific proposals before implementing any change.
Electronic comments on the interim report may be submitted to MPFS@cms.hhs.gov until November 3, 2008. (Note: Address for sending comments has been corrected, and comment period extended).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7. Medicare Remit Easy Print (MREP) Software Version 2.5 is Now Available!
Attention Medicare Fee-for-Service Professional Providers and Suppliers:
Version 2.5 of the MREP software is available for download at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/AccesstoDataApplication/02_MedicareRemitEasyPrint.asp on the CMS website. For a description of the changes in this version, see the “What’s New” section of the MREP User Guide – Version 2.5 at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/AccesstoDataApplication/Downloads/EasyPrintUserGuide.pdf.
Note: The latest Codes.ini file is now available. This file is necessary when the MREP software is distributed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8. Availability of Valuable Resources In Preparation for a Potential Influenza Pandemic
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) wants to alert providers to a valuable resource in the preparation for a potential influenza pandemic. "Community Pan-Flu Preparedness: A Checklist of Key Legal Issues for Healthcare Providers," is a scalable tool designed to assist providers along the continuum of care, as well as the broader healthcare and public health communities, in taking concrete steps to prepare for an influenza pandemic. The Checklist was informed by a public interest dialogue session convened by the American Health Lawyers Association, Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Participants from federal and state agencies, the provider and payor communities, academia, and other stakeholders discussed the role of the healthcare sector in community pan-flu preparedness. They also shared their best thinking regarding the challenges to pan-flu preparedness and practical solutions to such challenges. These ideas and recommendations were incorporated into the Checklist in order to make the resource as practical and relevant as possible.
CMS encourages hospitals and other health care providers to review the Checklist as they consider the legal impediments and implementation challenges to community pan-flu preparedness and practical solutions to such challenges.
This publication can be found at: http://www.healthlawyers.org/panfluchecklist
Also note that on October 22, 2008, AHLA also is sponsoring a teleconference entitled “The Sneeze Heard 'Round the World: Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Strategies to Adopt Now.” The teleconference will focus on the considerations unique to preparedness planning for influenza pandemics, including protection of employees and maintaining operations, implementation of altered clinical pathways, and strategies for successful public health and provider coordination that need to be addressed at the present time to ensure an adequate level of preparedness. One of the country’s leading experts, Dr. Michael T. Osterholm, and three experts in the emerging specialty of emergency preparedness law will discuss practical preparedness steps that healthcare entities, providers and payors can implement now. To learn more about the teleconference, go to http://www.healthlawyers.org/pi/teleconference
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9. Your October Flu Shot Reminder
Flu Season Is Upon Us! Begin now to take advantage of each office visit as an opportunity to encourage your patients to get a flu shot. It’s still their best defense against combating the flu this season. (Medicare provides coverage of the flu vaccine without any out-of-pocket costs to the Medicare patient. No deductible or copayment/coinsurance applies.) And don’t forget, health care personnel can spread the highly contagious flu virus to patients. Protect Yourself. Don’t Get the Flu. Don’t Give the Flu. Get Your Flu Shot.
Remember - Influenza vaccine plus its administration are covered Part B benefits. Note that influenza vaccine is NOT a Part D covered drug.
For information about Medicare’s coverage of the influenza virus vaccine and its administration as well as related educational resources for health care professionals, please go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/Downloads/flu_products.pdf on the CMS website.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs
Do You Know Someone Who Is Having Trouble Paying For Prescription Drugs?
Medicare Can Help!
· If an individual has limited income and resources, they may qualify for extra help from Medicare. It could be worth over $3,300 in savings on prescription drug costs per year.
· Encourage people with Medicare to file for Extra Help online: https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/i1020/main.html or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone.
· State Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP) offices can assist with the application. Find contact information for a local SHIP Counselor at http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/static/allStateContacts.asp or by calling
1-800-MEDICARE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lucretia James
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Region VIII
1600 Broadway, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-1568
lucretia.james@cms.hhs.gov
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Saturday, October 18 -- Legislative Information Technology Committee Minutes
NORTH DAKOTA LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Minutes of the
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Monday, October 6, 2008
Harvest Room, State Capitol
Bismarck, North Dakota
Senator Larry J. Robinson, Chairman, called the
meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Members present: Senators Larry J. Robinson,
Randel Christmann, Tom Seymour, Rich Wardner;
Representatives Craig Headland, Keith Kempenich,
David Monson, Kenton Onstad, Mark S. Owens,
Robin Weisz; Chief Information Officer Lisa Feldner
Member absent: Senator Richard Marcellais
Others present: Jim W. Smith, Legislative
Council, Bismarck
See attached appendix for additional persons
present.
It was moved by Senator Wardner, seconded
by Representative Headland, and carried on a
voice vote that the minutes of the June 5, 2008,
and August 27, 2008, meetings be approved as
distributed.
REPORT FROM THE CHIEF
INFORMATION OFFICER
Ms. Lisa Feldner, Chief Information Officer,
Information Technology Department, and
representatives of the Information Technology
Department provided information regarding:
• Various information technology initiatives.
• The department's strategic plan for the 2009-11
biennium.
• The department's annual report regarding
projects, services, plans, and benefits pursuant
to North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) Section
54-59-19.
• The status of the department's mainframe
migration project.
• The department's budget request for the
2009-11 biennium.
• The statewide information technology plan for
the 2009-11 biennium, including the acceptance
of state agency information technology plans.
A copy of the information presented is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Various Information Technology Initiatives
Ms. Feldner said the state of North Dakota was
recently ranked 17th in the 2008 Digital States Survey
of top 25 states using technology effectively. She said
the state improved six places from the 2006 Digital
States Survey. She said the department is in the
process of negotiating with Dakota Carrier Network
the upgrade of statewide information technology
network circuits to Ethernet circuits.
Information Technology Department -
2009-11 Strategic Plan
Mr. Mike Ressler, Deputy Chief Information Officer,
Information Technology Department, said the
department's 2009-11 biennium strategic plan
includes 23 objectives relating to the department's
mission to provide leadership and knowledge to assist
its customers in achieving their missions through the
innovative use of information technology. The
following is a summary of the objectives included in
the plan:
Perspectives Objectives
Customer Meet customer service delivery expectations
Provide an "easy to do business with"
environment
Provide a positive customer experience
Build and maintain strong relationships
Provide information technology services as
needed
Provide technology direction
Financial Make cost-effective investments
Manage revenue
Align rates with customer business needs
Manage statewide technology spending
Internal
processes
Standardize processes and approaches
Deliver reliable and available services
Deliver solutions on schedule
Deliver projects on time and within budget
Capture and followup on customer feedback
Continuous sharing and understanding of
business needs
Plan for technology change
Provide guidance on effective information
technology practices
Deploy enterprise solutions
Learning and
growth
Attract and hire quality people
Maintain high employee satisfaction
Support employee growth and development
Retain talented employees
Information Technology Department -
Annual Report
Mr. Ressler said the department's 2007-08 annual
report includes an executive summary, information on
the department's divisions, information on the
department's performance, and rate comparisons. He
said for fiscal year 2008, actual agency spending on
information technology services from the Information
Information Technology 2 October 6, 2008
Technology Department totaled approximately
$41.2 million, of which approximately 9 percent was
for telephone services, 16 percent for network
services, 24 percent for software development
services, and 39 percent for computer hosting
services.
During fiscal year 2008, Mr. Ressler said state
agencies completed 12 large information technology
projects. Of the 12 projects, he said, 10 projects were
completed under budget resulting in savings of
$624,317. He said 8 of the 10 projects were
completed within the acceptable 20 percent schedule
variance. He said 1 project was terminated after
spending $770,105.
Mr. Ressler provided the following update on the
department's performance measures:
Performance Measures
Baseline
(Previous Years)
Current Status
(June 2008) Target
Acceptable level of total net assets 2005 - 2.0
2006 - 1.4
2007 - 1.7
1.4 < or = to 2.0
Percentage of Information Technology Department rates reported in the
annual report that are competitive
2006 - 100%
2007 - 100%
100% 100%
Total number of customer projects and service requests completed: 2007
• Service requests 28,564 32,105 Monitor
• Incidents 48,792 53,738 Monitor
Customer satisfaction indexes (percentages satisfied or very satisfied)
related to: 2006 - 2007
• Value 91.7% - 87.3% 86.9% 92%
• Timeliness 92.5% - 87.4% 86.9% 97%
• Quality 93.7% - 95.5% 93.0% 97%
• Knowledge 93.1% - 94.8% 97.0% 98%
• Professionalism and courtesy 96.5% - 97.1% 99.0% 100%
Employee satisfaction index 2006 - 2.13
2007 - 2.13
2.13 2.0
Controllable employee turnover 2006 - 7.0%
2007 - 4.6%
6.8% Below 6.0%
Percentage of service levels met 100% 100% 100%
Percentage of strategic business plan objectives completed or on schedule 2006 - 85%
2007 - 46%
43% 75%
Mr. Ressler said the department monitors the cost
and revenue for each service to ensure that a service
is not subsidizing another service. He said the federal
government does not allow the department to charge
rates that generate revenues in excess of costs;
therefore, the department monitors its cash balances
and adjusts rates accordingly. He said the
department also monitors other entity's fees for similar
services in an effort to maintain quality services at a
fair price. The following is a summary of rate
comparisons for the services that generate a majority
of the department's total revenue:
Service
North Dakota
Information Technology
Department Rates
South Dakota Bureau
of Information and
Telecommunications Rates
Montana Information
Technology Services
Division Rates
Wisconsin Division of
Enterprise Technology
Rates
Central computer central
processing unit (CPU
rates)
Batch CPU -
$.93 per second
Batch CPU -
$1.36 per second
Batch CPU -
$2.36 per second
Batch CPU -
$.51 per second
CICS CPU -
$.93 per second
CICS CPU -
$1.36 per second
CICS CPU -
$.69 per second
CICS CPU -
$.67 per second
ADABAS CPU -
$.98 per second
ADABAS CPU -
$1.36 per second
ADABAS CPU -
$1.34 per second
ADABAS CPU -
$.67 per second
TSO CPU -
$.93 per second
TSO CPU -
$1.36 per second
TSO CPU -
$2.88 per second
TSO CPU -
$.67 per second
Network fees Device fee -
$30.75 per device per
month
Device fee -
$40 per device per month
Device fee -
$85.75 per device per
month
Device fee -
$55 per device per month
DSL service -
Actual cost (ranges from
$40 to $120)
DSL service - N/A DSL service -
$250 per month
DSL service -
$665 per month
ATM T-1 service -
$890 per month
ATM T-1 service -
N/A
ATM T-1 service -
$650 per month
ATM T-1 service -
$1,067 per month
Access fee -
$65 per device per month
Information Technology 3 October 6, 2008
Telephone Fees
North Dakota Information Technology Department rates Telephone line - $24 per device per month
Speaker function - $3 per month
Display function - $2 per month
Voice mail (unlimited) - $5 per month
South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications rates Telephone line - $13 per device per month
Speaker function - Actual cost
Display function - Actual cost
Voice mail (unlimited) - $6 per month
Montana Information Technology Services Division rates Telephone line - $14 per device per month
Speaker function - $7 to $11 per month
Display function - $3 to $7 per month
Voice mail (three-minute limit) - $5 per month
Voice mail (six-minute limit) - $8 per month
Voice mail (eight-minute limit) - $10 per month
Wisconsin Division of Enterprise Technology rates Telephone line - Per mile/drop
Speaker function - Actual cost
Display function - Actual cost
Voice mail (unlimited) - $5.50 per month
Long Distance
North Dakota Information Technology Department rates In state - $.075 per minute
Out of state - $.075 per minute
800 service - $.07 per minute
South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications rates In state - $.08 per minute
Out of state - $.09 per minute
800 service - $.09 per minute
Montana Information Technology Services Division rates In state - $.105 per minute
Out of state - $.105 per minute
800 service - $.10 per minute
Wisconsin Division of Enterprise Technology rates In state - $.031 per minute
Out of state - $.031 per minute
800 service - $.044 per minute
Minnesota Department of Administration rates In state - $.07 per minute
Out of state - $.20 per minute
800 service - $.049 per minute
Nebraska Division of Communications rates In state - $.07 per minute
Out of state - $.07 per minute
800 service - $.08 per minute
Software Development
Location Billing Rate Per Hour of Service
Information Technology Department Bismarck, North Dakota $58 to $63
Applied Engineering, Inc. Bismarck, North Dakota $75 to $125
Eide Bailly LLP Bismarck, North Dakota $95 to $155
Enterprise Solutions, Inc. Bismarck, North Dakota $75 to $120
Nexus Innovations Bismarck, North Dakota $95 to $125
Vision Technology, Inc. Bismarck, North Dakota $70 to $75
Everest Consultants, Inc. Beaverton, Oregon $63 to $95
CIBER, Inc. Vancouver, Washington $65 to $100
Compuware Plymouth, Minnesota $80 to $120
Maximus Rancho Cordova, California $145 to $185
In response to a question from Senator Robinson,
Mr. Ressler said the department hires contract
software developers to supplement the department's
software development staff.
Mainframe Migration Project
Mr. Ressler said the department is in the process
of completing a mainframe migration project. He said
the department's objectives for the project were
revised in November 2007. The following is a
summary of the original and revised objectives and
the current status of the objectives:
Original Objectives
(December 2005)
Revised Objectives
(November 2007) Current Status
Remove the need for the mainframe
skill set
Remove the need for the mainframe
skill set
This objective will be met when the mainframe is removed. The
department has hired consultants to supplement the existing
staff, which has been reduced because of retirements.
Save $1.9 million per year beginning
in July 2009
Save $2.4 million per year beginning
in July 2011
The department estimates these savings will begin in July 2013.
Realize financial break-even point in
2012
Realize financial break-even point in
2016
If the existing applications are rewritten by July 2013, the breakeven
date will be 2017.
Position the department for the
future
Position the department for the
future
The project has succeeded in migrating 46 applications off the
mainframe.
Information Technology 4 October 6, 2008
Mr. Ressler said the department had originally
planned to migrate 84 applications from the
mainframe to other information technology platforms.
Due to project difficulties and delays, he said, the
department migrated only 46 applications from the
mainframe with the final application being migrated on
August 9, 2008. He said several applications at the
Department of Human Services, Bank of North
Dakota, Department of Transportation, and Legislative
Assembly will remain on the mainframe. He said the
department anticipates finalizing system
documentation relating to the mainframe migration
project by November 28, 2008.
Information Technology Department -
2009-11 Budget Request
Mr. Ressler said the department's budget request
for the 2009-11 biennium includes several optional
package adjustments, including adjustments relating
to additional bandwidth for elementary and secondary
schools, statewide deployment of the PowerSchool
application for elementary and secondary schools,
deployment of a statewide longitudinal data system,
Criminal Justice Information Sharing Initiative projects,
and ongoing costs relating to the Statewide
Automated Victim Notification System.
Mr. Ressler said Section 6 of 2007 House Bill
No. 1021 provides legislative intent that 28 new fulltime
equivalent positions for the 2007-09 biennium are
identified as project-specific and may be filled while
the projects are being developed and funding is
available. He said the department will ask for the
continuation of many of these positions for the
2009-11 biennium.
In response to a question from Senator Robinson,
Ms. Feldner said the department may request funding
from the general fund for the department's large
project oversight activities for the 2009-11 biennium.
She said the department may have to allocate more
resources to project management for the 2009-11
biennium depending on the information technology
projects funded by the 2009 Legislative Assembly.
Statewide Information Technology Plan -
2009-11 Biennium
Mr. Jeff Swank, Information Technology
Department, said NDCC Section 54-59-11 requires
each executive branch state agency or institution,
excluding institutions under the control of the State
Board of Higher Education, to prepare an information
technology plan and submit the plan for acceptance to
the Information Technology Department by July 15 of
each even-numbered year. Based on the information
included in the plans, he said, the Information
Technology Department is to prepare a statewide
information technology plan with emphasis on longterm
strategic goals and objectives. He said the
statewide information technology plan is to be
distributed to members of the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Swank said 46 of 53 state agencies submitted
their information technology plans on or before
July 15. He said 4 additional state agencies
submitted their information technology plans by
October 1. He said 2 of the remaining 3 state
agencies plan to submit their information technology
plans by the end of October. He said the remaining
state agency, State Fair Association, does not intend
to file a plan.
Mr. Swank said the department will present to the
2009 Legislative Assembly a statewide information
technology plan that will communicate a shared vision
between state government, higher education, and
elementary and secondary education; outline strategic
initiatives; and establish goals and strategies that will
serve as a basis for more detailed planning efforts.
HIGHER EDUCATION INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES
Ms. Bonnie Neas, Vice President for Information
Technology, North Dakota State University, provided
information regarding the status of the Northern Tier
Network project. She said the Northern Tier Network
is an ultra high-speed regional network with multiple
optical waves capable of transferring about
10 gigabytes of information per second per wave.
She said NDCC Section 15-10-45 provides that the
North Dakota University System may use the Northern
Tier Network infrastructure only for the purpose of
supporting the research and education missions of the
University System. She said the University System
may not use the Northern Tier Network infrastructure
for traditional Internet, voice, video, or other
telecommunications services beyond those required
for research networks. She said the provisions of
NDCC Section 15-10-45 also prohibit the University
System from utilizing commercial peering services
offered through Internet2.
Ms. Neas said the North Dakota University System
is seeking support to clarify and reduce the legislative
requirements placed on the Northern Tier Network
and the University System by the 2007 Legislative
Assembly. She said the University System has identified
the following options and related implications:
Options Implications
Option 1 - Repeal
NDCC Section
15-10-45
Restrictions of use are in place through the
agreements with carrier partners. The North
Dakota University System cannot use the
Northern Tier Network fiber for commercial
traffic. These agreements were not in place
during the 2007 Legislative Assembly.
Option 2 - Amend
NDCC Section
15-10-45 to allow
educational entities
to use the Northern
Tier Network for
Internet, voice,
video, and
telecommunications
services.
Utilizes the Northern Tier Network capacity to
meet changing educational needs and reduce
additional future state spending commitments.
Reduces current bandwidth limitations on
nonSTAGEnet Internet traffic, which are a
result of cost and budget constraints, and
allows higher education and elementary and
secondary education to expand the use of
technology in the classroom and for the
distance delivery of education and services.
Does not reduce the current level of services
purchased from private carriers through the
Information Technology Department. Delays
additional increased payments to private
carriers for purchase of bandwidth for Internet
traffic.
Information Technology 5 October 6, 2008
Reduces the North Dakota University System
2009-11 budget request for increased
bandwidth needs by $250,000, from $800,000
to $550,000.
Option 3 - No
statutory changes.
Provide $800,000
of additional
funding as
requested by the
North Dakota
University System
for increased
bandwidth needs.
Does not address the issue that elementary
and secondary education cannot use the
Internet2 research network under the current
legislative restrictions.
Option 4 - No
statutory changes
and no additional
funding.
Requires campuses to reduce current levels
of bandwidth usage or reallocate funds from
other programs to cover additional bandwidth
costs.
A copy of the information presented is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
In response to a question from Representative
Kempenich, Ms. Neas said the North Dakota
University System is requesting $800,000 of additional
funding from the general fund for estimated bandwidth
growth for the 2009-11 biennium. She said the
$800,000 request could be reduced by $250,000 to
$550,000 if the legislative requirements placed on the
University System and the Northern Tier Network are
reduced.
In response to a question from Senator
Christmann, Ms. Neas said the statewide information
technology network meets elementary and secondary
education's in-state Internet traffic needs.
In response to a question from Senator Seymour,
Ms. Neas said private business and industry cannot
use the Northern Tier Network unless they are a
research partner.
Mr. Kent Blickensderfer, Director of Public Affairs,
Qwest Communications, provided comments
regarding the use of the Northern Tier Network by
nonuniversity entities. He said it is important that
facilities like the Northern Tier Network not be allowed
to evolve into taxpayer-funded backbone networks
competing directly with private carriers. He said
Qwest Communications does not support the
reduction of the current restrictions on the North
Dakota University System and the Northern Tier
Network provided in NDCC 15-10-45. A copy of his
comments are on file in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. David Crothers, Executive Vice President,
North Dakota Association of Telephone Cooperatives,
provided comments regarding the use of the Northern
Tier Network by nonuniversity entities. He said the
North Dakota Association of Telephone Cooperatives
is in opposition to the reduction of the legislative
restrictions placed upon the North Dakota University
System and the Northern Tier Network.
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY
EDUCATION INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES
Ms. Jody French, Director, EduTech, provided
information regarding elementary and secondary
education information technology initiatives for the
2007-09 biennium and anticipated budget needs for
the 2009-11 biennium. She said the Educational
Technology Council was established to develop
technology systems and coordinate their use to
enhance and support the educational opportunities for
elementary and secondary education. She said the
council's initiatives for the 2007-09 biennium include:
• Classroom transformation grants - The council
awarded 22 classroom transformation grants to
schools in February 2008. The grants require a
50 percent local school match.
• Video classroom grants - The council awarded
4 video classroom grants to kindergarten
through grade 12 video network consortiums for
new or upgraded video classrooms and 1 video
grant award for statewide IP video recording
capability.
Ms. French said the Educational Technology
Council will submit a 100 percent budget request for
the 2009-11 biennium with no optional requests.
Ms. French said EduTech offers a variety of
services to help North Dakota schools and educators
improve student achievement. She said EduTech
provides support to schools for the PowerSchool
application, a student information system. She said
EduTech will submit a 100 percent budget request for
the 2009-11 biennium with one optional request
relating to expansion of the PowerSchool application
to all elementary and secondary schools. A copy of
the information presented is on file in the Legislative
Council office.
Mr. Jon Skaare, State Director, Center for Distance
Education, provided information regarding the center's
information technology initiatives for the 2007-09
biennium and anticipated budget needs for the
2009-11 biennium. He said the center has created
and published a high school textbook entitled North
Dakota History, has developed a North Dakota studies
website, and has begun the process of enhancing
online courses. He said the Center for Distance
Education will submit a 100 percent budget request
for the 2009-11 biennium with four optional requests
relating to employee compensation, additional online
course enhancement and development, North Dakota
studies, and civics education.
OTHER BUSINESS
Coordination of Services
Mr. Mark A. Johnson, Executive Director, North
Dakota Association of Counties, provided information
regarding the coordination of services between the
Information Technology Department and political
subdivisions. He said the coordination of information
technology services between the Information
Technology Department and political subdivisions is
essential to the efficient delivery of services. He said
the Information Technology Department through the
statewide information technology network provides the
network connectivity, Internet access, firewall security,
video conferencing, and secure wireless access that
supports the delivery of services. He said Information
Information Technology 6 October 6, 2008
Technology Department personnel meet regularly with
the technology resources group of the North Dakota
Association of Counties to discuss issues and
strategize about future improvements and
enhancements. He said counties are very pleased
with the services received from the Information
Technology Department. A copy of the information
presented is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. Jerry Hjelmstad, Assistant Director, North
Dakota League of Cities, provided information
regarding the coordination of services between the
Information Technology Department and political
subdivisions. He said the North Dakota League of
Cities and the Information Technology Department
have developed records retention schedules for all
departments of city government. He said the
Information Technology Department has provided
wide area network services to some cities, including
firewall protection, e-mail, and Internet access. He
said the department has also provided antivirus
protection, help desk support, and network
administration support to some cities. A copy of the
information presented is on file in the Legislative
Council office.
North Dakota Health Information
Technology Steering Committee
Ms. Lynette Dickson, Program Director, Center for
Rural Health, University of North Dakota School of
Medicine and Health Sciences, provided information
regarding activities of the North Dakota Health
Information Technology Steering Committee. She
said the North Dakota Health Information Technology
Steering Committee was established in 2006 and was
formalized in NDCC Section 23-01-31 by the 2007
Legislative Assembly. She said the mission of the
committee is to facilitate the adoption and use of
health information technology and exchange to
improve health care quality, patient safety, and overall
efficiency of health care and public health services in
North Dakota.
Ms. Dickson said the Center for Rural Health on
behalf of and with input from the North Dakota Health
Information Technology Steering Committee
completed a survey of hospitals and long-term care
facilities to obtain current information on health
information technology staff support, barriers to
electronic medical records adoption, usage of
telemedicine, and health information technology
planning and implementation. She said the center
also surveyed students and recent graduates of health
professional programs regarding health information
technology and North Dakota Health Care Review,
Inc., conducted phone surveys of private physician
practices regarding health information technology.
Ms. Dickson said 43 of the state's 45 rural and
urban hospitals completed the health information
technology survey. The following is a summary of the
survey results:
Electronic
medical record
implementation
All six urban hospitals have implemented an
electronic medical record.
Fourteen of the 37 rural hospitals, or 37 percent,
have implemented an electronic medical record.
Top three
barriers that
have a
substantial
impact on
planning and
implementing
an electronic
medical record
Urban hospitals
• Current reimbursement system
• Poor availability of well-trained information
technology staff
• Obsolescence issues relating to hardware and
software
Rural hospitals
• Lack of financial resources for the initial
investment
• Lack of financial resource for the ongoing cost
• Current reimbursement system
Top three
drivers that are
most
significant for
planning and
implementing
an electronic
medical record
Urban hospitals
• Improving quality of health care
• Improving patient safety
• Inefficiencies experienced by providers
Rural hospitals
• Improving quality of health care
• Availability of grant funding
• Improving patient safety
Readiness and
planning
Urban hospitals indicated little or no need for
technical assistance.
Rural hospitals
• 61 percent indicated interest in technical
assistance for assessing workflow analysis
• 51 percent indicated interest in technical
assistance for assessing computer skills of
staff
• 57 percent indicated they did not have a
health information technology steering committee
or work group
Information
technology
staff support
Urban hospitals indicated all information
technology managers had a minimum of a fouryear
degree.
Approximately 22 percent of rural hospitals
indicated they had no designated information
technology support staff.
Ms. Dickson said 44 of the state's 83 long-term
care facilities completed the survey. The following is
a summary of the survey results:
Electronic medical record
implementation
Approximately 20 percent of
facilities have implemented an
electronic medical record.
Top two barriers that have a
substantial impact on planning
and implementing an electronic
medical record
Current reimbursement system
Justifying the expense
Top two drivers that are most
significant for planning and
implementing an electronic
medical record
Improving quality of health care
services
Improve resident/tenant patient
safety
Information technology staff
support
Approximately 48 percent of
facilities indicated they have a
designated information technology
staff person.
Ms. Dickson said the Center for Rural Health
contracted with John Snow, Inc., a public health
research firm, to review the survey results, develop a
report, and make recommendations for moving the
state forward with regard to adopting health
information technology. She said the consultant's
report stated that North Dakota's rural facilities have
severe shortages of technical staff to support and
Information Technology 7 October 6, 2008
implement health information technology, face
significant financial challenges obtaining the capital to
acquire electronic medical records and other health
information technology tools, and have limited access
to technical assistance resources to guide their
efforts. She said the consultant provided the following
recommendations for moving the state forward with
regard to adopting health information technology:
• Create a formal organization within the state
charged with coordinating health information
technology efforts and potentially governing a
health information exchange initiative.
• Develop a North Dakota strategic plan for
implementing and sustaining a statewide
electronic health information exchange.
• Create a state-funded grants or loan program to
support rural and public health entities in the
implementation of health information
technology-driven quality improvement
programs.
• Develop health information technology training
programs for current staff at health care
facilities as well as for the future.
• Implement a peer-to-peer health information
technology support program for rural health
care provider organizations.
• Sponsor rotating rural health information
technology technical support teams to assist
organizations that do not have the necessary
staff for the implementation of these types of
projects.
Ms. Dickson said the North Dakota Health
Information Technology Steering Committee and
stakeholder work groups will utilize the survey findings
and consultant recommendations to further develop a
plan for facilitating the adoption of technology in rural
and urban entities. A copy of the information
presented is on file in the Legislative Council office.
In response to a question from Senator Seymour,
Ms. Dickson said the University of North Dakota
School of Medicine and Health Sciences is not
currently utilizing electronic health records, but the
university is planning to implement the technology in
the future.
Mr. Howard C. Anderson, Executive Director, State
Board of Pharmacy, provided information regarding
health information technology. He said North Dakota
State University has received a federal grant relating
to telepharmacy, and the university has awarded a
contract to Catholic Health Initiatives to implement a
telepharmacy program. He said the telepharmacy
program consists of a central site where pharmacists
and technicians receive information regarding orders
for drugs from the prescribing physicians in rural
health care facilities. He said the orders are reviewed
by the pharmacist using the specific patient's
information. He said the project would function more
effectively if the pharmacist could access the patient's
medical record at the facility and enter the
recommendations or approval directly into the record.
A copy of the information presented is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Ms. Kimber Wraalstad, President and CEO,
Presentation Medical Center, Rolla, provided
information regarding health information technology.
She said health information technology is important to
increasing the quality of patient care. She said health
information technology applications are expensive to
implement and maintain. She said several North
Dakota critical access hospitals in the state are
experiencing operating losses and are not able to
purchase health information technology applications.
She said hospitals in Bottineau, Rolla, and Stanley are
working together on health information technology
projects and 10 health care facilities in the northwest
part of the state have formed the Northwest Alliance
for Information Technology Projects to research and
implement health information technology applications.
A copy of the information presented is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
In response to a question from Senator
Christmann, Ms. Wraalstad said hospitals rely more
on each other for assistance with health information
technology because the North Dakota Healthcare
Association and the North Dakota Long Term Care
Association do not have expertise in health
information technology.
The committee recessed for lunch at 12:18 p.m.
and reconvened at 1:14 p.m.
PROPOSED CRIMINAL JUSTICE
INFORMATION SHARING BOARD
BILL DRAFT
The Legislative Council staff presented a bill draft
[90313.0100] relating to the membership of the
Criminal Justice Information Sharing Board. The
Legislative Council staff said the bill draft amends
NDCC Section 54-59-21 to expand the membership of
the Criminal Justice Information Sharing Board to
include the director of the Department of Emergency
Services Division of State Radio, the director of the
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the
superintendent of the Highway Patrol, the chief of the
Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the director of the
Department of Transportation, a representative of a
city police department, a representative of a county
sheriff's office, a state's attorney, and one at-large
member appointed by the Governor. The Legislative
Council staff said the bill draft also provides that board
members who are not state employees are entitled to
compensation of $75 per day and mileage and
expenses as provided by law for state employees to
be paid by the Information Technology Department.
Ms. Feldner provided comments regarding the
proposed bill draft. She said the objectives of the
proposed bill draft are to:
• Simplify the decisionmaking process and avoid
redundant or overlapping efforts by the Criminal
Justice Information Sharing Board and its
executive advisory committee.
Information Technology 8 October 6, 2008
• Give a greater voice in decisionmaking to key
stakeholders.
• Increase the size of the board to avoid
inadvertent open meeting law violations.
In response to a question from Senator
Christmann, Ms. Pam Schafer, Criminal Justice
Information Sharing Project Director, Information
Technology Department, said the Department of
Transportation is a significant provider of data for the
Criminal Justice Information Sharing hub portal,
including driver's license photos and driving records.
In response to a question from Senator
Christmann, Ms. Feldner said the 2009 Legislative
Assembly could consider adding members of the
Legislative Assembly to the board.
Representative Kempenich suggested removing
the chief of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation from
the proposed board since the Attorney General is also
a member.
Representative Monson said he believes the chief
of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation would be an
important member of the Criminal Justice Information
Sharing Board. He said perhaps the at-large member
appointed by the Governor should be removed.
Senator Christmann said he supports the bill draft
as presented.
It was moved by Representative Kempenich,
seconded by Representative Owens, that the bill
draft be amended to remove the chief of the
Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The motion
failed on a roll call vote. Representatives
Kempenich and Owens voted "aye." Senators
Robinson, Christmann, Seymour, and Wardner and
Representatives Headland, Monson, and Onstad vote
"nay."
It was moved by Senator Christmann,
seconded by Senator Wardner, and carried on a
roll call vote that the bill draft relating to the
membership of the Criminal Justice Information
Sharing Board be approved and recommended to
the Legislative Council. Senators Robinson,
Christmann, Seymour, and Wardner and
Representatives Headland, Kempenich, Monson,
Onstad, and Owens voted "aye." No negative votes
were cast.
LARGE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
PROJECT REPORTING
Department of Human Services -
Medicaid Management Information
System Replacement Project
Ms. Jennifer Witham, Director, Information
Technology Services, Department of Human Services,
provided information regarding the status of the
Medicaid management information system
replacement project. She said the department is
negotiating with ACS State Healthcare, LLC (ACS),
the project vendor, regarding revisions to the project
schedule. She said scheduled negotiations with ACS
are focused on the postdesign phases of the project,
including the estimation of the implementation work
effort to finalize system configuration, data
conversion, training, and system and user acceptance
testing.
Ms. Witham said the department has continued to
move forward on system design specifications. She
said the department recently completed the second of
three major milestones in this phase. She said the
department anticipates completing system design in
January 2009. She said the department will begin the
implementation phase of the project after the system
design is complete.
Ms Witham said the following is a summary of
project expenditures through August 2008:
Project
Budget Expenditures
Budget
Remaining
General fund $3,643,133 $1,055,855 $2,587,278
Federal funds 55,218,418 15,897,673 39,320,745
Other funds 3,667,820 1,007,597 2,660,223
Total $62,529,371 $17,961,125 $44,568,246
A copy of the information presented is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
In response to a question from Senator Robinson,
Ms. Witham said the department is in the process of
identifying a revised project completion date for the
project.
In response to a question from Senator Robinson,
Ms. Witham said the department will be using a
website for keeping stakeholders informed on the
status of the project.
Department of Emergency Services - Public
Safety Mobile Communications Project
Mr. Greg Wilz, Interim Director, Division of State
Radio, Department of Emergency Services, provided
a project closeout report for the department's public
safety mobile communications project. He said the
purpose of the project was to implement a new radio
system with the capability of operating in either an
analog or digital mode. He said the new system is
currently running in an analog mode until local
jurisdictions upgrade their equipment to digitalcapable
equipment at which time the system can be
switched to run in the digital mode. He said the
project was completed in August 2008, approximately
22 months later than the scheduled completion date of
October 2006. He said the project was a fixed bid and
is being paid for through a lease purchase agreement.
He said the first lease payment was made in
December 2004 and the last payment is scheduled for
December 2012. He said the total cost for the lease
agreement is $8,101,386. A copy of the report is on
file in the Legislative Council office.
In response to a question from Representative
Kempenich, Mr. Wilz said the new system is complete;
however, there are some issues with radio coverage.
He said the Adjutant General will be requesting
funding of $7.2 million from the general fund for the
2009-11 biennium for purchasing or leasing
infrastructure and equipment to expand coverage of
the state radio system.
Information Technology 9 October 6, 2008
Job Service North Dakota -
Case Management System
Ms. Jessica Rossow, Job Service North Dakota,
provided a project closeout report for the agency's
case management system. She said the purpose of
the project was to replace the existing customized
case management application with a commercial
off-the-shelf application from Geographic Solutions,
Inc. She said the project experienced four major
scope changes and was completed in September
2008, 16 months later than the scheduled completion
date of May 2007. She said the project was
completed under budget with actual expenditures of
$820,731 compared to a project budget of $854,919.
A copy of the report is on file in the Legislative Council
office.
In response to a question from Representative
Onstad, Mr. Mark Molesworth, Enterprise Project
Manager, Information Technology Department, said
state agencies may include a liquidated damages
clause in information technology contracts. He said a
liquidated damages clause allows a party to be
compensated for losses caused by the other party's
breach of contract.
Senator Christmann asked the Information
Technology Department for information on North
Dakota Century Code provisions relating to liquidated
damages and penalties.
In response to a question from Representative
Kempenich, Ms. Rossow said the project vendor will
incorporate future federal reporting requirement
changes into new releases of the software application.
OTHER
It was moved by Senator Wardner, seconded
by Representative Kempenich, and carried on a
voice vote that the chairman and the staff of the
Legislative Council be requested to prepare a
report and the bill draft recommended by the
committee and to present the report and
recommended bill draft to the Legislative Council.
Chairman Robinson thanked the committee
members, representatives of the Information
Technology Department, and the Legislative Council
staff for their work during the interim.
No further business appearing, Chairman
Robinson adjourned the meeting at 2:00 p.m.
___________________________________________
Roxanne Woeste
Assistant Legislative Budget Analyst and Auditor
___________________________________________
Allen H. Knudson
Legislative Budget Analyst and Auditor
ATTACH:1
Minutes of the
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Monday, October 6, 2008
Harvest Room, State Capitol
Bismarck, North Dakota
Senator Larry J. Robinson, Chairman, called the
meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Members present: Senators Larry J. Robinson,
Randel Christmann, Tom Seymour, Rich Wardner;
Representatives Craig Headland, Keith Kempenich,
David Monson, Kenton Onstad, Mark S. Owens,
Robin Weisz; Chief Information Officer Lisa Feldner
Member absent: Senator Richard Marcellais
Others present: Jim W. Smith, Legislative
Council, Bismarck
See attached appendix for additional persons
present.
It was moved by Senator Wardner, seconded
by Representative Headland, and carried on a
voice vote that the minutes of the June 5, 2008,
and August 27, 2008, meetings be approved as
distributed.
REPORT FROM THE CHIEF
INFORMATION OFFICER
Ms. Lisa Feldner, Chief Information Officer,
Information Technology Department, and
representatives of the Information Technology
Department provided information regarding:
• Various information technology initiatives.
• The department's strategic plan for the 2009-11
biennium.
• The department's annual report regarding
projects, services, plans, and benefits pursuant
to North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) Section
54-59-19.
• The status of the department's mainframe
migration project.
• The department's budget request for the
2009-11 biennium.
• The statewide information technology plan for
the 2009-11 biennium, including the acceptance
of state agency information technology plans.
A copy of the information presented is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Various Information Technology Initiatives
Ms. Feldner said the state of North Dakota was
recently ranked 17th in the 2008 Digital States Survey
of top 25 states using technology effectively. She said
the state improved six places from the 2006 Digital
States Survey. She said the department is in the
process of negotiating with Dakota Carrier Network
the upgrade of statewide information technology
network circuits to Ethernet circuits.
Information Technology Department -
2009-11 Strategic Plan
Mr. Mike Ressler, Deputy Chief Information Officer,
Information Technology Department, said the
department's 2009-11 biennium strategic plan
includes 23 objectives relating to the department's
mission to provide leadership and knowledge to assist
its customers in achieving their missions through the
innovative use of information technology. The
following is a summary of the objectives included in
the plan:
Perspectives Objectives
Customer Meet customer service delivery expectations
Provide an "easy to do business with"
environment
Provide a positive customer experience
Build and maintain strong relationships
Provide information technology services as
needed
Provide technology direction
Financial Make cost-effective investments
Manage revenue
Align rates with customer business needs
Manage statewide technology spending
Internal
processes
Standardize processes and approaches
Deliver reliable and available services
Deliver solutions on schedule
Deliver projects on time and within budget
Capture and followup on customer feedback
Continuous sharing and understanding of
business needs
Plan for technology change
Provide guidance on effective information
technology practices
Deploy enterprise solutions
Learning and
growth
Attract and hire quality people
Maintain high employee satisfaction
Support employee growth and development
Retain talented employees
Information Technology Department -
Annual Report
Mr. Ressler said the department's 2007-08 annual
report includes an executive summary, information on
the department's divisions, information on the
department's performance, and rate comparisons. He
said for fiscal year 2008, actual agency spending on
information technology services from the Information
Information Technology 2 October 6, 2008
Technology Department totaled approximately
$41.2 million, of which approximately 9 percent was
for telephone services, 16 percent for network
services, 24 percent for software development
services, and 39 percent for computer hosting
services.
During fiscal year 2008, Mr. Ressler said state
agencies completed 12 large information technology
projects. Of the 12 projects, he said, 10 projects were
completed under budget resulting in savings of
$624,317. He said 8 of the 10 projects were
completed within the acceptable 20 percent schedule
variance. He said 1 project was terminated after
spending $770,105.
Mr. Ressler provided the following update on the
department's performance measures:
Performance Measures
Baseline
(Previous Years)
Current Status
(June 2008) Target
Acceptable level of total net assets 2005 - 2.0
2006 - 1.4
2007 - 1.7
1.4 < or = to 2.0
Percentage of Information Technology Department rates reported in the
annual report that are competitive
2006 - 100%
2007 - 100%
100% 100%
Total number of customer projects and service requests completed: 2007
• Service requests 28,564 32,105 Monitor
• Incidents 48,792 53,738 Monitor
Customer satisfaction indexes (percentages satisfied or very satisfied)
related to: 2006 - 2007
• Value 91.7% - 87.3% 86.9% 92%
• Timeliness 92.5% - 87.4% 86.9% 97%
• Quality 93.7% - 95.5% 93.0% 97%
• Knowledge 93.1% - 94.8% 97.0% 98%
• Professionalism and courtesy 96.5% - 97.1% 99.0% 100%
Employee satisfaction index 2006 - 2.13
2007 - 2.13
2.13 2.0
Controllable employee turnover 2006 - 7.0%
2007 - 4.6%
6.8% Below 6.0%
Percentage of service levels met 100% 100% 100%
Percentage of strategic business plan objectives completed or on schedule 2006 - 85%
2007 - 46%
43% 75%
Mr. Ressler said the department monitors the cost
and revenue for each service to ensure that a service
is not subsidizing another service. He said the federal
government does not allow the department to charge
rates that generate revenues in excess of costs;
therefore, the department monitors its cash balances
and adjusts rates accordingly. He said the
department also monitors other entity's fees for similar
services in an effort to maintain quality services at a
fair price. The following is a summary of rate
comparisons for the services that generate a majority
of the department's total revenue:
Service
North Dakota
Information Technology
Department Rates
South Dakota Bureau
of Information and
Telecommunications Rates
Montana Information
Technology Services
Division Rates
Wisconsin Division of
Enterprise Technology
Rates
Central computer central
processing unit (CPU
rates)
Batch CPU -
$.93 per second
Batch CPU -
$1.36 per second
Batch CPU -
$2.36 per second
Batch CPU -
$.51 per second
CICS CPU -
$.93 per second
CICS CPU -
$1.36 per second
CICS CPU -
$.69 per second
CICS CPU -
$.67 per second
ADABAS CPU -
$.98 per second
ADABAS CPU -
$1.36 per second
ADABAS CPU -
$1.34 per second
ADABAS CPU -
$.67 per second
TSO CPU -
$.93 per second
TSO CPU -
$1.36 per second
TSO CPU -
$2.88 per second
TSO CPU -
$.67 per second
Network fees Device fee -
$30.75 per device per
month
Device fee -
$40 per device per month
Device fee -
$85.75 per device per
month
Device fee -
$55 per device per month
DSL service -
Actual cost (ranges from
$40 to $120)
DSL service - N/A DSL service -
$250 per month
DSL service -
$665 per month
ATM T-1 service -
$890 per month
ATM T-1 service -
N/A
ATM T-1 service -
$650 per month
ATM T-1 service -
$1,067 per month
Access fee -
$65 per device per month
Information Technology 3 October 6, 2008
Telephone Fees
North Dakota Information Technology Department rates Telephone line - $24 per device per month
Speaker function - $3 per month
Display function - $2 per month
Voice mail (unlimited) - $5 per month
South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications rates Telephone line - $13 per device per month
Speaker function - Actual cost
Display function - Actual cost
Voice mail (unlimited) - $6 per month
Montana Information Technology Services Division rates Telephone line - $14 per device per month
Speaker function - $7 to $11 per month
Display function - $3 to $7 per month
Voice mail (three-minute limit) - $5 per month
Voice mail (six-minute limit) - $8 per month
Voice mail (eight-minute limit) - $10 per month
Wisconsin Division of Enterprise Technology rates Telephone line - Per mile/drop
Speaker function - Actual cost
Display function - Actual cost
Voice mail (unlimited) - $5.50 per month
Long Distance
North Dakota Information Technology Department rates In state - $.075 per minute
Out of state - $.075 per minute
800 service - $.07 per minute
South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications rates In state - $.08 per minute
Out of state - $.09 per minute
800 service - $.09 per minute
Montana Information Technology Services Division rates In state - $.105 per minute
Out of state - $.105 per minute
800 service - $.10 per minute
Wisconsin Division of Enterprise Technology rates In state - $.031 per minute
Out of state - $.031 per minute
800 service - $.044 per minute
Minnesota Department of Administration rates In state - $.07 per minute
Out of state - $.20 per minute
800 service - $.049 per minute
Nebraska Division of Communications rates In state - $.07 per minute
Out of state - $.07 per minute
800 service - $.08 per minute
Software Development
Location Billing Rate Per Hour of Service
Information Technology Department Bismarck, North Dakota $58 to $63
Applied Engineering, Inc. Bismarck, North Dakota $75 to $125
Eide Bailly LLP Bismarck, North Dakota $95 to $155
Enterprise Solutions, Inc. Bismarck, North Dakota $75 to $120
Nexus Innovations Bismarck, North Dakota $95 to $125
Vision Technology, Inc. Bismarck, North Dakota $70 to $75
Everest Consultants, Inc. Beaverton, Oregon $63 to $95
CIBER, Inc. Vancouver, Washington $65 to $100
Compuware Plymouth, Minnesota $80 to $120
Maximus Rancho Cordova, California $145 to $185
In response to a question from Senator Robinson,
Mr. Ressler said the department hires contract
software developers to supplement the department's
software development staff.
Mainframe Migration Project
Mr. Ressler said the department is in the process
of completing a mainframe migration project. He said
the department's objectives for the project were
revised in November 2007. The following is a
summary of the original and revised objectives and
the current status of the objectives:
Original Objectives
(December 2005)
Revised Objectives
(November 2007) Current Status
Remove the need for the mainframe
skill set
Remove the need for the mainframe
skill set
This objective will be met when the mainframe is removed. The
department has hired consultants to supplement the existing
staff, which has been reduced because of retirements.
Save $1.9 million per year beginning
in July 2009
Save $2.4 million per year beginning
in July 2011
The department estimates these savings will begin in July 2013.
Realize financial break-even point in
2012
Realize financial break-even point in
2016
If the existing applications are rewritten by July 2013, the breakeven
date will be 2017.
Position the department for the
future
Position the department for the
future
The project has succeeded in migrating 46 applications off the
mainframe.
Information Technology 4 October 6, 2008
Mr. Ressler said the department had originally
planned to migrate 84 applications from the
mainframe to other information technology platforms.
Due to project difficulties and delays, he said, the
department migrated only 46 applications from the
mainframe with the final application being migrated on
August 9, 2008. He said several applications at the
Department of Human Services, Bank of North
Dakota, Department of Transportation, and Legislative
Assembly will remain on the mainframe. He said the
department anticipates finalizing system
documentation relating to the mainframe migration
project by November 28, 2008.
Information Technology Department -
2009-11 Budget Request
Mr. Ressler said the department's budget request
for the 2009-11 biennium includes several optional
package adjustments, including adjustments relating
to additional bandwidth for elementary and secondary
schools, statewide deployment of the PowerSchool
application for elementary and secondary schools,
deployment of a statewide longitudinal data system,
Criminal Justice Information Sharing Initiative projects,
and ongoing costs relating to the Statewide
Automated Victim Notification System.
Mr. Ressler said Section 6 of 2007 House Bill
No. 1021 provides legislative intent that 28 new fulltime
equivalent positions for the 2007-09 biennium are
identified as project-specific and may be filled while
the projects are being developed and funding is
available. He said the department will ask for the
continuation of many of these positions for the
2009-11 biennium.
In response to a question from Senator Robinson,
Ms. Feldner said the department may request funding
from the general fund for the department's large
project oversight activities for the 2009-11 biennium.
She said the department may have to allocate more
resources to project management for the 2009-11
biennium depending on the information technology
projects funded by the 2009 Legislative Assembly.
Statewide Information Technology Plan -
2009-11 Biennium
Mr. Jeff Swank, Information Technology
Department, said NDCC Section 54-59-11 requires
each executive branch state agency or institution,
excluding institutions under the control of the State
Board of Higher Education, to prepare an information
technology plan and submit the plan for acceptance to
the Information Technology Department by July 15 of
each even-numbered year. Based on the information
included in the plans, he said, the Information
Technology Department is to prepare a statewide
information technology plan with emphasis on longterm
strategic goals and objectives. He said the
statewide information technology plan is to be
distributed to members of the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Swank said 46 of 53 state agencies submitted
their information technology plans on or before
July 15. He said 4 additional state agencies
submitted their information technology plans by
October 1. He said 2 of the remaining 3 state
agencies plan to submit their information technology
plans by the end of October. He said the remaining
state agency, State Fair Association, does not intend
to file a plan.
Mr. Swank said the department will present to the
2009 Legislative Assembly a statewide information
technology plan that will communicate a shared vision
between state government, higher education, and
elementary and secondary education; outline strategic
initiatives; and establish goals and strategies that will
serve as a basis for more detailed planning efforts.
HIGHER EDUCATION INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES
Ms. Bonnie Neas, Vice President for Information
Technology, North Dakota State University, provided
information regarding the status of the Northern Tier
Network project. She said the Northern Tier Network
is an ultra high-speed regional network with multiple
optical waves capable of transferring about
10 gigabytes of information per second per wave.
She said NDCC Section 15-10-45 provides that the
North Dakota University System may use the Northern
Tier Network infrastructure only for the purpose of
supporting the research and education missions of the
University System. She said the University System
may not use the Northern Tier Network infrastructure
for traditional Internet, voice, video, or other
telecommunications services beyond those required
for research networks. She said the provisions of
NDCC Section 15-10-45 also prohibit the University
System from utilizing commercial peering services
offered through Internet2.
Ms. Neas said the North Dakota University System
is seeking support to clarify and reduce the legislative
requirements placed on the Northern Tier Network
and the University System by the 2007 Legislative
Assembly. She said the University System has identified
the following options and related implications:
Options Implications
Option 1 - Repeal
NDCC Section
15-10-45
Restrictions of use are in place through the
agreements with carrier partners. The North
Dakota University System cannot use the
Northern Tier Network fiber for commercial
traffic. These agreements were not in place
during the 2007 Legislative Assembly.
Option 2 - Amend
NDCC Section
15-10-45 to allow
educational entities
to use the Northern
Tier Network for
Internet, voice,
video, and
telecommunications
services.
Utilizes the Northern Tier Network capacity to
meet changing educational needs and reduce
additional future state spending commitments.
Reduces current bandwidth limitations on
nonSTAGEnet Internet traffic, which are a
result of cost and budget constraints, and
allows higher education and elementary and
secondary education to expand the use of
technology in the classroom and for the
distance delivery of education and services.
Does not reduce the current level of services
purchased from private carriers through the
Information Technology Department. Delays
additional increased payments to private
carriers for purchase of bandwidth for Internet
traffic.
Information Technology 5 October 6, 2008
Reduces the North Dakota University System
2009-11 budget request for increased
bandwidth needs by $250,000, from $800,000
to $550,000.
Option 3 - No
statutory changes.
Provide $800,000
of additional
funding as
requested by the
North Dakota
University System
for increased
bandwidth needs.
Does not address the issue that elementary
and secondary education cannot use the
Internet2 research network under the current
legislative restrictions.
Option 4 - No
statutory changes
and no additional
funding.
Requires campuses to reduce current levels
of bandwidth usage or reallocate funds from
other programs to cover additional bandwidth
costs.
A copy of the information presented is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
In response to a question from Representative
Kempenich, Ms. Neas said the North Dakota
University System is requesting $800,000 of additional
funding from the general fund for estimated bandwidth
growth for the 2009-11 biennium. She said the
$800,000 request could be reduced by $250,000 to
$550,000 if the legislative requirements placed on the
University System and the Northern Tier Network are
reduced.
In response to a question from Senator
Christmann, Ms. Neas said the statewide information
technology network meets elementary and secondary
education's in-state Internet traffic needs.
In response to a question from Senator Seymour,
Ms. Neas said private business and industry cannot
use the Northern Tier Network unless they are a
research partner.
Mr. Kent Blickensderfer, Director of Public Affairs,
Qwest Communications, provided comments
regarding the use of the Northern Tier Network by
nonuniversity entities. He said it is important that
facilities like the Northern Tier Network not be allowed
to evolve into taxpayer-funded backbone networks
competing directly with private carriers. He said
Qwest Communications does not support the
reduction of the current restrictions on the North
Dakota University System and the Northern Tier
Network provided in NDCC 15-10-45. A copy of his
comments are on file in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. David Crothers, Executive Vice President,
North Dakota Association of Telephone Cooperatives,
provided comments regarding the use of the Northern
Tier Network by nonuniversity entities. He said the
North Dakota Association of Telephone Cooperatives
is in opposition to the reduction of the legislative
restrictions placed upon the North Dakota University
System and the Northern Tier Network.
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY
EDUCATION INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES
Ms. Jody French, Director, EduTech, provided
information regarding elementary and secondary
education information technology initiatives for the
2007-09 biennium and anticipated budget needs for
the 2009-11 biennium. She said the Educational
Technology Council was established to develop
technology systems and coordinate their use to
enhance and support the educational opportunities for
elementary and secondary education. She said the
council's initiatives for the 2007-09 biennium include:
• Classroom transformation grants - The council
awarded 22 classroom transformation grants to
schools in February 2008. The grants require a
50 percent local school match.
• Video classroom grants - The council awarded
4 video classroom grants to kindergarten
through grade 12 video network consortiums for
new or upgraded video classrooms and 1 video
grant award for statewide IP video recording
capability.
Ms. French said the Educational Technology
Council will submit a 100 percent budget request for
the 2009-11 biennium with no optional requests.
Ms. French said EduTech offers a variety of
services to help North Dakota schools and educators
improve student achievement. She said EduTech
provides support to schools for the PowerSchool
application, a student information system. She said
EduTech will submit a 100 percent budget request for
the 2009-11 biennium with one optional request
relating to expansion of the PowerSchool application
to all elementary and secondary schools. A copy of
the information presented is on file in the Legislative
Council office.
Mr. Jon Skaare, State Director, Center for Distance
Education, provided information regarding the center's
information technology initiatives for the 2007-09
biennium and anticipated budget needs for the
2009-11 biennium. He said the center has created
and published a high school textbook entitled North
Dakota History, has developed a North Dakota studies
website, and has begun the process of enhancing
online courses. He said the Center for Distance
Education will submit a 100 percent budget request
for the 2009-11 biennium with four optional requests
relating to employee compensation, additional online
course enhancement and development, North Dakota
studies, and civics education.
OTHER BUSINESS
Coordination of Services
Mr. Mark A. Johnson, Executive Director, North
Dakota Association of Counties, provided information
regarding the coordination of services between the
Information Technology Department and political
subdivisions. He said the coordination of information
technology services between the Information
Technology Department and political subdivisions is
essential to the efficient delivery of services. He said
the Information Technology Department through the
statewide information technology network provides the
network connectivity, Internet access, firewall security,
video conferencing, and secure wireless access that
supports the delivery of services. He said Information
Information Technology 6 October 6, 2008
Technology Department personnel meet regularly with
the technology resources group of the North Dakota
Association of Counties to discuss issues and
strategize about future improvements and
enhancements. He said counties are very pleased
with the services received from the Information
Technology Department. A copy of the information
presented is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. Jerry Hjelmstad, Assistant Director, North
Dakota League of Cities, provided information
regarding the coordination of services between the
Information Technology Department and political
subdivisions. He said the North Dakota League of
Cities and the Information Technology Department
have developed records retention schedules for all
departments of city government. He said the
Information Technology Department has provided
wide area network services to some cities, including
firewall protection, e-mail, and Internet access. He
said the department has also provided antivirus
protection, help desk support, and network
administration support to some cities. A copy of the
information presented is on file in the Legislative
Council office.
North Dakota Health Information
Technology Steering Committee
Ms. Lynette Dickson, Program Director, Center for
Rural Health, University of North Dakota School of
Medicine and Health Sciences, provided information
regarding activities of the North Dakota Health
Information Technology Steering Committee. She
said the North Dakota Health Information Technology
Steering Committee was established in 2006 and was
formalized in NDCC Section 23-01-31 by the 2007
Legislative Assembly. She said the mission of the
committee is to facilitate the adoption and use of
health information technology and exchange to
improve health care quality, patient safety, and overall
efficiency of health care and public health services in
North Dakota.
Ms. Dickson said the Center for Rural Health on
behalf of and with input from the North Dakota Health
Information Technology Steering Committee
completed a survey of hospitals and long-term care
facilities to obtain current information on health
information technology staff support, barriers to
electronic medical records adoption, usage of
telemedicine, and health information technology
planning and implementation. She said the center
also surveyed students and recent graduates of health
professional programs regarding health information
technology and North Dakota Health Care Review,
Inc., conducted phone surveys of private physician
practices regarding health information technology.
Ms. Dickson said 43 of the state's 45 rural and
urban hospitals completed the health information
technology survey. The following is a summary of the
survey results:
Electronic
medical record
implementation
All six urban hospitals have implemented an
electronic medical record.
Fourteen of the 37 rural hospitals, or 37 percent,
have implemented an electronic medical record.
Top three
barriers that
have a
substantial
impact on
planning and
implementing
an electronic
medical record
Urban hospitals
• Current reimbursement system
• Poor availability of well-trained information
technology staff
• Obsolescence issues relating to hardware and
software
Rural hospitals
• Lack of financial resources for the initial
investment
• Lack of financial resource for the ongoing cost
• Current reimbursement system
Top three
drivers that are
most
significant for
planning and
implementing
an electronic
medical record
Urban hospitals
• Improving quality of health care
• Improving patient safety
• Inefficiencies experienced by providers
Rural hospitals
• Improving quality of health care
• Availability of grant funding
• Improving patient safety
Readiness and
planning
Urban hospitals indicated little or no need for
technical assistance.
Rural hospitals
• 61 percent indicated interest in technical
assistance for assessing workflow analysis
• 51 percent indicated interest in technical
assistance for assessing computer skills of
staff
• 57 percent indicated they did not have a
health information technology steering committee
or work group
Information
technology
staff support
Urban hospitals indicated all information
technology managers had a minimum of a fouryear
degree.
Approximately 22 percent of rural hospitals
indicated they had no designated information
technology support staff.
Ms. Dickson said 44 of the state's 83 long-term
care facilities completed the survey. The following is
a summary of the survey results:
Electronic medical record
implementation
Approximately 20 percent of
facilities have implemented an
electronic medical record.
Top two barriers that have a
substantial impact on planning
and implementing an electronic
medical record
Current reimbursement system
Justifying the expense
Top two drivers that are most
significant for planning and
implementing an electronic
medical record
Improving quality of health care
services
Improve resident/tenant patient
safety
Information technology staff
support
Approximately 48 percent of
facilities indicated they have a
designated information technology
staff person.
Ms. Dickson said the Center for Rural Health
contracted with John Snow, Inc., a public health
research firm, to review the survey results, develop a
report, and make recommendations for moving the
state forward with regard to adopting health
information technology. She said the consultant's
report stated that North Dakota's rural facilities have
severe shortages of technical staff to support and
Information Technology 7 October 6, 2008
implement health information technology, face
significant financial challenges obtaining the capital to
acquire electronic medical records and other health
information technology tools, and have limited access
to technical assistance resources to guide their
efforts. She said the consultant provided the following
recommendations for moving the state forward with
regard to adopting health information technology:
• Create a formal organization within the state
charged with coordinating health information
technology efforts and potentially governing a
health information exchange initiative.
• Develop a North Dakota strategic plan for
implementing and sustaining a statewide
electronic health information exchange.
• Create a state-funded grants or loan program to
support rural and public health entities in the
implementation of health information
technology-driven quality improvement
programs.
• Develop health information technology training
programs for current staff at health care
facilities as well as for the future.
• Implement a peer-to-peer health information
technology support program for rural health
care provider organizations.
• Sponsor rotating rural health information
technology technical support teams to assist
organizations that do not have the necessary
staff for the implementation of these types of
projects.
Ms. Dickson said the North Dakota Health
Information Technology Steering Committee and
stakeholder work groups will utilize the survey findings
and consultant recommendations to further develop a
plan for facilitating the adoption of technology in rural
and urban entities. A copy of the information
presented is on file in the Legislative Council office.
In response to a question from Senator Seymour,
Ms. Dickson said the University of North Dakota
School of Medicine and Health Sciences is not
currently utilizing electronic health records, but the
university is planning to implement the technology in
the future.
Mr. Howard C. Anderson, Executive Director, State
Board of Pharmacy, provided information regarding
health information technology. He said North Dakota
State University has received a federal grant relating
to telepharmacy, and the university has awarded a
contract to Catholic Health Initiatives to implement a
telepharmacy program. He said the telepharmacy
program consists of a central site where pharmacists
and technicians receive information regarding orders
for drugs from the prescribing physicians in rural
health care facilities. He said the orders are reviewed
by the pharmacist using the specific patient's
information. He said the project would function more
effectively if the pharmacist could access the patient's
medical record at the facility and enter the
recommendations or approval directly into the record.
A copy of the information presented is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Ms. Kimber Wraalstad, President and CEO,
Presentation Medical Center, Rolla, provided
information regarding health information technology.
She said health information technology is important to
increasing the quality of patient care. She said health
information technology applications are expensive to
implement and maintain. She said several North
Dakota critical access hospitals in the state are
experiencing operating losses and are not able to
purchase health information technology applications.
She said hospitals in Bottineau, Rolla, and Stanley are
working together on health information technology
projects and 10 health care facilities in the northwest
part of the state have formed the Northwest Alliance
for Information Technology Projects to research and
implement health information technology applications.
A copy of the information presented is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
In response to a question from Senator
Christmann, Ms. Wraalstad said hospitals rely more
on each other for assistance with health information
technology because the North Dakota Healthcare
Association and the North Dakota Long Term Care
Association do not have expertise in health
information technology.
The committee recessed for lunch at 12:18 p.m.
and reconvened at 1:14 p.m.
PROPOSED CRIMINAL JUSTICE
INFORMATION SHARING BOARD
BILL DRAFT
The Legislative Council staff presented a bill draft
[90313.0100] relating to the membership of the
Criminal Justice Information Sharing Board. The
Legislative Council staff said the bill draft amends
NDCC Section 54-59-21 to expand the membership of
the Criminal Justice Information Sharing Board to
include the director of the Department of Emergency
Services Division of State Radio, the director of the
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the
superintendent of the Highway Patrol, the chief of the
Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the director of the
Department of Transportation, a representative of a
city police department, a representative of a county
sheriff's office, a state's attorney, and one at-large
member appointed by the Governor. The Legislative
Council staff said the bill draft also provides that board
members who are not state employees are entitled to
compensation of $75 per day and mileage and
expenses as provided by law for state employees to
be paid by the Information Technology Department.
Ms. Feldner provided comments regarding the
proposed bill draft. She said the objectives of the
proposed bill draft are to:
• Simplify the decisionmaking process and avoid
redundant or overlapping efforts by the Criminal
Justice Information Sharing Board and its
executive advisory committee.
Information Technology 8 October 6, 2008
• Give a greater voice in decisionmaking to key
stakeholders.
• Increase the size of the board to avoid
inadvertent open meeting law violations.
In response to a question from Senator
Christmann, Ms. Pam Schafer, Criminal Justice
Information Sharing Project Director, Information
Technology Department, said the Department of
Transportation is a significant provider of data for the
Criminal Justice Information Sharing hub portal,
including driver's license photos and driving records.
In response to a question from Senator
Christmann, Ms. Feldner said the 2009 Legislative
Assembly could consider adding members of the
Legislative Assembly to the board.
Representative Kempenich suggested removing
the chief of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation from
the proposed board since the Attorney General is also
a member.
Representative Monson said he believes the chief
of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation would be an
important member of the Criminal Justice Information
Sharing Board. He said perhaps the at-large member
appointed by the Governor should be removed.
Senator Christmann said he supports the bill draft
as presented.
It was moved by Representative Kempenich,
seconded by Representative Owens, that the bill
draft be amended to remove the chief of the
Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The motion
failed on a roll call vote. Representatives
Kempenich and Owens voted "aye." Senators
Robinson, Christmann, Seymour, and Wardner and
Representatives Headland, Monson, and Onstad vote
"nay."
It was moved by Senator Christmann,
seconded by Senator Wardner, and carried on a
roll call vote that the bill draft relating to the
membership of the Criminal Justice Information
Sharing Board be approved and recommended to
the Legislative Council. Senators Robinson,
Christmann, Seymour, and Wardner and
Representatives Headland, Kempenich, Monson,
Onstad, and Owens voted "aye." No negative votes
were cast.
LARGE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
PROJECT REPORTING
Department of Human Services -
Medicaid Management Information
System Replacement Project
Ms. Jennifer Witham, Director, Information
Technology Services, Department of Human Services,
provided information regarding the status of the
Medicaid management information system
replacement project. She said the department is
negotiating with ACS State Healthcare, LLC (ACS),
the project vendor, regarding revisions to the project
schedule. She said scheduled negotiations with ACS
are focused on the postdesign phases of the project,
including the estimation of the implementation work
effort to finalize system configuration, data
conversion, training, and system and user acceptance
testing.
Ms. Witham said the department has continued to
move forward on system design specifications. She
said the department recently completed the second of
three major milestones in this phase. She said the
department anticipates completing system design in
January 2009. She said the department will begin the
implementation phase of the project after the system
design is complete.
Ms Witham said the following is a summary of
project expenditures through August 2008:
Project
Budget Expenditures
Budget
Remaining
General fund $3,643,133 $1,055,855 $2,587,278
Federal funds 55,218,418 15,897,673 39,320,745
Other funds 3,667,820 1,007,597 2,660,223
Total $62,529,371 $17,961,125 $44,568,246
A copy of the information presented is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
In response to a question from Senator Robinson,
Ms. Witham said the department is in the process of
identifying a revised project completion date for the
project.
In response to a question from Senator Robinson,
Ms. Witham said the department will be using a
website for keeping stakeholders informed on the
status of the project.
Department of Emergency Services - Public
Safety Mobile Communications Project
Mr. Greg Wilz, Interim Director, Division of State
Radio, Department of Emergency Services, provided
a project closeout report for the department's public
safety mobile communications project. He said the
purpose of the project was to implement a new radio
system with the capability of operating in either an
analog or digital mode. He said the new system is
currently running in an analog mode until local
jurisdictions upgrade their equipment to digitalcapable
equipment at which time the system can be
switched to run in the digital mode. He said the
project was completed in August 2008, approximately
22 months later than the scheduled completion date of
October 2006. He said the project was a fixed bid and
is being paid for through a lease purchase agreement.
He said the first lease payment was made in
December 2004 and the last payment is scheduled for
December 2012. He said the total cost for the lease
agreement is $8,101,386. A copy of the report is on
file in the Legislative Council office.
In response to a question from Representative
Kempenich, Mr. Wilz said the new system is complete;
however, there are some issues with radio coverage.
He said the Adjutant General will be requesting
funding of $7.2 million from the general fund for the
2009-11 biennium for purchasing or leasing
infrastructure and equipment to expand coverage of
the state radio system.
Information Technology 9 October 6, 2008
Job Service North Dakota -
Case Management System
Ms. Jessica Rossow, Job Service North Dakota,
provided a project closeout report for the agency's
case management system. She said the purpose of
the project was to replace the existing customized
case management application with a commercial
off-the-shelf application from Geographic Solutions,
Inc. She said the project experienced four major
scope changes and was completed in September
2008, 16 months later than the scheduled completion
date of May 2007. She said the project was
completed under budget with actual expenditures of
$820,731 compared to a project budget of $854,919.
A copy of the report is on file in the Legislative Council
office.
In response to a question from Representative
Onstad, Mr. Mark Molesworth, Enterprise Project
Manager, Information Technology Department, said
state agencies may include a liquidated damages
clause in information technology contracts. He said a
liquidated damages clause allows a party to be
compensated for losses caused by the other party's
breach of contract.
Senator Christmann asked the Information
Technology Department for information on North
Dakota Century Code provisions relating to liquidated
damages and penalties.
In response to a question from Representative
Kempenich, Ms. Rossow said the project vendor will
incorporate future federal reporting requirement
changes into new releases of the software application.
OTHER
It was moved by Senator Wardner, seconded
by Representative Kempenich, and carried on a
voice vote that the chairman and the staff of the
Legislative Council be requested to prepare a
report and the bill draft recommended by the
committee and to present the report and
recommended bill draft to the Legislative Council.
Chairman Robinson thanked the committee
members, representatives of the Information
Technology Department, and the Legislative Council
staff for their work during the interim.
No further business appearing, Chairman
Robinson adjourned the meeting at 2:00 p.m.
___________________________________________
Roxanne Woeste
Assistant Legislative Budget Analyst and Auditor
___________________________________________
Allen H. Knudson
Legislative Budget Analyst and Auditor
ATTACH:1
Friday, October 17, 2008 - Medicaid Discussed
NEWS from the North Dakota Department of Human Services
600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck ND 58505-0250
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2008
Contacts: Jake Reuter, Program Manager, Medical Services Division, 701-328-2321, or jwreuter@nd.gov, or Heather Steffl, Public Information Officer, N.D. Dept. of Human Services, 701-328-4933
Transitioning elderly and people with disabilities from institutions is subject of Oct. 20 meeting
BISMARCK, N.D. – Stakeholders advising the North Dakota Department of Human Services on grant-funded efforts to transition Medicaid-eligible individuals from institutional to home and community-based services are meeting October 20, 2008, 1-4 p.m. in the Pioneer Room, Judicial Wing of the Capitol in Bismarck. The public is welcome to attend.
Meeting agenda items include: national Money Follows the Person grant training, affordable housing proposal, Aging and Disabilities Resource Center update, Tribal community services, transition services, home and community-based service capacity planning, marketing and public education strategies, barriers to transitions, Rebalancing Fund utilization plan development, and other business.
The Money Follows the Person stakeholder committee includes consumers and their family members, service providers, advocates, agency staff, the centers for independent living, and other interested persons and entities. They act in an advisory capacity to help guide the implementation of North Dakota’s $8.9 million federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services grant.
The federal Money Follows the Person initiative works to strengthen access to home and community-based long-term care services and to transition Medicaid-eligible individuals from institutional care to home and community-based services. Participation is voluntary.
Individuals who need special accommodations to attend should contact project manager Jake Reuter at 701-328-4090 or jwreuter@nd.gov. Information about the grant is posted on the department’s Web site at http://www.nd.gov/dhs/info/pubs/mfp.html.
# # #
600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck ND 58505-0250
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2008
Contacts: Jake Reuter, Program Manager, Medical Services Division, 701-328-2321, or jwreuter@nd.gov, or Heather Steffl, Public Information Officer, N.D. Dept. of Human Services, 701-328-4933
Transitioning elderly and people with disabilities from institutions is subject of Oct. 20 meeting
BISMARCK, N.D. – Stakeholders advising the North Dakota Department of Human Services on grant-funded efforts to transition Medicaid-eligible individuals from institutional to home and community-based services are meeting October 20, 2008, 1-4 p.m. in the Pioneer Room, Judicial Wing of the Capitol in Bismarck. The public is welcome to attend.
Meeting agenda items include: national Money Follows the Person grant training, affordable housing proposal, Aging and Disabilities Resource Center update, Tribal community services, transition services, home and community-based service capacity planning, marketing and public education strategies, barriers to transitions, Rebalancing Fund utilization plan development, and other business.
The Money Follows the Person stakeholder committee includes consumers and their family members, service providers, advocates, agency staff, the centers for independent living, and other interested persons and entities. They act in an advisory capacity to help guide the implementation of North Dakota’s $8.9 million federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services grant.
The federal Money Follows the Person initiative works to strengthen access to home and community-based long-term care services and to transition Medicaid-eligible individuals from institutional care to home and community-based services. Participation is voluntary.
Individuals who need special accommodations to attend should contact project manager Jake Reuter at 701-328-4090 or jwreuter@nd.gov. Information about the grant is posted on the department’s Web site at http://www.nd.gov/dhs/info/pubs/mfp.html.
# # #
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
October 16, 2008 ... Justice Information
JUSTINFO, published the 1st and 15th of each month, highlights information from the NCJRS sponsoring agencies.
Announcements
Award Announcements for 2008 Program Funding
BJA is pleased to announce the recipients of the FY 2008 program funding awards for nine program initiatives. Visit the BJA home page to view the program awards. (BJA)
Criminal History Improvement Program Offers Awards
The National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) provides an updated state-by-state summary of information regarding 2008 funding, activity, and NCHIP agency contacts. (BJS)
Funding Opportunities
2009 NCVRW Community Awareness Project Funding Available
Application deadline: November 3, 2008
The National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators, through a grant from OVC, is seeking proposals for innovative and collaborative projects to raise public awareness of victims' rights and services in local communities during National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW), April 26-May 2, 2009. For more information, visit the NCVRW Community Awareness Project Web site. (OVC)
Accepting Applications for HOPE Grants
Application deadline: Open (contingent upon fund availability)
Helping Outreach Programs Expand (HOPE) grant awards help recipients improve their outreach and services to crime victims. Funds may be used by grassroots, nonprofit, community-based, and faith-based victim services organizations and coalitions to develop programs, aid networking, build coalitions, and deliver services. (OVC)
Publications
AMBER Advocate Previews National AMBER Alert Conference
The October 2008 issue of "The AMBER Advocate" features an article about Child Abduction Response Teams' (CART) pivotal role at the National AMBER Alert Conference and explains how CART is working with the FBI to bring abducted children home. Another article describes how Colorado's backup AMBER Alert plan helped rescue an abducted child. (OJP)
Current Issue of Crime Geography Newsletter Released
The Fall 2008 issue (NCJ 224030, 20 pp.) of the quarterly newsletter "Geography & Public Safety" examines how the nationwide home foreclosure crisis has affected crime, police practice, and public policy. Articles show that geographic information systems can assess how foreclosures influence crime trends and improve city cleanup of graffiti and blight. (NIJ & COPS)
Federal Criminal Case Statistics Released
"Federal Justice Statistics, 2005" (NCJ 220383, 8 pp.) presents federal criminal case statistics on suspects and defendants processed in the federal criminal justice system. The report provides data on the number of persons arrested, investigated, convicted, and sentenced for a violation of federal law. It also describes case outcomes. See also Federal Justice Statistics, 2005 - Statistical Tables. (BJS)
Latest Justice Resource Update Available
This issue of Justice Resource Update focuses on crime prevention. Discover how the Office of Justice Programs partners with local communities to help prevent and fight crime. Also learn how the Department of Justice reinforced its commitment to recover missing children and combat child exploitation. (OJP)
Mobile Device Acquisition Tool Test Results Available
" Test Results for Mobile Device Acquisition Tool: Susteen DataPilot Secure View 1.8.0" (NCJ 223997, 109 pp.), provides and interprets test results against top-level tool requirements identified by the specification and assertions related to those requirements, and includes a test results summary log. These results provide necessary information for developers to improve tools and to help users to make informed choices. (NIJ)
New Community Policing Dispatch Released
The October 2008 issue of the COPS Office's "Community Policing Dispatch" includes articles about how human rights organizations can strengthen relations between local police and immigrant communities, and how law enforcement agencies can adapt their performance appraisal systems to reflect community policing measures. This issue also spotlights National Crime Prevention Month. (COPS)
Report Provides Data on Correctional Facilities
"Census of State and Federal Correctional Facilities, 2005" (NCJ 222182, 28 pp.) includes data on characteristics of facilities, custody populations, and data on facility staff. Program data include work activities of inmates inside prison and on work release, educational training such as basic literacy and college courses, and counseling programs such as drug and alcohol dependency and employment interviewing skills. (BJS)
Online Resources
Add Events to the OVC National Calendar
OVC invites you to add your fall and winter events to the National Calendar of Crime Victim Assistance-Related Events. The National Calendar helps you locate, plan, and promote victim assistance-related events nationwide, allowing you to connect with a larger victim service audience and gain national exposure. Add your conferences, trainings, observances, and other activities today. (OVC)
Drug Information Available by State
The State & Local Resources section of the ONDCP Web site provides profiles on each state and U.S. territory. These profiles include demographic information, statistical data, and additional resources about drug use, substance abuse, and responses to drugs and crime for each state. (ONDCP)
Get Involved in Methamphetamine Prevention
Meth360 is an online resource designed to help unite communities in fighting the use of meth. With funding from BJA and COPS, Meth360 provides the means for law enforcement, prevention, and treatment professionals to collaborate in the delivery of presentations about preventing meth use to community groups and concerned citizens. (BJA)
Implementing and Operating Address Confidentiality Programs
On October 22, 2008, at 2 p.m. ET, in commemoration of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, OVC is sponsoring a Web Forum Guest Host Session on best practices for implementing Address Confidentiality Programs. Join Melissa Deinlein, Manager of the Washington Address Confidentiality Program, and Victoria Sostack, Director of Victim Services at the Pennsylvania Office of the Victim Advocate, for the session. (OVC)
NCJRS Provides Resources for School Safety
During America's Safe Schools Week and National Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week (October 19-25, 2008), visit the NCJRS online resource In the Spotlight: School Safety. This resource contains publications, programs, training and technical assistance, and related resources focusing on school safety. (NCJRS)
Nielsen Study Reveals Teens' Online Viewing Habits
Teen Viewing of Drug and Alcohol-Related Videos Online, a Nielsen online study conducted on behalf of ONDCP, measured the online viewing habits of teens and tracked their exposure to drug-related content. (ONDCP)
October Is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October 2008), NCJRS invites you to view the online resource In the Spotlight: Family Violence. This Web site includes links to publications, programs, and other resources related to family violence. (NCJRS)
Online Resources Addressing Victims With Disabilities Released
The "Promising Practices for Serving Crime Victims With Disabilities" bulletin and companion toolkit help organizations seeking to improve their response to crime victims with disabilities. These products were developed by SafePlace under an OVC grant. (OVC)
Teens and Technology Package Available
ONDCP offers information to both parents and children to help combat the potentially dangerous behaviors and misinformation that teens, tweens, and younger children may be exposed to while online. This "teens and technology" package includes a fact sheet, an open letter to parents, and a technology guide for teens and parents. (ONDCP)
Conferences and Trainings
Apply for 2009 National Victim Assistance Academy
Apply now for the next National Victim Assistance Academy, to be held March 1-6, 2009, at the American Airlines Training & Conference Center in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, area. Continuing Education Units will be awarded to all participants who complete the Foundation-Level Training, Professional Skill-Building Institute, or Leadership Institute and pre-Academy assignments. (OVC)
Enrollment Open for the Forensic Management Academy
Application deadline: October 31, 2008
Applications are being accepted for the Forensic Management Academy (FMA), sponsored by West Virginia University and the National Institute of Justice; it will take place April 19-24, 2009, in Morgantown, West Virginia. FMA is designed for current and aspiring forensic laboratory managers, law enforcement professionals, and other forensic service providers. (NIJ)
Forensic Workshop for Social Scientists
The National Institute of Justice invites social science researchers to learn more about current and future research, evaluation, data sources, and field experiments at a one-day session on December 12, 2008 in Washington, D.C. To learn more, visit http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/events/forensic-workshop.htm.
Online Training Self Assessment Tool Now Available
The Training Self Assessment Tool was developed to help you and your organization identify and assess your training/technical assistance needs by guiding you through seven major areas of interest. Use this tool to receive a printable summary of your responses and a list of available resources. (OVC)
Training for New Forensic Scientists Scheduled
The Forensic Training Network and NIJ will offer a series of online training modules starting December 1, 2008, and continuing through December 31, 2010. These training sessions are free of charge and will provide effective and efficient self-learning tools designed to minimize resources that public laboratories must spend to train new analysts. (NIJ)
Training for Victim Services Available
Register now for OVC's upcoming training workshop, Supporting Children Living With Grief and Trauma: A Multidisciplinary Approach, to be held December 10-11, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. To view course descriptions and learning objectives or to register, visit the OVC TTAC Web site. (OVC)
Announcements
Award Announcements for 2008 Program Funding
BJA is pleased to announce the recipients of the FY 2008 program funding awards for nine program initiatives. Visit the BJA home page to view the program awards. (BJA)
Criminal History Improvement Program Offers Awards
The National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) provides an updated state-by-state summary of information regarding 2008 funding, activity, and NCHIP agency contacts. (BJS)
Funding Opportunities
2009 NCVRW Community Awareness Project Funding Available
Application deadline: November 3, 2008
The National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators, through a grant from OVC, is seeking proposals for innovative and collaborative projects to raise public awareness of victims' rights and services in local communities during National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW), April 26-May 2, 2009. For more information, visit the NCVRW Community Awareness Project Web site. (OVC)
Accepting Applications for HOPE Grants
Application deadline: Open (contingent upon fund availability)
Helping Outreach Programs Expand (HOPE) grant awards help recipients improve their outreach and services to crime victims. Funds may be used by grassroots, nonprofit, community-based, and faith-based victim services organizations and coalitions to develop programs, aid networking, build coalitions, and deliver services. (OVC)
Publications
AMBER Advocate Previews National AMBER Alert Conference
The October 2008 issue of "The AMBER Advocate" features an article about Child Abduction Response Teams' (CART) pivotal role at the National AMBER Alert Conference and explains how CART is working with the FBI to bring abducted children home. Another article describes how Colorado's backup AMBER Alert plan helped rescue an abducted child. (OJP)
Current Issue of Crime Geography Newsletter Released
The Fall 2008 issue (NCJ 224030, 20 pp.) of the quarterly newsletter "Geography & Public Safety" examines how the nationwide home foreclosure crisis has affected crime, police practice, and public policy. Articles show that geographic information systems can assess how foreclosures influence crime trends and improve city cleanup of graffiti and blight. (NIJ & COPS)
Federal Criminal Case Statistics Released
"Federal Justice Statistics, 2005" (NCJ 220383, 8 pp.) presents federal criminal case statistics on suspects and defendants processed in the federal criminal justice system. The report provides data on the number of persons arrested, investigated, convicted, and sentenced for a violation of federal law. It also describes case outcomes. See also Federal Justice Statistics, 2005 - Statistical Tables. (BJS)
Latest Justice Resource Update Available
This issue of Justice Resource Update focuses on crime prevention. Discover how the Office of Justice Programs partners with local communities to help prevent and fight crime. Also learn how the Department of Justice reinforced its commitment to recover missing children and combat child exploitation. (OJP)
Mobile Device Acquisition Tool Test Results Available
" Test Results for Mobile Device Acquisition Tool: Susteen DataPilot Secure View 1.8.0" (NCJ 223997, 109 pp.), provides and interprets test results against top-level tool requirements identified by the specification and assertions related to those requirements, and includes a test results summary log. These results provide necessary information for developers to improve tools and to help users to make informed choices. (NIJ)
New Community Policing Dispatch Released
The October 2008 issue of the COPS Office's "Community Policing Dispatch" includes articles about how human rights organizations can strengthen relations between local police and immigrant communities, and how law enforcement agencies can adapt their performance appraisal systems to reflect community policing measures. This issue also spotlights National Crime Prevention Month. (COPS)
Report Provides Data on Correctional Facilities
"Census of State and Federal Correctional Facilities, 2005" (NCJ 222182, 28 pp.) includes data on characteristics of facilities, custody populations, and data on facility staff. Program data include work activities of inmates inside prison and on work release, educational training such as basic literacy and college courses, and counseling programs such as drug and alcohol dependency and employment interviewing skills. (BJS)
Online Resources
Add Events to the OVC National Calendar
OVC invites you to add your fall and winter events to the National Calendar of Crime Victim Assistance-Related Events. The National Calendar helps you locate, plan, and promote victim assistance-related events nationwide, allowing you to connect with a larger victim service audience and gain national exposure. Add your conferences, trainings, observances, and other activities today. (OVC)
Drug Information Available by State
The State & Local Resources section of the ONDCP Web site provides profiles on each state and U.S. territory. These profiles include demographic information, statistical data, and additional resources about drug use, substance abuse, and responses to drugs and crime for each state. (ONDCP)
Get Involved in Methamphetamine Prevention
Meth360 is an online resource designed to help unite communities in fighting the use of meth. With funding from BJA and COPS, Meth360 provides the means for law enforcement, prevention, and treatment professionals to collaborate in the delivery of presentations about preventing meth use to community groups and concerned citizens. (BJA)
Implementing and Operating Address Confidentiality Programs
On October 22, 2008, at 2 p.m. ET, in commemoration of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, OVC is sponsoring a Web Forum Guest Host Session on best practices for implementing Address Confidentiality Programs. Join Melissa Deinlein, Manager of the Washington Address Confidentiality Program, and Victoria Sostack, Director of Victim Services at the Pennsylvania Office of the Victim Advocate, for the session. (OVC)
NCJRS Provides Resources for School Safety
During America's Safe Schools Week and National Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week (October 19-25, 2008), visit the NCJRS online resource In the Spotlight: School Safety. This resource contains publications, programs, training and technical assistance, and related resources focusing on school safety. (NCJRS)
Nielsen Study Reveals Teens' Online Viewing Habits
Teen Viewing of Drug and Alcohol-Related Videos Online, a Nielsen online study conducted on behalf of ONDCP, measured the online viewing habits of teens and tracked their exposure to drug-related content. (ONDCP)
October Is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October 2008), NCJRS invites you to view the online resource In the Spotlight: Family Violence. This Web site includes links to publications, programs, and other resources related to family violence. (NCJRS)
Online Resources Addressing Victims With Disabilities Released
The "Promising Practices for Serving Crime Victims With Disabilities" bulletin and companion toolkit help organizations seeking to improve their response to crime victims with disabilities. These products were developed by SafePlace under an OVC grant. (OVC)
Teens and Technology Package Available
ONDCP offers information to both parents and children to help combat the potentially dangerous behaviors and misinformation that teens, tweens, and younger children may be exposed to while online. This "teens and technology" package includes a fact sheet, an open letter to parents, and a technology guide for teens and parents. (ONDCP)
Conferences and Trainings
Apply for 2009 National Victim Assistance Academy
Apply now for the next National Victim Assistance Academy, to be held March 1-6, 2009, at the American Airlines Training & Conference Center in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, area. Continuing Education Units will be awarded to all participants who complete the Foundation-Level Training, Professional Skill-Building Institute, or Leadership Institute and pre-Academy assignments. (OVC)
Enrollment Open for the Forensic Management Academy
Application deadline: October 31, 2008
Applications are being accepted for the Forensic Management Academy (FMA), sponsored by West Virginia University and the National Institute of Justice; it will take place April 19-24, 2009, in Morgantown, West Virginia. FMA is designed for current and aspiring forensic laboratory managers, law enforcement professionals, and other forensic service providers. (NIJ)
Forensic Workshop for Social Scientists
The National Institute of Justice invites social science researchers to learn more about current and future research, evaluation, data sources, and field experiments at a one-day session on December 12, 2008 in Washington, D.C. To learn more, visit http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/events/forensic-workshop.htm.
Online Training Self Assessment Tool Now Available
The Training Self Assessment Tool was developed to help you and your organization identify and assess your training/technical assistance needs by guiding you through seven major areas of interest. Use this tool to receive a printable summary of your responses and a list of available resources. (OVC)
Training for New Forensic Scientists Scheduled
The Forensic Training Network and NIJ will offer a series of online training modules starting December 1, 2008, and continuing through December 31, 2010. These training sessions are free of charge and will provide effective and efficient self-learning tools designed to minimize resources that public laboratories must spend to train new analysts. (NIJ)
Training for Victim Services Available
Register now for OVC's upcoming training workshop, Supporting Children Living With Grief and Trauma: A Multidisciplinary Approach, to be held December 10-11, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. To view course descriptions and learning objectives or to register, visit the OVC TTAC Web site. (OVC)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
October 15 -- US Power Grid in Danger
For Immediate Release: October 14, 2008
Contact Greg Schnacke, 303-577-4612
Study: US Power Grid In Growing Danger Of Failure
Environmental Groups Are Main Obstacles To Getting Needed Additions On The System, Study Finds
Denver, CO – A new study shows that environmental groups are the primary barrier to necessary improvements to the U.S. power grid, which the study found is increasingly at risk for major brownouts and blackouts beginning in the summery of 2009.
The study, conducted by the NextGen Energy Council, said that the U.S. faces "potentially crippling electricity brownouts and blackouts beginning in the summer of 2009, which may cost tens of billions of dollars and threaten lives.” The study can be seen here.
"If particularly vulnerable regions, like the Western U.S., experience unusually hot temperatures for prolonged periods of time in 2009, the potential for local brownouts or blackouts is high, with significant risk that local disruptions could cascade into regional outages that could cost the economy tens of billions of dollars," the report warned.
“This study should serve as a very loud wake up call to every elected official in America,” said Wyoming Senator Bill Vasey (D), Chairman of Americans for American Energy. "There is no question that we need more power plants, more transmission lines and better access to energy resources of all types. But this study shows that the clock is ticking fast, and unless we take action fast, it may run out on us."
“We need to re-double our efforts to increase the production of all forms of American energy, including clean coal, nuclear, hydropower, renewables, oil, biofuels, natural gas and other American resources," Vasey said. "Our energy strategy must be an 'all of the above' strategy that increases our use of American resources and decreases our reliance on foreign energy sources."
The study also found that the primary barrier to getting new power plants and transmission lines built is the "opposition of well-funded environmental groups that oppose and file lawsuits against virtually every new infrastructure project proposed."
The study goes into detail about efforts by environmental groups to block new coal-fired and nuclear power plants, transmission corridors, and new oil and natural gas leasing and development on western interior lands. Lawsuits, administrative protests, new endangered species designations and other political and other legal pressure tactics are creating what the study describes as “structural political barriers being erected to system reliability.”
Other obstacles include opposition to natural gas production, which is needed to fuel the growing reliance on natural-gas fired power plants; challenges associated with putting more intermittent renewable power sources on the grid; regulatory uncertainty associated with climate change policy development; reluctance by state regulators to approve rate increases related to the imposition of new environmental or climate-related regulation; and the relatively shorter-term approach to resource planning and acquisition that industry has been forced to adopt because of all of the above factors.
Vasey said he was "deeply disappointed" with the study's findings that environmental groups are the principle barrier to shoring up the grid. "Many folks in the environmental community are well-meaning people. But some of the leaders of these national groups are leading their organizations, and our nation, down the wrong path. I call upon these leaders to start putting their country first ahead of their own personal agendas, whatever they may be."
# # #
Americans for American Energy is a non-profit grassroots organization that promotes greater use of all American energy resources, including conservation and efficiency, and less of a reliance on foreign energy.
The NextGen Energy Council is a non-profit think-tank that works with energy and technology leaders and companies who collaborate with state and federal officials and academic institutions on cutting-edge energy technology issues.
Update My Profile - Unsubscribe
Contact Greg Schnacke, 303-577-4612
Study: US Power Grid In Growing Danger Of Failure
Environmental Groups Are Main Obstacles To Getting Needed Additions On The System, Study Finds
Denver, CO – A new study shows that environmental groups are the primary barrier to necessary improvements to the U.S. power grid, which the study found is increasingly at risk for major brownouts and blackouts beginning in the summery of 2009.
The study, conducted by the NextGen Energy Council, said that the U.S. faces "potentially crippling electricity brownouts and blackouts beginning in the summer of 2009, which may cost tens of billions of dollars and threaten lives.” The study can be seen here.
"If particularly vulnerable regions, like the Western U.S., experience unusually hot temperatures for prolonged periods of time in 2009, the potential for local brownouts or blackouts is high, with significant risk that local disruptions could cascade into regional outages that could cost the economy tens of billions of dollars," the report warned.
“This study should serve as a very loud wake up call to every elected official in America,” said Wyoming Senator Bill Vasey (D), Chairman of Americans for American Energy. "There is no question that we need more power plants, more transmission lines and better access to energy resources of all types. But this study shows that the clock is ticking fast, and unless we take action fast, it may run out on us."
“We need to re-double our efforts to increase the production of all forms of American energy, including clean coal, nuclear, hydropower, renewables, oil, biofuels, natural gas and other American resources," Vasey said. "Our energy strategy must be an 'all of the above' strategy that increases our use of American resources and decreases our reliance on foreign energy sources."
The study also found that the primary barrier to getting new power plants and transmission lines built is the "opposition of well-funded environmental groups that oppose and file lawsuits against virtually every new infrastructure project proposed."
The study goes into detail about efforts by environmental groups to block new coal-fired and nuclear power plants, transmission corridors, and new oil and natural gas leasing and development on western interior lands. Lawsuits, administrative protests, new endangered species designations and other political and other legal pressure tactics are creating what the study describes as “structural political barriers being erected to system reliability.”
Other obstacles include opposition to natural gas production, which is needed to fuel the growing reliance on natural-gas fired power plants; challenges associated with putting more intermittent renewable power sources on the grid; regulatory uncertainty associated with climate change policy development; reluctance by state regulators to approve rate increases related to the imposition of new environmental or climate-related regulation; and the relatively shorter-term approach to resource planning and acquisition that industry has been forced to adopt because of all of the above factors.
Vasey said he was "deeply disappointed" with the study's findings that environmental groups are the principle barrier to shoring up the grid. "Many folks in the environmental community are well-meaning people. But some of the leaders of these national groups are leading their organizations, and our nation, down the wrong path. I call upon these leaders to start putting their country first ahead of their own personal agendas, whatever they may be."
# # #
Americans for American Energy is a non-profit grassroots organization that promotes greater use of all American energy resources, including conservation and efficiency, and less of a reliance on foreign energy.
The NextGen Energy Council is a non-profit think-tank that works with energy and technology leaders and companies who collaborate with state and federal officials and academic institutions on cutting-edge energy technology issues.
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Monday, October 13, 2008
Tuesday - October 14 ..................Senator Tom Seymour Given Legislative Technology Award
WELCOME TO OUR WEBSITE
Information Technology Council of North Dakota
The Information Technology Council of North Dakota (ITCND) represents nearly 100 IT-related software developers, telecommunications companies, Internet providers and content developers, systems integrators, educational institutions, state agencies and manufacturers across North Dakota.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2008 IT AWARD WINNERS
Outstanding Achievement in Business
Dakota Carrier Network - Bismarck and Fargo
Innovative Business User of Technology
AgriData, Inc. - Grand Forks
Entrepreneur Award
Brian Wolf, National Information Solutions Cooperative - Mandan
Outstanding Achievement in Education
Eric Ripley, Red River High School - Grand Forks
Outstanding Achievement in Digital Government
North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department - Bismarck
Legislative Award
Senator Tom Seymour, District 5 - Minot
All award winners will be recognized at the IT Awards Program and Annual Meeting from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Fargo Holiday Inn. Register online by clicking the "Register Now" button to the left.
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10-2008
Advertising opportunity – State of the IT Industry Guide
10-2008
IT Career Awareness Program Coordinator sought
10-2008
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Sunday, October 12, 2008
Monday - October 13, 2008 _________________Providing Aide to Those in Nursing or Assisted Living Homes in North Dakota
Senator Seymour,
While there are general eligibility requirements for Medicaid in the North Dakota Century Code, due to the complexity of calculating all the possible income and asset criteria, the specific asset and income requirements are contained in the Department of Human Services’ administrative rules. Earlier this week I sent you information regarding disqualifying transfers and medical assistance (Medicaid) eligibility.
Here are the North Dakota Century Code sections regarding medicaid eligibility:
50-24.1-02.6. Medical assistance benefits - Eligibility criteria.
1. The department shall provide medical assistance benefits to otherwise eligible persons who are:
a. Medically needy persons who have countable income that does not exceed an amount determined under subsection 2; and
b. Minors who have countable income that does not exceed an amount determined under subsection 3.
2. The department of human services shall establish an income level for medically needy persons at an amount, no less than required by federal law, that, consistent with the requirements of subsection 3, is the greatest income level achievable without exceeding legislative appropriations for that purpose.
3. The department of human services shall establish income levels for minors, based on the age of the minors, at amounts, no less than required by federal law, that provide an income level for all minors born before September 30, 1983, equal to one hundred percent of the federal poverty level in the month for which eligibility for medical assistance benefits is being determined and that do not exceed legislative appropriations for that purpose.
4. The department of human services shall provide medical assistance benefits to children and families coverage groups and pregnant women without consideration of assets.
50-24.1-22. Long-term care facility information.
A long-term care facility may request that an applicant for admission, a resident of the facility, or the applicants or residents legal representative furnish financial information regarding income and assets, including information regarding any transfers or assignments of income or assets. A long-term care facility may deny admission to an applicant for admission who is unable to verify a viable payment source.
Source. S.L. 2005, ch. 431, 1.
50-24.1-23. Long-term care facility resident - Medical assistance eligibility.
An individual is not ineligible for medical assistance if application of disqualifying transfer provisions would deprive the individual of nursing care and services and the individual makes a satisfactory showing that:
1. For periods after the return, all income or assets constituting the disqualifying transfer have been transferred or assigned back to the individual and the individual is otherwise eligible for medical assistance; or
2. Compensation equal to the fair market value of the income or asset at time of transfer is paid to, or on behalf of, the individual for nursing care and services provided by a long-term care facility and the individual is otherwise eligible for medical assistance.
Source. S.L. 2005, ch. 431, 1.
Here is a link to information provided by the Department of Human Services regarding Medicaid eligibility:
http://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/eligible.html
I hope this information is helpful to your constituent
While there are general eligibility requirements for Medicaid in the North Dakota Century Code, due to the complexity of calculating all the possible income and asset criteria, the specific asset and income requirements are contained in the Department of Human Services’ administrative rules. Earlier this week I sent you information regarding disqualifying transfers and medical assistance (Medicaid) eligibility.
Here are the North Dakota Century Code sections regarding medicaid eligibility:
50-24.1-02.6. Medical assistance benefits - Eligibility criteria.
1. The department shall provide medical assistance benefits to otherwise eligible persons who are:
a. Medically needy persons who have countable income that does not exceed an amount determined under subsection 2; and
b. Minors who have countable income that does not exceed an amount determined under subsection 3.
2. The department of human services shall establish an income level for medically needy persons at an amount, no less than required by federal law, that, consistent with the requirements of subsection 3, is the greatest income level achievable without exceeding legislative appropriations for that purpose.
3. The department of human services shall establish income levels for minors, based on the age of the minors, at amounts, no less than required by federal law, that provide an income level for all minors born before September 30, 1983, equal to one hundred percent of the federal poverty level in the month for which eligibility for medical assistance benefits is being determined and that do not exceed legislative appropriations for that purpose.
4. The department of human services shall provide medical assistance benefits to children and families coverage groups and pregnant women without consideration of assets.
50-24.1-22. Long-term care facility information.
A long-term care facility may request that an applicant for admission, a resident of the facility, or the applicants or residents legal representative furnish financial information regarding income and assets, including information regarding any transfers or assignments of income or assets. A long-term care facility may deny admission to an applicant for admission who is unable to verify a viable payment source.
Source. S.L. 2005, ch. 431, 1.
50-24.1-23. Long-term care facility resident - Medical assistance eligibility.
An individual is not ineligible for medical assistance if application of disqualifying transfer provisions would deprive the individual of nursing care and services and the individual makes a satisfactory showing that:
1. For periods after the return, all income or assets constituting the disqualifying transfer have been transferred or assigned back to the individual and the individual is otherwise eligible for medical assistance; or
2. Compensation equal to the fair market value of the income or asset at time of transfer is paid to, or on behalf of, the individual for nursing care and services provided by a long-term care facility and the individual is otherwise eligible for medical assistance.
Source. S.L. 2005, ch. 431, 1.
Here is a link to information provided by the Department of Human Services regarding Medicaid eligibility:
http://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/eligible.html
I hope this information is helpful to your constituent
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Sunday --- October 12, 2008 ---------------------Medicare Information
Hello Everyone,
Please enjoy the information contained in this edition of Frontier Focus. Please be sure to share it with your members, colleagues, providers and office billing staff. Thank you for your continued efforts to broadcast Medicare information to the providers in Region VIII.
Table of Contents
1. New From the Medicare Learning Network
2. CMS Enhances Program Integrity Efforts to Fight Fraud, Waste and Abuse in Medicare
3. CMS Hosts National Conference to Promote Electronic Prescribing
4. CMS To Host Conference on Compliance with DMEPOS Quality Standards
5. Medicare’s Online Tools Will Help Beneficiaries with Prescription Drug and Health Plan Choices for 2009
6. Reminder:ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Hospital Staff - October 14, 2008, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT
7. “Information and Education Resources for Medicare Providers” PowerPoint Presentation
8. Inpatient PPS PC Pricers for FY 2008 and 2009
9. Fourth Quarter 2008 Hospital OPPS Pricer Downloads
10. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. New From the Medicare Learning Network
The ICD-10-Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System Bookmark is now available from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare Learning Network. This bookmark explains the ICD-10-Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System (CM/PCS) including the benefits of adopting the system, recommended steps to be taken in order to plan and prepare for implementation of the system, and where additional information about the system can be found. To place your order, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/01_Overview.asp , scroll down to “Related Links Inside CMS” and select “MLN Product Ordering Page.” If you have problems accessing this hyperlink, please copy and paste the URL into your Internet browser.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2. CMS Enhances Program Integrity Efforts to Fight Fraud, Waste and Abuse in Medicare
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced aggressive new steps to find and prevent waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare. CMS is working closer with beneficiaries and providers; consolidating its fraud detection efforts; strengthening its oversight of medical equipment suppliers and home health agencies; and launching the national recovery audit contractor (RAC) program.
The new national RACs can be found at www.cms.hhs.gov/RAC/Downloads/RAC%20Expansion%20Schedule%20Web.pdf
For more information, visit the CMS RAC Website at: www.cms.hhs.gov/RAC
The CMS Press release issued 10/06/08, as well as the RAC fact sheet, are attached for your convenience.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3. CMS Hosts National Conference to Promote Electronic Prescribing
Widespread Use of E-prescribing Would Eliminate Thousands of Annual Medication Errors
Boston, MA – October 7, 2008 – More than 1,400 health care professionals and industry leaders convened in Boston today at the National E‑prescribing Conference hosted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and 34 co-sponsoring organizations. Featuring U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) Mike Leavitt, CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems, Senator John Kerry (D-MA), Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri, and Health Evolution Partners Chairman David Brailer, M.D., Ph.D., the conference addressed the potential of electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) to improve health care in the United States.
For more information, visit www.hhs.gov/valuedriven or www.cms.hhs.gov/pqri . National E-prescribing Conference presentations can be downloaded at www.e-prescribeconference.com.
To read the CMS press release issued 10/7/08, click here: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press_releases.asp
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4. CMS To Host Conference on Compliance with DMEPOS Quality Standards
JOIN THE CMS CONFERENCE!
Compliance with the DMEPOS Quality Standards: What You Need To Know
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
1:00-5:30 PM EST
CMS Auditorium, Baltimore, MD 21244
On October 14, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will conduct an on-site conference that will provide guidance to the DMEPOS suppliers on how to comply with the DMEPOS quality standards.
Goal
The goal of this conference is to provide non-accredited DMEPOS suppliers with technical guidance on the new DMEPOS quality standards.
Section I- Supplier Business Service Requirements
Section II- Supplier Product-Specific Service Requirements
Appendices A, B & C
Speaker
Sandra Bastinelli, Director,
Division of Medical Review & Education,
Program Integrity Group
Office of Financial Management, CMS
Target Audience
Non-accredited DMEPOS suppliers
Web Registration (on-site conference only)
CMS Website: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/events/default.asp
Select “upcoming events,”
Find the conference (listed by name/date), and
Click on “Register”
Audio Line
Call-In-Number: 1-877-357-7851
Conference Id Number: 57781268
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5. Medicare’s Online Tools Will Help Beneficiaries with Prescription Drug and Health Plan Choices for 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced that beneficiaries, their caregivers, and family members can begin to review 2009 Medicare prescription drug plan and health plan information online through the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder and Medicare Options Compare at www.medicare.gov.
“This year it is especially important, now and throughout the upcoming open enrollment period, for beneficiaries to use our online tools to compare their current drug and health plan coverage to the options available for 2009 and take action to choose a plan that best meets their needs,” said CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems. “Some beneficiaries may see significant premium increases or changes, such as reduced coverage in the gap, if they stay in the same prescription drug plan in 2009. Yet, almost 97 percent of beneficiaries enrolled in a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) will have access to Medicare drug and health plans in 2009 whose premiums would be the same or less than their coverage in 2008.”
Beneficiaries will find contact information for their state’s SHIPs in their handbook or at http://www.medicare.gov/Contacts/Include/DataSection/Results/Results.asp?language=English&Organizations=F%7CSHIP+--+State+Health+Insurance+Assistance+Program&State=Select+All+States&Type=ORGANIZATION.
For more information and to view the plan finder tool please visit:
http://www.medicare.gov/MPDPF.
The LIS Outreach Toolkit can be accessed at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/limitedincomeandresources/
To read more of the CMS press release issued 10/10/08, click here: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press_releases.asp
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6. Reminder:ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Hospital Staff - October 14, 2008, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT
CMS asks that you share this important information with all of your association members and State and local chapters. Thanks!
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will host a series of national provider calls that will provide an overview of ICD-10 and how it differs from ICD-9-CM. The presentations will include the major impacts providers should consider when planning to update any systems with ICD-10 codes. Issues such as differences in code length, alpha-numeric characters, and increased details captured by the codes will be explained. For the provider, payer, vendor, and publishing community, this overview will help them think about future reporting, system updates, and training, considering that ICD-10 may be implemented in the future.
The presenters will include members of the Cooperating Parties for ICD-9-CM, a formal coalition that has been working together on ICD-10 issues. The role of each will be explained, along with a similar role they will play should ICD-10 be implemented. The Cooperating Parties include CMS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and American Hospital Association (AHA).
A PowerPoint slide presentation has been posted in the Downloads Section of the ICD10 CMS Sponsored Calls Web Page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/07_Sponsored_Calls.asp for you to download prior to the conference call so that you can follow along with the presentation. This PowerPoint slide presentation has been revised (October 2008).
To register go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/downloads/ICD10_hospital.pdf.
For those who are unable to attend, a transcript will be posted on the ICD-10 CMS Sponsored Calls Web Page at shortly after the conference call.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7. “Information and Education Resources for Medicare Providers” PowerPoint Presentation
The latest version of the Provider Communications Group’s “Information and Education Resources for Medicare Providers” PowerPoint Presentation has been posted and is available for use. This revised edition includes updated information on:
A/B MAC Award Update
DMEPOS Competitive Acquisition
The Physician Quality Reporting Initiative
ICD–10 Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System
The PowerPoint Presentation is posted at:
http://cmsnett.cms.hhs.gov/hpages/cmm/pcg/pcg_outreach_support.asp as well as
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ContractorLearningResources/ .
Please remember that the “Information and Education Resources for Medicare Providers” PowerPoint Presentation was developed to assist CMS staff and Medicare Contractors who are giving presentations to provider audiences regarding Medicare education and outreach information. The first and last slides should be edited to include the speaker’s name and title. The presentation also includes many website addresses that make it a useful tool when navigating through the CMS Website. Therefore, it may be helpful to print and distribute the slides to attendees. The presentation is updated regularly to ensure that it contains the most current and relevant provider-related information. If you have any questions, please contact robin.sutton@cms.hhs.gov .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8. Inpatient PPS PC Pricers for FY 2008 and 2009
Due to an issue with Medicare provider data, the Inpatient PPS PC Pricers for FY 2008 and FY 2009 have been updated. If you use the INP PPS PC Pricers, visit the CMS web page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/03_inpatient.asp#TopOfPage and download the FY 2008 and FY 2009 versions posted on 10/02/2008.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9. Fourth Quarter 2008 Hospital OPPS Pricer Downloads
The Fourth Quarter 2008 Hospital Outpatient PPS Pricer downloads have been posted on the CMS website. You may go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/08_OPPS.asp#TopOfPage to view the latest update in the Downloads section.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs
Do You Know Someone Who Is Having Trouble Paying For Prescription Drugs?
Medicare Can Help!
· If an individual has limited income and resources, they may qualify for extra help from Medicare. It could be worth over $3,300 in savings on prescription drug costs per year.
· Encourage people with Medicare to file for Extra Help online: https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/i1020/main.html or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone.
· State Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP) offices can assist with the application. Find contact information for a local SHIP Counselor at http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/static/allStateContacts.asp or by calling
1-800-MEDICARE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lucretia James
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Region VIII
1600 Broadway, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-1568
lucretia.james@cms.hhs.gov
Please enjoy the information contained in this edition of Frontier Focus. Please be sure to share it with your members, colleagues, providers and office billing staff. Thank you for your continued efforts to broadcast Medicare information to the providers in Region VIII.
Table of Contents
1. New From the Medicare Learning Network
2. CMS Enhances Program Integrity Efforts to Fight Fraud, Waste and Abuse in Medicare
3. CMS Hosts National Conference to Promote Electronic Prescribing
4. CMS To Host Conference on Compliance with DMEPOS Quality Standards
5. Medicare’s Online Tools Will Help Beneficiaries with Prescription Drug and Health Plan Choices for 2009
6. Reminder:ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Hospital Staff - October 14, 2008, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT
7. “Information and Education Resources for Medicare Providers” PowerPoint Presentation
8. Inpatient PPS PC Pricers for FY 2008 and 2009
9. Fourth Quarter 2008 Hospital OPPS Pricer Downloads
10. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. New From the Medicare Learning Network
The ICD-10-Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System Bookmark is now available from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare Learning Network. This bookmark explains the ICD-10-Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System (CM/PCS) including the benefits of adopting the system, recommended steps to be taken in order to plan and prepare for implementation of the system, and where additional information about the system can be found. To place your order, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/01_Overview.asp , scroll down to “Related Links Inside CMS” and select “MLN Product Ordering Page.” If you have problems accessing this hyperlink, please copy and paste the URL into your Internet browser.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2. CMS Enhances Program Integrity Efforts to Fight Fraud, Waste and Abuse in Medicare
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced aggressive new steps to find and prevent waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare. CMS is working closer with beneficiaries and providers; consolidating its fraud detection efforts; strengthening its oversight of medical equipment suppliers and home health agencies; and launching the national recovery audit contractor (RAC) program.
The new national RACs can be found at www.cms.hhs.gov/RAC/Downloads/RAC%20Expansion%20Schedule%20Web.pdf
For more information, visit the CMS RAC Website at: www.cms.hhs.gov/RAC
The CMS Press release issued 10/06/08, as well as the RAC fact sheet, are attached for your convenience.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3. CMS Hosts National Conference to Promote Electronic Prescribing
Widespread Use of E-prescribing Would Eliminate Thousands of Annual Medication Errors
Boston, MA – October 7, 2008 – More than 1,400 health care professionals and industry leaders convened in Boston today at the National E‑prescribing Conference hosted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and 34 co-sponsoring organizations. Featuring U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) Mike Leavitt, CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems, Senator John Kerry (D-MA), Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri, and Health Evolution Partners Chairman David Brailer, M.D., Ph.D., the conference addressed the potential of electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) to improve health care in the United States.
For more information, visit www.hhs.gov/valuedriven or www.cms.hhs.gov/pqri . National E-prescribing Conference presentations can be downloaded at www.e-prescribeconference.com.
To read the CMS press release issued 10/7/08, click here: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press_releases.asp
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4. CMS To Host Conference on Compliance with DMEPOS Quality Standards
JOIN THE CMS CONFERENCE!
Compliance with the DMEPOS Quality Standards: What You Need To Know
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
1:00-5:30 PM EST
CMS Auditorium, Baltimore, MD 21244
On October 14, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will conduct an on-site conference that will provide guidance to the DMEPOS suppliers on how to comply with the DMEPOS quality standards.
Goal
The goal of this conference is to provide non-accredited DMEPOS suppliers with technical guidance on the new DMEPOS quality standards.
Section I- Supplier Business Service Requirements
Section II- Supplier Product-Specific Service Requirements
Appendices A, B & C
Speaker
Sandra Bastinelli, Director,
Division of Medical Review & Education,
Program Integrity Group
Office of Financial Management, CMS
Target Audience
Non-accredited DMEPOS suppliers
Web Registration (on-site conference only)
CMS Website: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/events/default.asp
Select “upcoming events,”
Find the conference (listed by name/date), and
Click on “Register”
Audio Line
Call-In-Number: 1-877-357-7851
Conference Id Number: 57781268
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5. Medicare’s Online Tools Will Help Beneficiaries with Prescription Drug and Health Plan Choices for 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced that beneficiaries, their caregivers, and family members can begin to review 2009 Medicare prescription drug plan and health plan information online through the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder and Medicare Options Compare at www.medicare.gov.
“This year it is especially important, now and throughout the upcoming open enrollment period, for beneficiaries to use our online tools to compare their current drug and health plan coverage to the options available for 2009 and take action to choose a plan that best meets their needs,” said CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems. “Some beneficiaries may see significant premium increases or changes, such as reduced coverage in the gap, if they stay in the same prescription drug plan in 2009. Yet, almost 97 percent of beneficiaries enrolled in a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) will have access to Medicare drug and health plans in 2009 whose premiums would be the same or less than their coverage in 2008.”
Beneficiaries will find contact information for their state’s SHIPs in their handbook or at http://www.medicare.gov/Contacts/Include/DataSection/Results/Results.asp?language=English&Organizations=F%7CSHIP+--+State+Health+Insurance+Assistance+Program&State=Select+All+States&Type=ORGANIZATION.
For more information and to view the plan finder tool please visit:
http://www.medicare.gov/MPDPF.
The LIS Outreach Toolkit can be accessed at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/limitedincomeandresources/
To read more of the CMS press release issued 10/10/08, click here: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press_releases.asp
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6. Reminder:ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Hospital Staff - October 14, 2008, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT
CMS asks that you share this important information with all of your association members and State and local chapters. Thanks!
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will host a series of national provider calls that will provide an overview of ICD-10 and how it differs from ICD-9-CM. The presentations will include the major impacts providers should consider when planning to update any systems with ICD-10 codes. Issues such as differences in code length, alpha-numeric characters, and increased details captured by the codes will be explained. For the provider, payer, vendor, and publishing community, this overview will help them think about future reporting, system updates, and training, considering that ICD-10 may be implemented in the future.
The presenters will include members of the Cooperating Parties for ICD-9-CM, a formal coalition that has been working together on ICD-10 issues. The role of each will be explained, along with a similar role they will play should ICD-10 be implemented. The Cooperating Parties include CMS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and American Hospital Association (AHA).
A PowerPoint slide presentation has been posted in the Downloads Section of the ICD10 CMS Sponsored Calls Web Page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/07_Sponsored_Calls.asp for you to download prior to the conference call so that you can follow along with the presentation. This PowerPoint slide presentation has been revised (October 2008).
To register go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/downloads/ICD10_hospital.pdf.
For those who are unable to attend, a transcript will be posted on the ICD-10 CMS Sponsored Calls Web Page at shortly after the conference call.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7. “Information and Education Resources for Medicare Providers” PowerPoint Presentation
The latest version of the Provider Communications Group’s “Information and Education Resources for Medicare Providers” PowerPoint Presentation has been posted and is available for use. This revised edition includes updated information on:
A/B MAC Award Update
DMEPOS Competitive Acquisition
The Physician Quality Reporting Initiative
ICD–10 Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System
The PowerPoint Presentation is posted at:
http://cmsnett.cms.hhs.gov/hpages/cmm/pcg/pcg_outreach_support.asp as well as
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ContractorLearningResources/ .
Please remember that the “Information and Education Resources for Medicare Providers” PowerPoint Presentation was developed to assist CMS staff and Medicare Contractors who are giving presentations to provider audiences regarding Medicare education and outreach information. The first and last slides should be edited to include the speaker’s name and title. The presentation also includes many website addresses that make it a useful tool when navigating through the CMS Website. Therefore, it may be helpful to print and distribute the slides to attendees. The presentation is updated regularly to ensure that it contains the most current and relevant provider-related information. If you have any questions, please contact robin.sutton@cms.hhs.gov .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8. Inpatient PPS PC Pricers for FY 2008 and 2009
Due to an issue with Medicare provider data, the Inpatient PPS PC Pricers for FY 2008 and FY 2009 have been updated. If you use the INP PPS PC Pricers, visit the CMS web page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/03_inpatient.asp#TopOfPage and download the FY 2008 and FY 2009 versions posted on 10/02/2008.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9. Fourth Quarter 2008 Hospital OPPS Pricer Downloads
The Fourth Quarter 2008 Hospital Outpatient PPS Pricer downloads have been posted on the CMS website. You may go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/08_OPPS.asp#TopOfPage to view the latest update in the Downloads section.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs
Do You Know Someone Who Is Having Trouble Paying For Prescription Drugs?
Medicare Can Help!
· If an individual has limited income and resources, they may qualify for extra help from Medicare. It could be worth over $3,300 in savings on prescription drug costs per year.
· Encourage people with Medicare to file for Extra Help online: https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/i1020/main.html or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone.
· State Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP) offices can assist with the application. Find contact information for a local SHIP Counselor at http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/static/allStateContacts.asp or by calling
1-800-MEDICARE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lucretia James
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Region VIII
1600 Broadway, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-1568
lucretia.james@cms.hhs.gov
Friday, October 10, 2008
Saturday......October 11 -----------------------------Minutes -- North Dakota Legislative Committee -- Interim Budget and Finance Committee
NORTH DAKOTA LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Minutes of the
BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Roughrider Room, State Capitol
Bismarck, North Dakota
Representative Al Carlson, Chairman, called the
meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Members present: Representatives Al Carlson,
Ole Aarsvold, Merle Boucher, Jeff Delzer, Bob
Skarphol, Ken Svedjan, Clark Williams; Senators
Randel Christmann, Tony Grindberg, Ray Holmberg,
Elroy N. Lindaas, David O'Connell, Larry J. Robinson,
Bob Stenehjem
Members absent: Representatives Rick Berg,
Bob Martinson
Others present: Jim W. Smith, Legislative
Council, Bismarck
See attached appendix for additional persons
present.
It was moved by Senator Grindberg, seconded
by Senator Robinson, and carried on a voice vote
that the minutes of the previous meeting be
approved as distributed.
STATUS OF GENERAL FUND
Ms. Pam Sharp, Director, Office of Management
and Budget (OMB), presented a report on the status
of the general fund, including oil and gas tax
distributions to local governments. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Ms. Sharp presented the following schedule
showing the status of the general fund for the 2007-09
biennium as of August 31, 2008, and reflecting the
July 2008 revised revenue forecast for the remainder
of the biennium:
July 1, 2007, balance $295,541,176
Estimated revenues 2,612,741,314
Estimated available funds $2,908,282,490
Appropriations (2,461,973,956)
Estimated June 30, 2009, balance $446,308,534
Ms. Sharp presented the following schedule
showing the status of the permanent oil tax trust fund
for the 2007-09 biennium as of August 31, 2008, and
reflecting the July 2008 revised revenue forecast for
the remainder of the biennium:
July 1, 2007, balance $143,270,662
Estimated revenues 634,030,335
Estimated available funds $777,300,997
Appropriations and transfers (145,716,541)
Estimated June 30, 2009, balance $631,584,456
Compared to the original legislative revenue
forecast for the 2007-09 biennium through August
2008, Ms. Sharp said general fund revenues have
exceeded estimates by $218.7 million or 16.6 percent.
She said major positive variances relate to individual
and corporate income tax categories.
Ms. Sharp presented a schedule of oil and gas tax
and mineral royalty allocations to cities and counties
for fiscal years 2004 through 2008 and for fiscal year
2009 through September 22, 2008. She said total
allocations for fiscal year 2008 totaled $40.8 million,
$13.2 million more than the $27.6 million allocated for
fiscal year 2007.
Representative Skarphol asked for information on
oil prices, production, and tax collections for
July 2008. Ms. Sharp said OMB would provide that
information.
Senator Christmann asked for information on
outstanding bonds of the state, including information
on the amount of debt that has been reduced during
the 2007-09 biennium. Senator Holmberg suggested
receiving information on outstanding special
assessment balances of state agencies. Chairman
Carlson asked OMB to provide for the committee at its
next meeting information on the state's outstanding
debt and related general fund payments due during
the 2007-09 and 2009-11 bienniums, special
assessment balances outstanding and payments due
during the 2009-11 biennium, and opportunities the
state may have to prepay outstanding debt and
special assessment balances during the 2009-11
biennium.
2009-11 BIENNIUM
BUDGET INFORMATION
The Legislative Council staff presented a
memorandum entitled Authorized Number of Full-
Time Equivalent Positions - Consideration of Inclusion
in Appropriation Bills. The Legislative Council staff
said based on a request at an earlier committee
meeting, the memorandum includes examples of
appropriation bills that identify the number of
authorized full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for
each agency within the bill. The Legislative Council
staff said the examples include an alternative
appropriation bill format that identifies an agency's
base level funding, adjustments or enhancements,
and legislative appropriation within one section of the
bill using a three-column format as well as the current
Budget and Finance 2 September 23, 2008
appropriation bill format utilizing three sections of the
bill. The Legislative Council staff reviewed the current
process of authorizing the number of FTE positions for
each agency and the Emergency Commission's role in
authorizing additional FTE positions during the
interim. The Legislative Council staff said in order for
the current Emergency Commission process to
continue, the Emergency Commission would need
specific statutory authority to approve additional FTE
positions.
Ms. Sheila Peterson, Fiscal Management Director,
Office of Management and Budget, commented on the
proposed appropriation bill changes. She said OMB
supports the three-column format for providing agency
appropriations within one section of the appropriation
bill. She suggested that if FTE positions are included
in agency appropriation bills, the number be identified
for each agency in total and not identified for each
division of an agency. She also suggested the
committee provide the Emergency Commission the
additional statutory authority needed to continue
authorizing additional FTE positions during the
interim.
Senator Holmberg expressed support for the threecolumn
appropriation bill format and including the FTE
positions in the appropriation bill; however, he said,
agencies should have flexibility to shift FTE positions
within their agencies.
Representative Delzer suggested that if the
committee considers a bill draft to authorize the
Emergency Commission to authorize additional FTE
positions during the interim, Budget Section approval
should be required for any additional FTE positions.
It was moved by Representative Delzer,
seconded by Senator Holmberg, and carried on a
roll call vote that the committee recommend,
pursuant to North Dakota Century Code (NDCC)
Section 54-44.1-07 relating to the form of the
budget data, the Budget Section request the Office
of Management and Budget to prepare the
appropriation bills for introduction to the 2009
Legislative Assembly in a format that provides:
• Base level funding, adjustments or
enhancements, and the appropriation for
each agency in a single section using a
three-column format.
• The number of FTE positions in total for
each agency shown for the base level,
adjustments or enhancements, and the
authorized (appropriation) level.
Representatives Carlson, Aarsvold, Boucher,
Delzer, Skarphol, Svedjan, and Williams and Senators
Christmann, Grindberg, Holmberg, Lindaas,
O'Connell, Robinson, and Stenehjem voted "aye." No
negative votes were cast.
Ms. Sharp provided information relating to the
2009-11 biennium budget, including the number of
agency budget requests submitted to date, estimated
ongoing and one-time revenues and related general
fund transfers, cost-to-continue items, major
anticipated appropriations, major initiatives that may
be considered as part of the executive budget,
potential state government efficiencies being identified
as part of the budget development process, and
potential options for use of funding in the permanent
oil tax trust fund.
Ms. Sharp said OMB has granted extensions until
October 15 for a number of state agency budgets. To
date, she said, OMB has held 14 agency budget
hearings. She presented a schedule identifying
anticipated revenues for the 2009-11 biennium,
including $2.735 billion of ongoing general fund
revenues and $666 million of revenues to the
permanent oil tax trust fund. She said this information
is based on OMB's July 2008 preliminary forecast.
Ms. Sharp presented a schedule identifying for
each agency 2009-11 preliminary budget limits,
including adjustments for one-time funding, authorized
carryover, bond payments, cost-to-continue current
services, and phased-in programs.
Ms. Sharp said major initiatives being considered
in the development of the executive budget include
funding priorities, reserves, and tax relief. She said
the Governor has discussed providing additional
higher education tuition assistance of $34 million,
providing $300 million of property tax relief,
$100 million of additional school funding, and
$100 million of income tax relief.
Ms. Sharp said the executive budget development
process is not yet complete so potential state
government efficiencies and options for use of funding
in the permanent oil tax trust fund have not yet been
identified. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Representative Carlson asked for OMB's estimate
of cost-to-continue items of state agencies.
Ms. Sharp said because each agency is unique, it is
difficult to identify a specific percentage increase for
cost-to-continue items that would be applicable to all
agencies.
Representative Skarphol suggested OMB provide
a schedule summarizing major cost components of
agency budgets to assist the Legislative Assembly in
evaluating state agency budgets.
The Legislative Council staff presented a
memorandum entitled Preliminary Outlook - North
Dakota 2009-11 Biennium General Fund Budget. The
Legislative Council staff said the memorandum
provides preliminary information on general fund
ongoing and one-time revenues and expenditures
anticipated for the 2009-11 biennium. The Legislative
Council staff said the memorandum also identifies the
estimated fiscal effect for the 2009-11 biennium on the
general fund if initiated measure No. 1 relating to the
creation of a constitutional permanent oil tax trust fund
and measure No. 2 relating to a reduction of individual
and corporate income tax rates are approved in the
November 2008 general election.
Senator Holmberg said the information included in
the report should be considered only for discussion
purposes and is not an indication of amounts the
Budget and Finance 3 September 23, 2008
2009 Legislative Assembly may approve for the
2009-11 biennium.
Representative Boucher suggested the committee
receive information on major special funds, including
potential funds that may be available for the 2009-11
biennium. Chairman Carlson asked the Legislative
Council staff to provide the committee with information
on amounts that may be available in major special
funds during the 2009-11 biennium.
Mr. Eric Hardmeyer, President, Bank of North
Dakota, provided information regarding potential
amounts that may be available for transfer to the
general fund from the Bank of North Dakota for the
2009-11 biennium. Mr. Hardmeyer said for calendar
year 2007, the net income of the Bank was
$51,086,000 and the Bank's leverage ratio was
7.19 percent. He said the Bank's goal is have a
leverage ratio of at least 8 percent. Mr. Hardmeyer
said the Bank is anticipating future net income as
follows:
2008 $57 million
2009 $55 million
2010 $55 million
2011 $55 million
Mr. Hardmeyer said if the 2009 Legislative
Assembly transfers $60 million of Bank of North
Dakota profits to the general fund during the 2009-11
biennium, this amount would be approximately
55 percent of the Bank's projected earnings during the
biennium. He said continuing to transfer $60 million of
profits per biennium will allow for capital growth of
$50 million to provide for nearly $300 million in capital
and a leverage ratio of nearly 8 percent at the end of
the 2009-11 biennium. A copy of the report is on file
in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. Vance Taylor, General Manager, Mill and
Elevator, provided information regarding potential
amounts that may be available for transfer to the
general fund during the 2009-11 biennium. Mr. Taylor
said from July 1999 through June 2007, the mill
earned profits of $28.9 million, of which $19 million
was transferred to the general fund. For the 2007-09
biennium, he said, the Legislative Assembly has
required a transfer of $5 million from the mill's profits
to the general fund. For fiscal year 2008, he said, the
mill experienced a net loss of $821,000 due to record
high grain prices, volatile basis levels, and futures
market aberrations. He said these negative market
conditions continued to affect profits for the first
quarter of 2009; however, he said, if market conditions
continue to stabilize 2007-09 biennium profits are
anticipated to be at a break-even level. For the
2009-11 biennium, he said, the mill anticipates profits
to return to a more normal level of approximately
$7.2 million, which is the average of the last four
bienniums. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Representative Boucher suggested the Legislative
Assembly consider allowing the Bank of North Dakota
or the Mill and Elevator flexibility in transferring funds
to the general fund based on the state's need for the
funds and unique circumstances affecting the Bank or
the mill.
In response to a question from Representative
Carlson, Mr. Taylor said the Mill and Elevator is
authorized a line of credit at the Bank of North Dakota
of up to $75 million.
In response to a question from Representative
Skarphol, Mr. Taylor said he would provide to the
committee the current estimated value of the Mill and
Elevator.
Ms. Karlene Fine, Executive Director, Industrial
Commission, provided information regarding potential
amounts that may be available for transfer to the
general fund from the student loan trust fund during
the 2009-11 biennium. She said for the period
July 2001 through June 2007, the student loan trust
has transferred $44.4 million to the general fund. In
addition, she said, the 2007 Legislative Assembly
authorized transfers of $523,380 to the State Board of
Higher Education for providing funding for veterinary
students attending Kansas State University. For the
2007-09 biennium, she said, the trust anticipates
income of approximately $3 million compared to a
$2.4 million estimate for the 2009-11 biennium. She
said the reduction is due to the student loan portfolio
declining as students repay their loans. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. Gary Preszler, Commissioner, Land
Department, provided information on potential
amounts that may be available for transfer from the
lands and minerals trust fund to the general fund
during the 2009-11 biennium. He said the lands and
minerals trust fund consists of over 700,000 mineral
acres formerly owned by the Bank of North Dakota
and the State Treasurer and the minerals located
under navigable rivers and lakes. He said the trust
currently receives oil and gas royalties from over
270 producing wells. Oil and gas leases are offered
through auctions each quarter. In addition, he said,
the trust receives royalties and lease bonus payments
from mining of coal, sand, and gravel. He said current
projections indicate that the lands and minerals trust
fund will have a $16.8 million June 30, 2009, balance
and anticipated revenues of over $24 million for the
2009-11 biennium. He said based on these
projections, an estimated $39 million could be
transferred to the general fund during the 2009-11
biennium resulting in a $1 million ending balance for
the fund on June 30, 2011. A copy of the report is on
file in the Legislative Council office.
The committee recessed for lunch at 12:00 noon
and reconvened at 1:00 p.m.
AGENCY BUDGET INFORMATION
Ms. Brenda M. Weisz, Chief Financial Officer,
Department of Human Services, provided information
regarding the status of the department's 2007-09
biennium budget and information on its 2009-11
biennium budget request. She said the only major
program change affecting the department's 2007-09
Budget and Finance 4 September 23, 2008
biennium budget is the increase in eligibility from
140 percent to 150 percent of poverty for the
children's health insurance program effective
October 1, 2008.
Ms. Weisz presented a schedule showing, by
major program, anticipated expenditures compared to
appropriated amounts for the 2007-09 biennium. In
total, she said, the department is anticipating unspent
general fund appropriation authority of $3.3 million for
the 2007-09 biennium.
Ms. Weisz said the 2007 Legislative Assembly
authorized the department to obtain a loan of up to
$3.5 million from the Bank of North Dakota for
providing developmental disabilities services grants.
At the present time, she anticipates the department
will need to obtain a loan of $1 million to provide these
services for the biennium.
Ms. Weisz reported on the status of the Medicaid
management information system computer project.
She said the 2007 Legislative Assembly appropriated
$3.6 million for the project. She said although the
project has experienced delays, she does not
anticipate the project to exceed the appropriated
amount.
Mr. Alex Schweitzer, Superintendent, Department
of Human Services institutions, provided an update on
capital projects of the State Hospital and
Developmental Center. He said the 2007 Legislative
Assembly appropriated $3.1 million from the general
fund for construction of a high security addition to the
GM Building on the campus of the State Hospital to
provide for an expansion of the State Hospital's
secure services program. He said because
admissions to the secure services unit have been less
than anticipated and because bids for the construction
project were $5.2 million, $2.1 million more than
appropriated, the department and OMB are planning
to use the $3.1 million for other capital projects that
were delayed or deferred because of cost increases
or new needs. He said the department is planning to
use the funds for:
New security fence $307,042
16 West building improvements 326,420
Flooring replacement 54,976
Sewer pipe repairs 31,730
Increased costs of the electrical distribution system 1,211,504
Employees Building improvements 675,000
Paint booth 49,500
Architectural and engineering costs 233,427
Total $2,889,599
A copy of the report is on file in the Legislative
Council office.
Representative Delzer asked whether legislative
approval is needed to change the use of these funds.
The Legislative Council staff said staff would review
statutory provisions and report to the Budget Section
chairman before the Budget Section meets on
Thursday, September 25, 2008.
Mr. Dave Krabbenhoft, Department of Corrections
and Rehabilitation, provided information on the status
of the department's 2007-09 biennium budget and on
the department's 2009-11 biennium budget request.
He said for the 2007-09 biennium to date, the number
of male inmates has averaged 1,288, two fewer than
the estimated number of 1,290. For female inmates,
he said, the average number to date is 151, 60 fewer
than the estimate of 211. Because the actual number
of inmates has been less than projected, he said, the
department is currently anticipating a small amount of
unspent general fund appropriation authority for the
2007-09 biennium.
Regarding the 2009-11 biennium budget request,
Mr. Krabbenhoft said the department has not yet
submitted its budget request and has been granted an
extension by OMB until October 15. He said the
department is currently estimating an average of
1,354 male inmates for the 2009-11 biennium, which
is a 5 percent increase over the average inmate
population to date during the 2007-09 biennium. He
said the department is estimating an average of
164 female inmates for the 2009-11 biennium, which
is an 8.6 percent increase over the average number of
female inmates to date during the 2007-09 biennium.
He said for the 2009-11 biennium budget request, the
priorities of the department are to provide adequate
funding for its employees and to obtain funding for
remodeling and expanding the State Penitentiary as
recommended by the Legislative Council's interim
Correctional Facility Review Committee. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. Dale Frink, State Engineer, State Water
Commission, provided information regarding
anticipated uses of additional resources trust fund
revenues available for the 2007-09 biennium and
information on the commission's 2009-11 biennium
budget request. He said the State Water Commission
has not yet completed its 2009-11 biennium budget
request. He said the department anticipates an
unallocated balance in the resources trust fund on
June 30, 2009, of approximately $20 million resulting
in approximately $120 million for new water projects
during the 2009-11 biennium.
Mr. Frink said the State Water Commission has
$87,690,000 of water development trust fund bond
principal outstanding. He said the 2009-11 biennium
bond payments associated with these bonds total
$16,866,625. In addition, he said, the State Water
Commission has $17,291,000 of Southwest Pipeline
Project bonds outstanding requiring 2009-11 biennium
payments of $2,391,375. He said these payments are
made by the Southwest Water Authority from revenue
generated by the Southwest Pipeline Project. He said
the State Water Commission's total outstanding bonds
are $105 million. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Representative Delzer asked that the committee
receive information at its next meeting on the status of
outstanding bonds of the state and options for retiring
the bonds early. Chairman Carlson asked the
Legislative Council staff to arrange for OMB to present
this information to the committee at its next meeting.
Budget and Finance 5 September 23, 2008
Ms. Dorette Kerian, Director of Information and
Technology Systems and Services, North Dakota
University System, provided information on the
Northern Tier Network. She said NDCC Section
15-10-45 provides for the uses of the Northern Tier
Network. She said while provisions of the Century
Code section include the use of the Northern Tier
Network for educational purposes, questions have
arisen as to who may use it and for what purposes.
She said there are significant advantages to the state
of allowing full use of the Northern Tier Network in
support of elementary and secondary and higher
education in North Dakota. She said allowing
expanded use of the Northern Tier Network by the
University System and elementary and secondary
education could reduce bandwidth growth and
traditional Internet-related costs for these entities. A
copy of the report is on file in the Legislative Council
office.
Mr. Kent Blickensderfer, Qwest Corporation,
commented on the use of the Northern Tier Network
by nonuniversity entities. He said during past
legislative sessions, Qwest, along with the North
Dakota Association of Telecommunications
Cooperatives, other telecommunications companies,
the Governor, and the Legislative Assembly, agreed
that the state should not compete in the private
telecommunications business. He expressed concern
that the University System, through the Northern Tier
Network, is requesting changes that will allow a state
entity to compete with private telecommunications
companies. He said NDCC Section 15-10-45, which
restricts the state from competing with private
providers, should not be changed. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Senator Grindberg asked the Legislative Council to
provide information on companies that have received
grants or hardware from the Northern Tier Network.
Mr. David Crothers, North Dakota Association of
Telecommunications Cooperatives, commented on
the Northern Tier Network. He said the association
opposes the University System's proposed changes to
NDCC Section 15-10-45 relating to competition with
private industry. He said current statutory provisions
limit the use of the Northern Tier Network by higher
education to research purposes only. He said the
2007 Legislative Assembly provided funding for the
Northern Tier Network but recognized that parameters
must be established to ensure that the state of North
Dakota would not enter the telecommunications
business or become a competitor to private providers.
He said the University System is proposing to remove
these restrictions and allow the Northern Tier Network
to carry information previously provided by private
telecommunications companies. A copy of the report
is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Ms. Cathy Forsch, Director of Operations, Tax
Department, provided information on the department's
"Gentax" computer system, including actual return on
investment compared to estimates made as part of
the original project plan. She said the original
estimates of additional state revenue resulting from
implementation of the "Gentax" computer system were
$2.5 million per year. She said the Tax Department
through June 2008 has realized revenue increases of
$7.7 million resulting from implementation of the
system. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Chairman Carlson announced the next committee
meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October
21, 2008, and said the committee will be reviewing
potential total available revenue for the 2009-11
biennium and potential spending levels for the
2009-11 biennium to consider as recommendations to
forward to the Legislative Council.
Representative Skarphol asked whether there are
other cost-of-living indexes that should be reviewed
when considering funding for certain state agencies.
He said the Higher Education Committee has been
informed that a higher education cost adjustment
(HECA) index is more appropriate for calculating costof-
living increases relating to higher education. He
said the HECA index is generally a higher percentage
than the consumer price index.
The committee adjourned subject to the call of the
chair at 3:45 p.m.
_________________________________________
Allen H. Knudson
Legislative Budget Analyst and Auditor
ATTACH:1
Minutes of the
BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Roughrider Room, State Capitol
Bismarck, North Dakota
Representative Al Carlson, Chairman, called the
meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Members present: Representatives Al Carlson,
Ole Aarsvold, Merle Boucher, Jeff Delzer, Bob
Skarphol, Ken Svedjan, Clark Williams; Senators
Randel Christmann, Tony Grindberg, Ray Holmberg,
Elroy N. Lindaas, David O'Connell, Larry J. Robinson,
Bob Stenehjem
Members absent: Representatives Rick Berg,
Bob Martinson
Others present: Jim W. Smith, Legislative
Council, Bismarck
See attached appendix for additional persons
present.
It was moved by Senator Grindberg, seconded
by Senator Robinson, and carried on a voice vote
that the minutes of the previous meeting be
approved as distributed.
STATUS OF GENERAL FUND
Ms. Pam Sharp, Director, Office of Management
and Budget (OMB), presented a report on the status
of the general fund, including oil and gas tax
distributions to local governments. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Ms. Sharp presented the following schedule
showing the status of the general fund for the 2007-09
biennium as of August 31, 2008, and reflecting the
July 2008 revised revenue forecast for the remainder
of the biennium:
July 1, 2007, balance $295,541,176
Estimated revenues 2,612,741,314
Estimated available funds $2,908,282,490
Appropriations (2,461,973,956)
Estimated June 30, 2009, balance $446,308,534
Ms. Sharp presented the following schedule
showing the status of the permanent oil tax trust fund
for the 2007-09 biennium as of August 31, 2008, and
reflecting the July 2008 revised revenue forecast for
the remainder of the biennium:
July 1, 2007, balance $143,270,662
Estimated revenues 634,030,335
Estimated available funds $777,300,997
Appropriations and transfers (145,716,541)
Estimated June 30, 2009, balance $631,584,456
Compared to the original legislative revenue
forecast for the 2007-09 biennium through August
2008, Ms. Sharp said general fund revenues have
exceeded estimates by $218.7 million or 16.6 percent.
She said major positive variances relate to individual
and corporate income tax categories.
Ms. Sharp presented a schedule of oil and gas tax
and mineral royalty allocations to cities and counties
for fiscal years 2004 through 2008 and for fiscal year
2009 through September 22, 2008. She said total
allocations for fiscal year 2008 totaled $40.8 million,
$13.2 million more than the $27.6 million allocated for
fiscal year 2007.
Representative Skarphol asked for information on
oil prices, production, and tax collections for
July 2008. Ms. Sharp said OMB would provide that
information.
Senator Christmann asked for information on
outstanding bonds of the state, including information
on the amount of debt that has been reduced during
the 2007-09 biennium. Senator Holmberg suggested
receiving information on outstanding special
assessment balances of state agencies. Chairman
Carlson asked OMB to provide for the committee at its
next meeting information on the state's outstanding
debt and related general fund payments due during
the 2007-09 and 2009-11 bienniums, special
assessment balances outstanding and payments due
during the 2009-11 biennium, and opportunities the
state may have to prepay outstanding debt and
special assessment balances during the 2009-11
biennium.
2009-11 BIENNIUM
BUDGET INFORMATION
The Legislative Council staff presented a
memorandum entitled Authorized Number of Full-
Time Equivalent Positions - Consideration of Inclusion
in Appropriation Bills. The Legislative Council staff
said based on a request at an earlier committee
meeting, the memorandum includes examples of
appropriation bills that identify the number of
authorized full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for
each agency within the bill. The Legislative Council
staff said the examples include an alternative
appropriation bill format that identifies an agency's
base level funding, adjustments or enhancements,
and legislative appropriation within one section of the
bill using a three-column format as well as the current
Budget and Finance 2 September 23, 2008
appropriation bill format utilizing three sections of the
bill. The Legislative Council staff reviewed the current
process of authorizing the number of FTE positions for
each agency and the Emergency Commission's role in
authorizing additional FTE positions during the
interim. The Legislative Council staff said in order for
the current Emergency Commission process to
continue, the Emergency Commission would need
specific statutory authority to approve additional FTE
positions.
Ms. Sheila Peterson, Fiscal Management Director,
Office of Management and Budget, commented on the
proposed appropriation bill changes. She said OMB
supports the three-column format for providing agency
appropriations within one section of the appropriation
bill. She suggested that if FTE positions are included
in agency appropriation bills, the number be identified
for each agency in total and not identified for each
division of an agency. She also suggested the
committee provide the Emergency Commission the
additional statutory authority needed to continue
authorizing additional FTE positions during the
interim.
Senator Holmberg expressed support for the threecolumn
appropriation bill format and including the FTE
positions in the appropriation bill; however, he said,
agencies should have flexibility to shift FTE positions
within their agencies.
Representative Delzer suggested that if the
committee considers a bill draft to authorize the
Emergency Commission to authorize additional FTE
positions during the interim, Budget Section approval
should be required for any additional FTE positions.
It was moved by Representative Delzer,
seconded by Senator Holmberg, and carried on a
roll call vote that the committee recommend,
pursuant to North Dakota Century Code (NDCC)
Section 54-44.1-07 relating to the form of the
budget data, the Budget Section request the Office
of Management and Budget to prepare the
appropriation bills for introduction to the 2009
Legislative Assembly in a format that provides:
• Base level funding, adjustments or
enhancements, and the appropriation for
each agency in a single section using a
three-column format.
• The number of FTE positions in total for
each agency shown for the base level,
adjustments or enhancements, and the
authorized (appropriation) level.
Representatives Carlson, Aarsvold, Boucher,
Delzer, Skarphol, Svedjan, and Williams and Senators
Christmann, Grindberg, Holmberg, Lindaas,
O'Connell, Robinson, and Stenehjem voted "aye." No
negative votes were cast.
Ms. Sharp provided information relating to the
2009-11 biennium budget, including the number of
agency budget requests submitted to date, estimated
ongoing and one-time revenues and related general
fund transfers, cost-to-continue items, major
anticipated appropriations, major initiatives that may
be considered as part of the executive budget,
potential state government efficiencies being identified
as part of the budget development process, and
potential options for use of funding in the permanent
oil tax trust fund.
Ms. Sharp said OMB has granted extensions until
October 15 for a number of state agency budgets. To
date, she said, OMB has held 14 agency budget
hearings. She presented a schedule identifying
anticipated revenues for the 2009-11 biennium,
including $2.735 billion of ongoing general fund
revenues and $666 million of revenues to the
permanent oil tax trust fund. She said this information
is based on OMB's July 2008 preliminary forecast.
Ms. Sharp presented a schedule identifying for
each agency 2009-11 preliminary budget limits,
including adjustments for one-time funding, authorized
carryover, bond payments, cost-to-continue current
services, and phased-in programs.
Ms. Sharp said major initiatives being considered
in the development of the executive budget include
funding priorities, reserves, and tax relief. She said
the Governor has discussed providing additional
higher education tuition assistance of $34 million,
providing $300 million of property tax relief,
$100 million of additional school funding, and
$100 million of income tax relief.
Ms. Sharp said the executive budget development
process is not yet complete so potential state
government efficiencies and options for use of funding
in the permanent oil tax trust fund have not yet been
identified. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Representative Carlson asked for OMB's estimate
of cost-to-continue items of state agencies.
Ms. Sharp said because each agency is unique, it is
difficult to identify a specific percentage increase for
cost-to-continue items that would be applicable to all
agencies.
Representative Skarphol suggested OMB provide
a schedule summarizing major cost components of
agency budgets to assist the Legislative Assembly in
evaluating state agency budgets.
The Legislative Council staff presented a
memorandum entitled Preliminary Outlook - North
Dakota 2009-11 Biennium General Fund Budget. The
Legislative Council staff said the memorandum
provides preliminary information on general fund
ongoing and one-time revenues and expenditures
anticipated for the 2009-11 biennium. The Legislative
Council staff said the memorandum also identifies the
estimated fiscal effect for the 2009-11 biennium on the
general fund if initiated measure No. 1 relating to the
creation of a constitutional permanent oil tax trust fund
and measure No. 2 relating to a reduction of individual
and corporate income tax rates are approved in the
November 2008 general election.
Senator Holmberg said the information included in
the report should be considered only for discussion
purposes and is not an indication of amounts the
Budget and Finance 3 September 23, 2008
2009 Legislative Assembly may approve for the
2009-11 biennium.
Representative Boucher suggested the committee
receive information on major special funds, including
potential funds that may be available for the 2009-11
biennium. Chairman Carlson asked the Legislative
Council staff to provide the committee with information
on amounts that may be available in major special
funds during the 2009-11 biennium.
Mr. Eric Hardmeyer, President, Bank of North
Dakota, provided information regarding potential
amounts that may be available for transfer to the
general fund from the Bank of North Dakota for the
2009-11 biennium. Mr. Hardmeyer said for calendar
year 2007, the net income of the Bank was
$51,086,000 and the Bank's leverage ratio was
7.19 percent. He said the Bank's goal is have a
leverage ratio of at least 8 percent. Mr. Hardmeyer
said the Bank is anticipating future net income as
follows:
2008 $57 million
2009 $55 million
2010 $55 million
2011 $55 million
Mr. Hardmeyer said if the 2009 Legislative
Assembly transfers $60 million of Bank of North
Dakota profits to the general fund during the 2009-11
biennium, this amount would be approximately
55 percent of the Bank's projected earnings during the
biennium. He said continuing to transfer $60 million of
profits per biennium will allow for capital growth of
$50 million to provide for nearly $300 million in capital
and a leverage ratio of nearly 8 percent at the end of
the 2009-11 biennium. A copy of the report is on file
in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. Vance Taylor, General Manager, Mill and
Elevator, provided information regarding potential
amounts that may be available for transfer to the
general fund during the 2009-11 biennium. Mr. Taylor
said from July 1999 through June 2007, the mill
earned profits of $28.9 million, of which $19 million
was transferred to the general fund. For the 2007-09
biennium, he said, the Legislative Assembly has
required a transfer of $5 million from the mill's profits
to the general fund. For fiscal year 2008, he said, the
mill experienced a net loss of $821,000 due to record
high grain prices, volatile basis levels, and futures
market aberrations. He said these negative market
conditions continued to affect profits for the first
quarter of 2009; however, he said, if market conditions
continue to stabilize 2007-09 biennium profits are
anticipated to be at a break-even level. For the
2009-11 biennium, he said, the mill anticipates profits
to return to a more normal level of approximately
$7.2 million, which is the average of the last four
bienniums. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Representative Boucher suggested the Legislative
Assembly consider allowing the Bank of North Dakota
or the Mill and Elevator flexibility in transferring funds
to the general fund based on the state's need for the
funds and unique circumstances affecting the Bank or
the mill.
In response to a question from Representative
Carlson, Mr. Taylor said the Mill and Elevator is
authorized a line of credit at the Bank of North Dakota
of up to $75 million.
In response to a question from Representative
Skarphol, Mr. Taylor said he would provide to the
committee the current estimated value of the Mill and
Elevator.
Ms. Karlene Fine, Executive Director, Industrial
Commission, provided information regarding potential
amounts that may be available for transfer to the
general fund from the student loan trust fund during
the 2009-11 biennium. She said for the period
July 2001 through June 2007, the student loan trust
has transferred $44.4 million to the general fund. In
addition, she said, the 2007 Legislative Assembly
authorized transfers of $523,380 to the State Board of
Higher Education for providing funding for veterinary
students attending Kansas State University. For the
2007-09 biennium, she said, the trust anticipates
income of approximately $3 million compared to a
$2.4 million estimate for the 2009-11 biennium. She
said the reduction is due to the student loan portfolio
declining as students repay their loans. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. Gary Preszler, Commissioner, Land
Department, provided information on potential
amounts that may be available for transfer from the
lands and minerals trust fund to the general fund
during the 2009-11 biennium. He said the lands and
minerals trust fund consists of over 700,000 mineral
acres formerly owned by the Bank of North Dakota
and the State Treasurer and the minerals located
under navigable rivers and lakes. He said the trust
currently receives oil and gas royalties from over
270 producing wells. Oil and gas leases are offered
through auctions each quarter. In addition, he said,
the trust receives royalties and lease bonus payments
from mining of coal, sand, and gravel. He said current
projections indicate that the lands and minerals trust
fund will have a $16.8 million June 30, 2009, balance
and anticipated revenues of over $24 million for the
2009-11 biennium. He said based on these
projections, an estimated $39 million could be
transferred to the general fund during the 2009-11
biennium resulting in a $1 million ending balance for
the fund on June 30, 2011. A copy of the report is on
file in the Legislative Council office.
The committee recessed for lunch at 12:00 noon
and reconvened at 1:00 p.m.
AGENCY BUDGET INFORMATION
Ms. Brenda M. Weisz, Chief Financial Officer,
Department of Human Services, provided information
regarding the status of the department's 2007-09
biennium budget and information on its 2009-11
biennium budget request. She said the only major
program change affecting the department's 2007-09
Budget and Finance 4 September 23, 2008
biennium budget is the increase in eligibility from
140 percent to 150 percent of poverty for the
children's health insurance program effective
October 1, 2008.
Ms. Weisz presented a schedule showing, by
major program, anticipated expenditures compared to
appropriated amounts for the 2007-09 biennium. In
total, she said, the department is anticipating unspent
general fund appropriation authority of $3.3 million for
the 2007-09 biennium.
Ms. Weisz said the 2007 Legislative Assembly
authorized the department to obtain a loan of up to
$3.5 million from the Bank of North Dakota for
providing developmental disabilities services grants.
At the present time, she anticipates the department
will need to obtain a loan of $1 million to provide these
services for the biennium.
Ms. Weisz reported on the status of the Medicaid
management information system computer project.
She said the 2007 Legislative Assembly appropriated
$3.6 million for the project. She said although the
project has experienced delays, she does not
anticipate the project to exceed the appropriated
amount.
Mr. Alex Schweitzer, Superintendent, Department
of Human Services institutions, provided an update on
capital projects of the State Hospital and
Developmental Center. He said the 2007 Legislative
Assembly appropriated $3.1 million from the general
fund for construction of a high security addition to the
GM Building on the campus of the State Hospital to
provide for an expansion of the State Hospital's
secure services program. He said because
admissions to the secure services unit have been less
than anticipated and because bids for the construction
project were $5.2 million, $2.1 million more than
appropriated, the department and OMB are planning
to use the $3.1 million for other capital projects that
were delayed or deferred because of cost increases
or new needs. He said the department is planning to
use the funds for:
New security fence $307,042
16 West building improvements 326,420
Flooring replacement 54,976
Sewer pipe repairs 31,730
Increased costs of the electrical distribution system 1,211,504
Employees Building improvements 675,000
Paint booth 49,500
Architectural and engineering costs 233,427
Total $2,889,599
A copy of the report is on file in the Legislative
Council office.
Representative Delzer asked whether legislative
approval is needed to change the use of these funds.
The Legislative Council staff said staff would review
statutory provisions and report to the Budget Section
chairman before the Budget Section meets on
Thursday, September 25, 2008.
Mr. Dave Krabbenhoft, Department of Corrections
and Rehabilitation, provided information on the status
of the department's 2007-09 biennium budget and on
the department's 2009-11 biennium budget request.
He said for the 2007-09 biennium to date, the number
of male inmates has averaged 1,288, two fewer than
the estimated number of 1,290. For female inmates,
he said, the average number to date is 151, 60 fewer
than the estimate of 211. Because the actual number
of inmates has been less than projected, he said, the
department is currently anticipating a small amount of
unspent general fund appropriation authority for the
2007-09 biennium.
Regarding the 2009-11 biennium budget request,
Mr. Krabbenhoft said the department has not yet
submitted its budget request and has been granted an
extension by OMB until October 15. He said the
department is currently estimating an average of
1,354 male inmates for the 2009-11 biennium, which
is a 5 percent increase over the average inmate
population to date during the 2007-09 biennium. He
said the department is estimating an average of
164 female inmates for the 2009-11 biennium, which
is an 8.6 percent increase over the average number of
female inmates to date during the 2007-09 biennium.
He said for the 2009-11 biennium budget request, the
priorities of the department are to provide adequate
funding for its employees and to obtain funding for
remodeling and expanding the State Penitentiary as
recommended by the Legislative Council's interim
Correctional Facility Review Committee. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Mr. Dale Frink, State Engineer, State Water
Commission, provided information regarding
anticipated uses of additional resources trust fund
revenues available for the 2007-09 biennium and
information on the commission's 2009-11 biennium
budget request. He said the State Water Commission
has not yet completed its 2009-11 biennium budget
request. He said the department anticipates an
unallocated balance in the resources trust fund on
June 30, 2009, of approximately $20 million resulting
in approximately $120 million for new water projects
during the 2009-11 biennium.
Mr. Frink said the State Water Commission has
$87,690,000 of water development trust fund bond
principal outstanding. He said the 2009-11 biennium
bond payments associated with these bonds total
$16,866,625. In addition, he said, the State Water
Commission has $17,291,000 of Southwest Pipeline
Project bonds outstanding requiring 2009-11 biennium
payments of $2,391,375. He said these payments are
made by the Southwest Water Authority from revenue
generated by the Southwest Pipeline Project. He said
the State Water Commission's total outstanding bonds
are $105 million. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Representative Delzer asked that the committee
receive information at its next meeting on the status of
outstanding bonds of the state and options for retiring
the bonds early. Chairman Carlson asked the
Legislative Council staff to arrange for OMB to present
this information to the committee at its next meeting.
Budget and Finance 5 September 23, 2008
Ms. Dorette Kerian, Director of Information and
Technology Systems and Services, North Dakota
University System, provided information on the
Northern Tier Network. She said NDCC Section
15-10-45 provides for the uses of the Northern Tier
Network. She said while provisions of the Century
Code section include the use of the Northern Tier
Network for educational purposes, questions have
arisen as to who may use it and for what purposes.
She said there are significant advantages to the state
of allowing full use of the Northern Tier Network in
support of elementary and secondary and higher
education in North Dakota. She said allowing
expanded use of the Northern Tier Network by the
University System and elementary and secondary
education could reduce bandwidth growth and
traditional Internet-related costs for these entities. A
copy of the report is on file in the Legislative Council
office.
Mr. Kent Blickensderfer, Qwest Corporation,
commented on the use of the Northern Tier Network
by nonuniversity entities. He said during past
legislative sessions, Qwest, along with the North
Dakota Association of Telecommunications
Cooperatives, other telecommunications companies,
the Governor, and the Legislative Assembly, agreed
that the state should not compete in the private
telecommunications business. He expressed concern
that the University System, through the Northern Tier
Network, is requesting changes that will allow a state
entity to compete with private telecommunications
companies. He said NDCC Section 15-10-45, which
restricts the state from competing with private
providers, should not be changed. A copy of the
report is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Senator Grindberg asked the Legislative Council to
provide information on companies that have received
grants or hardware from the Northern Tier Network.
Mr. David Crothers, North Dakota Association of
Telecommunications Cooperatives, commented on
the Northern Tier Network. He said the association
opposes the University System's proposed changes to
NDCC Section 15-10-45 relating to competition with
private industry. He said current statutory provisions
limit the use of the Northern Tier Network by higher
education to research purposes only. He said the
2007 Legislative Assembly provided funding for the
Northern Tier Network but recognized that parameters
must be established to ensure that the state of North
Dakota would not enter the telecommunications
business or become a competitor to private providers.
He said the University System is proposing to remove
these restrictions and allow the Northern Tier Network
to carry information previously provided by private
telecommunications companies. A copy of the report
is on file in the Legislative Council office.
Ms. Cathy Forsch, Director of Operations, Tax
Department, provided information on the department's
"Gentax" computer system, including actual return on
investment compared to estimates made as part of
the original project plan. She said the original
estimates of additional state revenue resulting from
implementation of the "Gentax" computer system were
$2.5 million per year. She said the Tax Department
through June 2008 has realized revenue increases of
$7.7 million resulting from implementation of the
system. A copy of the report is on file in the
Legislative Council office.
Chairman Carlson announced the next committee
meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October
21, 2008, and said the committee will be reviewing
potential total available revenue for the 2009-11
biennium and potential spending levels for the
2009-11 biennium to consider as recommendations to
forward to the Legislative Council.
Representative Skarphol asked whether there are
other cost-of-living indexes that should be reviewed
when considering funding for certain state agencies.
He said the Higher Education Committee has been
informed that a higher education cost adjustment
(HECA) index is more appropriate for calculating costof-
living increases relating to higher education. He
said the HECA index is generally a higher percentage
than the consumer price index.
The committee adjourned subject to the call of the
chair at 3:45 p.m.
_________________________________________
Allen H. Knudson
Legislative Budget Analyst and Auditor
ATTACH:1
Thursday, October 9, 2008
October 10 ----------------------------- North Dakota Petroleum News --- Tom and Anita Seymour's 37th Wedding Anniversary.......
North Dakota Petroleum Council E-News
October 2008
New Members – Thanks to the new Petroleum Council members Aurora Land Services, LLC; Border Resources, Inc.; His Resources Engineering & Management, Inc.; Peak North Dakota, LLC; and XTO Energy. Also, thank you to our new supporting members Ronald Baranko and Wallwork Truck Center.
Upcoming Town Hall Meetings – As part of a Petroleum Council Good Neighbor Program, additional Oil and Gas Town Hall Meetings have been scheduled for November 11 & 12, 2008 in Bowbells, Powers Lake, Parshall, Stanley, and Killdeer. These Town Hall meetings will bring together industry experts, public officials, and the general public in efforts to further develop understanding of the oil industry as well as get a feel for concerns and questions people may have for the oil and gas industry.
The previous Town Hall meetings were an important piece in developing a “Frequently Asked Questions” document that is currently available to the general public. To view this document, see http://www.ndoil.org/images/stories/2008Teacher/faq.pdf.
Research Grant Proposal Deadline is November 1– The Oil and Gas Research Council (OGRC) will be ending this round of grant proposals November 1, 2008. The OGRC has expressed an interest for additional project proposals focused on vertical Bakken fracture mapping and research comparing fracture propants. Research projects of this sort will, hopefully, add to the availability of information on vertical fracture results in the Bakken shale. For more information on submitting a grant for this round, please visit http://www.nd.gov/ndic/ogrp/info/ogrcsubgrant-app.pdf.
Oil and Gas Safety Seminar – The North Dakota Safety Council will host, FREE of charge, the 2008 Oil & Gas Safety Seminar in three different locations in North Dakota. The seminar will be offered in Dickinson on October 20, Williston on October 21, and Minot on October 22. Dale Robinson, the owner of HR Safety Consulting, will be the keynote presenter. Dale has over 28 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and has developed training programs specific for the oil and gas industry that are recognized by the Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Owners, operators, managers, supervisors and safety representatives are encouraged to participate in this seminar. The seminar will help to identify areas of concern and will assist in preventing accidents in the industry by communicating the importance of safe work practice and workplace safety.
The four-hour seminar will focus on:
· Proposed updates to exposure limits and standard work practices.
· Required and recommended safety training for the oil and gas industry.
· Contractor Assessment Program (CAP) requirements.
· OSHA Standards and other governing and guidance applicable to the oil and gas industry.
· Emphasis programs to include hydrogen sulfide, hot work permitting, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, excavations, multi-cultural workforce and substance abuse.
· Fatal facts of the oilfield.
To learn more about the seminars, or to register, visit www.ndsc.org, or contact the North Dakota Safety Council at 701.223.6372 or 800.932.8890.
Lynn Helms Receives Outstanding Public Service Award – The North Dakota Petroleum Council presented their Outstanding Public Service Award to Lynn Helms at the Petroleum Council’s 27th Annual Meeting in Bismarck. The Petroleum Council would like to congratulate and thank Lynn for his tireless efforts in serving the general public, the state of North Dakota, and North Dakota’s oil industry.
Jack Swenson Inducted Into the Petroleum Council Hall of Fame – Jack Swenson was selected as the sixth member of the Petroleum Council’s Hall of Fame. Jack, who served as the Petroleum Council Executive Director from 1963-1972, was officially chosen by the five current Hall of Fame members to become the newest member. Jack has been working in the oil industry since 1963, when he took his first step from radio and television news work to oil industry association work. Jack now lives in northern Minnesota. He is married with four grown children and enjoys writing columns for a local newspaper. To learn more about this award, go to http://www.ndoil.org/content/view/22/50/.
Annual Meeting Has a Great Turnout – The North Dakota Petroleum Council would like to thank the sponsors, presenters, and all who attended for making the Petroleum Council’s 27th Annual Meeting so successful. This year’s Annual Meeting had over 260 registrants for the main events. Registrants enjoyed the Oil PAC Golf Tournament, a luncheon at the Heritage Center, the Oil PAC Sporting Clays Shoot, and excellent presentations. We look forward to seeing all of you next year in Medora, September 1-3, 2009. To view slide show presentations from this year’s conference, see http://www.ndoil.org/content/view/107/105/.
Bakken Frac Water Consumption – Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) is going to conduct an assessment of the water consumption associated with Bakken development. The Petroleum Council is teaming up with EERC to answer growing concerns and rumors surrounding Bakken water consumption.
Interim Energy Committee Approves Bill Drafts Streamlining Permitting – Recently, the Legislative Interim Energy Committee approved a draft bill supported by the Petroleum Council and Empower Commission which exempts construction activities within a previously permitted footprint and exempts any pipelines four inches in diameter or less, or pipelines of less than one mile in length, from the PSC sitting process.
In addition, the Interim Energy Committee also approved the Empower recommendation to remove the 10- year sunset on the extraction tax exemption for tertiary CO2 projects. This would provide a permanent extraction tax exemption for CO2 projects and is intended to ensure a CO2 enhanced oil recovery project continues to be economical and injecting and sequestering CO2 as long as possible.
New Petroleum Council Board Members Elected – Rick Ross, Whiting Oil and Gas, Vice-President of Operations in Denver, was elected Chairman of the North Dakota Petroleum Council Board of Directors. Craig Smith, Fleck, Mather & Strutz, was elected Vice-Chairman, and Jeff Herman, Petro-Hunt, LLC was elected Treasurer/Secretary at the Petroleum Council’s 27th Annual Meeting in Bismarck.
Board members elected to a three-year term include:
David Scharf, Bear Paw
Rick Ross, Whiting Oil & Gas
Lynn Moser, Inland Oil & Gas
Ken Luff, Luff Exploration
Ryan Leininger, S & S Sales 2008
Ryan Kopseng, Missouri River Royalty
Jeff Herman, Petro-Hunt
Rob Johnson, Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline
Larry Dokken, BTA Oil Producers
Wayne Biberdorf, Hess Corp.
Lawrence Bender, Fredrikson & Byron
Lisa Winn, XTO Energy
For more information on any of these issues, or to be removed from the mailing list, contact the North Dakota Petroleum Council at
(701) 223-6380, ndpc@ndoil.org, or see www.ndoil.org.
Marsha Reimnitz
North Dakota Petroleum Council
PO Box 1395
Bismarck ND 58502
701.223.6380
701.222.0006 fax
www.ndoil.org
ndpc@ndoil.org
What is a home without children? Quiet.
October 2008
New Members – Thanks to the new Petroleum Council members Aurora Land Services, LLC; Border Resources, Inc.; His Resources Engineering & Management, Inc.; Peak North Dakota, LLC; and XTO Energy. Also, thank you to our new supporting members Ronald Baranko and Wallwork Truck Center.
Upcoming Town Hall Meetings – As part of a Petroleum Council Good Neighbor Program, additional Oil and Gas Town Hall Meetings have been scheduled for November 11 & 12, 2008 in Bowbells, Powers Lake, Parshall, Stanley, and Killdeer. These Town Hall meetings will bring together industry experts, public officials, and the general public in efforts to further develop understanding of the oil industry as well as get a feel for concerns and questions people may have for the oil and gas industry.
The previous Town Hall meetings were an important piece in developing a “Frequently Asked Questions” document that is currently available to the general public. To view this document, see http://www.ndoil.org/images/stories/2008Teacher/faq.pdf.
Research Grant Proposal Deadline is November 1– The Oil and Gas Research Council (OGRC) will be ending this round of grant proposals November 1, 2008. The OGRC has expressed an interest for additional project proposals focused on vertical Bakken fracture mapping and research comparing fracture propants. Research projects of this sort will, hopefully, add to the availability of information on vertical fracture results in the Bakken shale. For more information on submitting a grant for this round, please visit http://www.nd.gov/ndic/ogrp/info/ogrcsubgrant-app.pdf.
Oil and Gas Safety Seminar – The North Dakota Safety Council will host, FREE of charge, the 2008 Oil & Gas Safety Seminar in three different locations in North Dakota. The seminar will be offered in Dickinson on October 20, Williston on October 21, and Minot on October 22. Dale Robinson, the owner of HR Safety Consulting, will be the keynote presenter. Dale has over 28 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and has developed training programs specific for the oil and gas industry that are recognized by the Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Owners, operators, managers, supervisors and safety representatives are encouraged to participate in this seminar. The seminar will help to identify areas of concern and will assist in preventing accidents in the industry by communicating the importance of safe work practice and workplace safety.
The four-hour seminar will focus on:
· Proposed updates to exposure limits and standard work practices.
· Required and recommended safety training for the oil and gas industry.
· Contractor Assessment Program (CAP) requirements.
· OSHA Standards and other governing and guidance applicable to the oil and gas industry.
· Emphasis programs to include hydrogen sulfide, hot work permitting, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, excavations, multi-cultural workforce and substance abuse.
· Fatal facts of the oilfield.
To learn more about the seminars, or to register, visit www.ndsc.org, or contact the North Dakota Safety Council at 701.223.6372 or 800.932.8890.
Lynn Helms Receives Outstanding Public Service Award – The North Dakota Petroleum Council presented their Outstanding Public Service Award to Lynn Helms at the Petroleum Council’s 27th Annual Meeting in Bismarck. The Petroleum Council would like to congratulate and thank Lynn for his tireless efforts in serving the general public, the state of North Dakota, and North Dakota’s oil industry.
Jack Swenson Inducted Into the Petroleum Council Hall of Fame – Jack Swenson was selected as the sixth member of the Petroleum Council’s Hall of Fame. Jack, who served as the Petroleum Council Executive Director from 1963-1972, was officially chosen by the five current Hall of Fame members to become the newest member. Jack has been working in the oil industry since 1963, when he took his first step from radio and television news work to oil industry association work. Jack now lives in northern Minnesota. He is married with four grown children and enjoys writing columns for a local newspaper. To learn more about this award, go to http://www.ndoil.org/content/view/22/50/.
Annual Meeting Has a Great Turnout – The North Dakota Petroleum Council would like to thank the sponsors, presenters, and all who attended for making the Petroleum Council’s 27th Annual Meeting so successful. This year’s Annual Meeting had over 260 registrants for the main events. Registrants enjoyed the Oil PAC Golf Tournament, a luncheon at the Heritage Center, the Oil PAC Sporting Clays Shoot, and excellent presentations. We look forward to seeing all of you next year in Medora, September 1-3, 2009. To view slide show presentations from this year’s conference, see http://www.ndoil.org/content/view/107/105/.
Bakken Frac Water Consumption – Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) is going to conduct an assessment of the water consumption associated with Bakken development. The Petroleum Council is teaming up with EERC to answer growing concerns and rumors surrounding Bakken water consumption.
Interim Energy Committee Approves Bill Drafts Streamlining Permitting – Recently, the Legislative Interim Energy Committee approved a draft bill supported by the Petroleum Council and Empower Commission which exempts construction activities within a previously permitted footprint and exempts any pipelines four inches in diameter or less, or pipelines of less than one mile in length, from the PSC sitting process.
In addition, the Interim Energy Committee also approved the Empower recommendation to remove the 10- year sunset on the extraction tax exemption for tertiary CO2 projects. This would provide a permanent extraction tax exemption for CO2 projects and is intended to ensure a CO2 enhanced oil recovery project continues to be economical and injecting and sequestering CO2 as long as possible.
New Petroleum Council Board Members Elected – Rick Ross, Whiting Oil and Gas, Vice-President of Operations in Denver, was elected Chairman of the North Dakota Petroleum Council Board of Directors. Craig Smith, Fleck, Mather & Strutz, was elected Vice-Chairman, and Jeff Herman, Petro-Hunt, LLC was elected Treasurer/Secretary at the Petroleum Council’s 27th Annual Meeting in Bismarck.
Board members elected to a three-year term include:
David Scharf, Bear Paw
Rick Ross, Whiting Oil & Gas
Lynn Moser, Inland Oil & Gas
Ken Luff, Luff Exploration
Ryan Leininger, S & S Sales 2008
Ryan Kopseng, Missouri River Royalty
Jeff Herman, Petro-Hunt
Rob Johnson, Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline
Larry Dokken, BTA Oil Producers
Wayne Biberdorf, Hess Corp.
Lawrence Bender, Fredrikson & Byron
Lisa Winn, XTO Energy
For more information on any of these issues, or to be removed from the mailing list, contact the North Dakota Petroleum Council at
(701) 223-6380, ndpc@ndoil.org, or see www.ndoil.org.
Marsha Reimnitz
North Dakota Petroleum Council
PO Box 1395
Bismarck ND 58502
701.223.6380
701.222.0006 fax
www.ndoil.org
ndpc@ndoil.org
What is a home without children? Quiet.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Thursday - October 9, 2008 -- Governor Hoeven Announces Pre-School and Child Care Grants in North Dakota
Hoeven proposes preschool aid, child care grants
By DALE WETZEL
Associated Press Writer
Gov. John Hoeven says he will ask the Legislature for $10 million in state aid for preschools, along with money for new child-care facilities and mandatory background checks for their employees.
The proposals are part of a $32 million plan laid out by the Republican governor Tuesday. It is intended to bolster state services for young children and the elderly. Hoeven said he intends to include them in his budget recommendations to the Legislature in December.
Hoeven and his Democratic challenger, Fargo state Sen. Tim Mathern, competed for public attention Tuesday on human services issues, with Mathern rolling out proposals to aid hospitals and broaden the availability of health insurance.
The state Commission on Education Improvement, which Hoeven appointed in January 2006, is considering proposals for state financing of preschool programs for poor children.
The step follows the Legislature's decision last year to provide aid for schools' full-day kindergarten classes.
Hoeven said Tuesday he has set aside $10 million in his proposed budget for preschool spending, which he said should increase youngsters' ability to learn while saving on their parents' child-care bills.
He also will propose earmarking $3.5 million for grants to build or expand child-care centers. Local North Dakota organizations that want a share of the money must contribute at least 25 percent of the grant amount, the governor said.
"It can be used to help start up a new day care. It can be used to help expand existing day care. It can be used to help sustain and stabilize existing day cares and make sure that the community needs are met," Hoeven said.
Another $1.5 million will be set aside to pay for mandatory background checks for child-care providers. Hoeven said he is working with Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem to draft legislation.
Megan Smith, of Bismarck, said at Hoeven's news conference that she supports his child care initiatives. She has a son who is almost 3 years old and is expecting her second child in less than three weeks.
"Access to quality child care is a huge issue, because I can tell you that I wouldn't be contributing to North Dakota's work force if there wasn't quality child care out there for my children," Smith said.
Mathern said he has backed state support of child care in the Legislature, and said Hoeven's proposal did nothing to lower its cost. He said he has favored a state income tax credit for child care expenses.
"It doesn't matter if child care is available if working parents can't afford it," he said.
Separately, Hoeven said he would push improvements to the state's Medicaid program, including an increase in the number of hours an aide may spend helping a client prepare meals, clean his or her home and helping with other daily activities.
The amount of money Medicaid recipients may have for personal needs should increase as well, Hoeven said. For a single person, the sum would rise from $500 to $720 monthly.
His proposals "will give seniors more choice and help them stay in their homes longer," Hoeven said. "This really builds on the home-based care that we have available now, and takes it, significantly, to another level."
Hoeven said he also will propose increasing personal allowances for developmentally disabled and Social Security supplemental income recipients who live in group homes and nursing homes.
This is only the beginning of a long legislative journey these concepts must travel. It will take everyone in the Early Child Development community to nurture these ideas to fruition. Take action. Become engaged in the process and join NDAEYC, NDHSA, CCR&R, ND Children’s Caucus and other advocacy groups as we move these ideas forward.
Barb Arnold-Tengesdal
University of Mary
Early Childhood Education
7500 University Dr.
Bismarck, ND 58503
701-355-8332
barbt@umary.edu
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Wednesday, October 8 ----- 6 States Determine Election
National Popular Vote
October 7, 2008
Only 6 States Matter in 2008 Presidential Election
Despite the fact that Americans are watching the presidential debates
in record numbers, only about six closely divided battleground states
matter in the 2008 presidential election.
This harsh political reality became clear last week when McCain's
Michigan state director Al Ribeiro explained McCain's abrupt cessation
of campaigning in Michigan:
"The campaign must decide where it can best utilize its limited
resources with the goal of winning nationally."
Although Michigan is seemingly important (with 8 million people and 17
electoral votes) and was receiving an enormous amount of attention
from presidential candidates until last week, presidential candidates
simply have no reason to poll, visit, advertise, organize, or pay
attention to the concerns of states where they are comfortably ahead
or hopelessly behind. As Emmet County Republican Chairman Jack
Waldvogel said:
"We feel abandoned, we are disappointed, and we are heartsick
to know that we aren't important enough for him to fight for."
Of course, 36 of the 50 states never mattered in the 2008 presidential
election. Michigan just discovered the harsh political reality a
little later than the 36 other states. As early as spring 2008, the
New York Times reported (May 11, 2008) that both major political
parties were in agreement that there would be at most 14 battleground
states in 2008 (involving only 166 of the 538 electoral votes).
In 2004, candidates concentrated over two-thirds of their money and
campaign visits in just five states; over 80% in nine states; and over
99% of their money in 16 states. The 2008 presidential campaign is
now centered on six closely divided battleground states: Ohio,
Florida, Virginia, Colorado, Nevada, and New Hampshire.
The reason that three-quarters of the states don't matter in
presidential elections stems from the winner-take-all rule. The
winner-take-all rule awards all of a state's electoral votes to the
candidate who receives the most popular votes in each state. The
winner-take-all rule is not in the U.S. Constitution, but simply state
law.
The way to fix our broken system of electing the President is to
change state law. The National Popular Vote bill would guarantee the
Presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes in all
50 states (and the District of Columbia). Under the National Popular
Vote bill, there would be no red states, no blue states, and no
battleground states. Every person's vote, in every state, would be
equally important throughout the United States. Every vote would be
equal, and every vote would matter.
The National Popular Vote bill would take effect only when enacted by
states possessing a majority of the electoral votes — that is, enough
electoral votes to elect a President in the Electoral College (270 of
538). When the bill is in effect, all the electoral votes from the
states that enacted the bill would be awarded, as a bloc, to the
presidential candidate who receives the most popular votes in all 50
states (and the District of Columbia).
The National Popular Vote bill has already been enacted by states
possessing 50 electoral votes. This is almost 20% of the 270 electoral
votes necessary to bring the law into effect. The four states are
Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, and New Jersey. The bill has passed 21
state legislative chambers, including one house in Arkansas, Colorado,
Maine, North Carolina, and Washington, and both houses in California,
Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
and Vermont. The bill is currently endorsed by 1,181 state
legislators — 439 sponsors (in 47 states) and an additional 742
legislators who have cast recorded votes in favor of the bill.
The U.S. Constitution gives the states exclusive and plenary control
over the manner of awarding of their electoral votes. The
winner-take-all rule was not the Founder's choice (having been used by
only three states in the nation's first presidential election). Maine
and Nebraska currently award electoral votes by district — a reminder
that a federal constitutional amendment is not required to change the
way the President is elected.
The National Popular Vote bill has been endorsed by the New York
Times, Chicago Sun-Times, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Los Angeles Times,
Boston Globe, Hartford Courant, and Sacramento Bee, Common Cause and
Fair Vote.
A recent Washington Post, Kaiser Family Foundation, and Harvard
University poll shows 72% of Americans support nationwide election of
the President. Recent polls in individual states show a similar high
level of support: Vermont (75%), Maine (71%), Rhode Island (74%),
Arkansas (74%), California (69%), Connecticut (73%), Massachusetts
(73%), Michigan (70%), and Missouri (70%).
The National Advisory Board of National Popular Vote includes former
congressmen John Anderson (R–Illinois and later independent
presidential candidate), John Buchanan (R–Alabama), Tom Campbell
(R–California), and Tom Downey (D–New York), and former Senators Birch
Bayh (D–Indiana), David Durenberger (R–Minnesota), and Jake Garn
(R–Utah).
Additional information is available in the book Every Vote Equal: A
State-Based Plan for Electing the President by National Popular Vote
(available on-line at our web site or from Amazon).
______________________________________________________________________
If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply to this
message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or simply click on the
following link:
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National Popular Vote
990 Villa Street—Suite 213
Mountain View, California 94041
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October 7, 2008
Only 6 States Matter in 2008 Presidential Election
Despite the fact that Americans are watching the presidential debates
in record numbers, only about six closely divided battleground states
matter in the 2008 presidential election.
This harsh political reality became clear last week when McCain's
Michigan state director Al Ribeiro explained McCain's abrupt cessation
of campaigning in Michigan:
"The campaign must decide where it can best utilize its limited
resources with the goal of winning nationally."
Although Michigan is seemingly important (with 8 million people and 17
electoral votes) and was receiving an enormous amount of attention
from presidential candidates until last week, presidential candidates
simply have no reason to poll, visit, advertise, organize, or pay
attention to the concerns of states where they are comfortably ahead
or hopelessly behind. As Emmet County Republican Chairman Jack
Waldvogel said:
"We feel abandoned, we are disappointed, and we are heartsick
to know that we aren't important enough for him to fight for."
Of course, 36 of the 50 states never mattered in the 2008 presidential
election. Michigan just discovered the harsh political reality a
little later than the 36 other states. As early as spring 2008, the
New York Times reported (May 11, 2008) that both major political
parties were in agreement that there would be at most 14 battleground
states in 2008 (involving only 166 of the 538 electoral votes).
In 2004, candidates concentrated over two-thirds of their money and
campaign visits in just five states; over 80% in nine states; and over
99% of their money in 16 states. The 2008 presidential campaign is
now centered on six closely divided battleground states: Ohio,
Florida, Virginia, Colorado, Nevada, and New Hampshire.
The reason that three-quarters of the states don't matter in
presidential elections stems from the winner-take-all rule. The
winner-take-all rule awards all of a state's electoral votes to the
candidate who receives the most popular votes in each state. The
winner-take-all rule is not in the U.S. Constitution, but simply state
law.
The way to fix our broken system of electing the President is to
change state law. The National Popular Vote bill would guarantee the
Presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes in all
50 states (and the District of Columbia). Under the National Popular
Vote bill, there would be no red states, no blue states, and no
battleground states. Every person's vote, in every state, would be
equally important throughout the United States. Every vote would be
equal, and every vote would matter.
The National Popular Vote bill would take effect only when enacted by
states possessing a majority of the electoral votes — that is, enough
electoral votes to elect a President in the Electoral College (270 of
538). When the bill is in effect, all the electoral votes from the
states that enacted the bill would be awarded, as a bloc, to the
presidential candidate who receives the most popular votes in all 50
states (and the District of Columbia).
The National Popular Vote bill has already been enacted by states
possessing 50 electoral votes. This is almost 20% of the 270 electoral
votes necessary to bring the law into effect. The four states are
Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, and New Jersey. The bill has passed 21
state legislative chambers, including one house in Arkansas, Colorado,
Maine, North Carolina, and Washington, and both houses in California,
Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
and Vermont. The bill is currently endorsed by 1,181 state
legislators — 439 sponsors (in 47 states) and an additional 742
legislators who have cast recorded votes in favor of the bill.
The U.S. Constitution gives the states exclusive and plenary control
over the manner of awarding of their electoral votes. The
winner-take-all rule was not the Founder's choice (having been used by
only three states in the nation's first presidential election). Maine
and Nebraska currently award electoral votes by district — a reminder
that a federal constitutional amendment is not required to change the
way the President is elected.
The National Popular Vote bill has been endorsed by the New York
Times, Chicago Sun-Times, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Los Angeles Times,
Boston Globe, Hartford Courant, and Sacramento Bee, Common Cause and
Fair Vote.
A recent Washington Post, Kaiser Family Foundation, and Harvard
University poll shows 72% of Americans support nationwide election of
the President. Recent polls in individual states show a similar high
level of support: Vermont (75%), Maine (71%), Rhode Island (74%),
Arkansas (74%), California (69%), Connecticut (73%), Massachusetts
(73%), Michigan (70%), and Missouri (70%).
The National Advisory Board of National Popular Vote includes former
congressmen John Anderson (R–Illinois and later independent
presidential candidate), John Buchanan (R–Alabama), Tom Campbell
(R–California), and Tom Downey (D–New York), and former Senators Birch
Bayh (D–Indiana), David Durenberger (R–Minnesota), and Jake Garn
(R–Utah).
Additional information is available in the book Every Vote Equal: A
State-Based Plan for Electing the President by National Popular Vote
(available on-line at our web site or from Amazon).
______________________________________________________________________
If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply to this
message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or simply click on the
following link:
http://cts.vresp.com/u?c55ce14d87/e6a4c27e1b/c993afd
______________________________________________________________________
This message was sent by National Popular Vote using VerticalResponse
National Popular Vote
990 Villa Street—Suite 213
Mountain View, California 94041
Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy:
http://www.verticalresponse.com/content/pm_policy.html
Monday, October 6, 2008
Tuesday -- October 7, 2008 ---Effective Budget Tatics for Agency Budget Officials by Arvy Smith
Effective Budget Tactics
for
Agency Budget Officials
by Arvy Smith
May 13, 2008
Table of Contents
Section Page
Introduction 2
Literature Review 3
Methods 7
Results and Discussion
Importance to Legislators 10
Rankings and Scores by Respondent Types 15
Comparison of Importance to Legislators and Agency Impact 27
Narrative Comments 31
Conclusion 32
References 35
Appendix
Cover Letter and Survey Document - Legislators 2
Cover Letter and Survey Document - Analysts 5
Cover Letter and Survey Document - Budget Officials 8
Acknowledgements
I would especially like to thank Dr. Jason Jensen, Ph.D., MPA Director, UND Department of Political Science and Public Administration who provided guidance in strategy and statistical analysis and reviewed the report. I would also like to thank Sheila Peterson, Director of Finance, North Dakota Office of Management and Budget, Allen Knudson, North Dakota Legislative Council, Representative Al Carlson, and Representative Bob Skarphol who piloted the survey tool and provided guidance to its contents.Introduction
Every two years North Dakota state agency directors, accountants and program managers shift their focus from their routine duties to the important process of budget strategy and preparation. Agency personnel, governor and legislator’s analysts and special interest groups spend many hours developing, discussing and reviewing budget requests and detailed data, supporting proposals for consideration by the state legislature. Despite their efforts, often times the legislature approves funding for programs that state agency officials never requested or even envisioned, the governor never considered or was made aware of, and powerful interest groups and lobbyists did not represent. What then impacted legislators to approve these proposals? This study seeks to identify the factors that are most important to legislators in approving budget proposals and which of these factors agency personnel can impact.
There are many important budget issues that the governor and the legislature consider and address each biennial legislative session in North Dakota. Constituents and interest groups are organizing now more than ever to get their budget issues addressed. These are often powerful actors that can be a part of agency budget success. But often, even one constituent can make a difference. For instance the 2005 Legislative Assembly passed smoke-free workplace legislation when interest groups mobilized and a 7-year old asthmatic boy testified about how unfair it is that he could not go to the bowling alley because of the effect second hand smoke has on him. An appropriation of $150,000 was passed by the 2005 Legislature because of efforts by one family impacted by a disease known as Russel Silver Syndrome. And in the 2007 session, one woman, whose child had died of a heart attack in high school, succeeded in getting funding for automated external defibrillators in schools. But should it have to take a personal crisis in someone’s life to make appropriate change? How can agency budget officials bring the most appropriate and meaningful information to legislators for consideration?
Studies note that the economy, the budget process itself, and the relationships between the governor and the legislature all have great impact on whether budget proposals are favorably considered by the legislature.[1] State agency personnel have little or no control over these factors. Identifying the factors that are most important to legislators in approving budget proposals and which of these factors agency personnel can impact most will lead to identification of effective strategies that agency budget officials can use to get favorable consideration of their budget proposals. Training of public administration students and practitioners on this topic will not only help them perform a very important part of their job, ensuring that they have adequate resources to accomplish their mission, but will result in better government as well.
Using the results of a survey of legislators, legislative fiscal analysts, Office of Management and Budget analysts and agency budget officials I conducted, I will identify those factors that are most important to legislators in approving budget proposals and those that agency personnel can impact most. I will determine the most important factors to each group of respondents, determine if there are significant differences between the groups, and analyze reasons for any differences. I will then compare the importance of factors to legislators with the amount of impact budget officials feel they can have on each factor to determine the level of agency impact on the most important factors to legislators.
Literature Review
Published literature regarding effective budget techniques is limited. In Stillman II’s “Public Administration” she indicates that budget decisions are greatly impacted by the variety of different actors (agency officials, legislative and executive analysts, interest groups, individuals and courts), as well as the budget process itself and the economic environment. The budget actors must consider the budget process and environment and their most effective strategies are to document need and the ability to save money[2]. The most pertinent work was done by Irene S. Rubin in 2006. In her book “The Politics of Public Budgeting” Rubin provides further detail on agencies’ strategies including ways to make agency requests more urgent or necessary than other requests, tactics to make requests seem cheap or cost effective, linking proposals to priorities of powerful players or legislators themselves, and finally tactics to lessen the competition for funding[3]. This work provides detailed guidance to agency budget officials to get budget proposals passed. However, I could find no evidence that she referenced any studies asking legislators what they consider as important when reviewing budget proposals.
Additional work was done by Sydney Duncombe and Richard Kinney in 1987 when they interviewed 100 officials from five western states[4]. The study used both qualitative and quantitative techniques to determine how agency officials, executive budget analysts and legislative analysts define agency budget success. Findings indicated that respondents thought that obtaining sufficient funds to meet agency needs and maintain agency programs, maintaining good relationships with legislative and executive budget staff, gaining flexibility in using funds, and good budget implementation were the most important indicators of success. The appropriation amount compared to the previous budget or the budget request were not the most important indicators as suggested in earlier studies. Economic and fiscal conditions have a great impact on how agencies approach the budget process and define success.
Based on my background as an executive budget analyst for 12 years and an agency budget official for six years, Duncombe and Kinney’s findings are consistent with what I’ve experienced over the past 18 years. This research does not, however, address successful techniques agency officials can use to achieve budget success; it focuses on how budget success is defined. It was also admittedly conducted during tougher state economic conditions which are speculated to have an impact on how successful agencies can be.
Although there are limits in agency officials’ ability to lobby, I find many of the suggestions in Wolpe and Levine’s “Lobbying Congress” relevant to state agency budget success. Their five commandments for lobbyists – tell the truth, never promise more than you can deliver, know how to listen, work with staff, and don’t spring any surprises – can certainly apply to bureaucrats’ work with the executive office and legislators in getting their budget proposals approved[5]. Most of the fundamentals of lobbying presented can also be applied to state agency strategies for budget success. But again it does not ask the individuals that make the final decisions – the legislators themselves – regarding which factors are most important to get a proposal passed in the legislature
In “Memos to the Governor”, Second Edition (2004), Dall W. Forsythe advises governors that there are four things that consistently affect budget dynamics – the economy, the extent of changes proposed, incentives for cooperation or competition among leaders, and the political calendar or timing of elections of the involved players. Forsythe’s advice to governors is that there are no “iron laws” but only rules of thumb when it comes to state budgeting[6]. His perspectives are general and do not relate to effective methods agencies can use to get budget proposals passed.
In 1968 Ira Sharkansky looked at 592 major agency budgets for one budget period in 19 different states between 1963 and 1969. He used the percentage of the agency’s request for the upcoming budget period appropriated by the legislature and the percentage of current expenditures appropriated by the legislature for the upcoming period as measures of budget success. Sharkansky concluded that the Governor was more powerful than the legislature on budget matters and considered the Governor’s potential tenure in office, Governor’s veto powers, party competition, the number of elected state executive officials, and several other factors to contribute to gubernatorial power. Sharkansky also finds that the Governor’s support appears to be a critical ingredient in budget success of individual agencies and that the more agencies request the more they receive. Finally he notes that various economic factors also affect the Governor’s recommendations and legislative action on budgets[7]. This study looked at only one period for each state and did not consider the respective parties of the Governor and each house in the Legislature. In addition although it looked at several agencies in each state, the study was conducted at a total state budget level in which case one agency’s large increase could be offset by several medium sized agency decreases. It also did not look at funding sources, the availability of those resources, changes in the budget process and state requirements for a balanced budget.
In 1987 Joel A. Thompson replicated Sharkansky’s work and assessed the impact of recent executive and legislative reform efforts, the changing intergovernmental environment, and the impact of various funding sources. Thompson specifically noted that state governments’ professionalism has increased. Thompson also noted that his period of study was a period of higher inflation than Sharkansky’s. With greater revenues available and greater inflation, agencies are likely to be more acquisitive (ask for more) and were also more likely to receive more. He indicated that increments from the base, not the size of the base are more important for decision-makers and that there was a significant decline in gubernatorial influence in budget proposals[8]. Factors included in my survey include agency professionalism and gubernatorial influence. My survey was conducted during a period of state revenue surpluses, similar to the period of Sharkansky’s study. This factor must be considered in determining generalizability of study findings.
Early literature focused on the competing powers of the governor and the legislature, measured budget success by comparing the appropriation to the previous period’s budget and the requested budget, and suggested that the more an agency asks for, the more they will get. More recent literature considers other measures of agency budget success and factors that impact legislative and gubernatorial budget decisions by surveying legislative and executive fiscal analysts. Additional literature provides fundamentals for lobbying Congress, some of which may apply to state agency budget efforts. But nowhere in the published literature were legislators themselves asked about the factors that affect their decisions to approve budget proposals. This study uses the information from this literature review, as well as my own experience, to develop a survey of legislators, fiscal analysts and agency budget officials and determine the most important factors to legislators in approving budget proposals.
Methods
In order to understand this study, it is important for the reader to understand the budget process in North Dakota. The executive branch, through the governor and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), is responsible for developing the budget process and submitting the governor’s budget plan to the North Dakota legislature. Legislators, by law, spend up to 80 days reviewing the governor’s proposal, as well as many other budget proposals included in bills submitted to the legislative assembly. Approval of final budget appropriations for state agencies often occurs in the final hours of the last legislative day. In North Dakota, the budget must be balanced, meaning that although they are able to incur debt for long term assets, they cannot approve a budget that ends with a negative general fund balance.
Budget guidelines are provided to state agency budget officials in April of each even numbered year and, unless an extension is approved, budgets are to be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget by July 15 of that year. After nine months of budget preparation and OMB fiscal analyst review and analysis for inclusion in the governor’s budget plan, agency budget officials present their budget proposals to the North Dakota Legislative Assembly.
I approached the research question by developing and administering a survey to a sample of North Dakota legislators, analysts and agency budget officials. Based on my review of available literature, my discussions with key budget players, and my own twelve years of experience as an executive budget analyst with the Office of Management and Budget and six years as an agency budget official, I identified 27 factors potentially influencing legislative budget decisions. Survey participants were asked to rate the importance of each factor to legislators in approving budget proposals, on a Likert scale from 1 to 6, based on the respondents’ own observations and experiences. In addition, agency budget officials were asked to rate each of these 27 factors as to agency budget officials’ ability to impact or control these factors. These 27 factors are the variables used for this study. Refer to the Appendix for copies of the survey containing the 27 factors or variables and cover letters sent to each of the three types of respondents – legislators, analysts, and agency budget officials.
In completing the survey, respondents were to assume that North Dakota was not experiencing a budget shortfall and that the overall state budget would tolerate a moderate (5% per year) general fund increase in expenditures. The survey was conducted in March and April of 2008. My intent was to include a full population of factors in the survey, including those that I thought were more important and less important to legislators, and those that agency budget officials have both more control over and less control over. This allowed me to compare responses and gauge the reliability of the information I received from the survey.
The survey was sent to all North Dakota legislators that have served on appropriations committees during the last three legislative sessions. In addition it was sent to legislative fiscal and executive budget analysts, and to agency budget officials that have served in their position within the last three legislative sessions. Legislators were limited to those serving on appropriations committees because these committees make recommendations to the full legislative body regarding passage of appropriations bills and, for the most part, their recommendations are generally accepted by their respective chamber. The Legislative Council employs around five full time legislative fiscal analysts who provide information to legislators regarding agency budgets and all appropriations bills. The Office of Management and Budget employs around five full time executive budget analysts to analyze agency budget proposals and appropriations bills and make recommendations to the governor. Agency budget officials are defined as the person in the state agency who is most responsible for the budget strategy for the agency. In smaller agencies this may be the agency director; in others it could be the deputy or assistant director, the chief financial officer or a separate legislative liaison that approves all budget testimony of the agency.
I had anticipated that survey response rates could be an issue, particularly for legislators, for a variety of reasons, including politics. This is why I developed the survey process in a way that it provided total anonymity to respondents. I also piloted the survey with two legislators, a legislative fiscal analyst, and a budget analyst, which addressed any concerns they had. Finally, I obtained support for the survey from the chair of the Legislative Council interim committee and was able to indicate that support in the cover letter for the survey of legislators. As a result I obtained a good overall response rate of 64% (77 of 121 surveyed). I received a good response rate of 59% (29 out of 49 surveyed) from legislators and in fact, received positive feedback from a number of legislators who responded to the survey. In only two cases did a legislator fail to indicate political party affiliation. My response rate for other respondents was good as well, with 67% of analysts responding (8 out of 12 surveyed) and 67% of agency budget officials (40 of 60 surveyed) responding.
The purpose of this study was to identify 1) the factors that are most important to legislators in approving budget proposals and 2) which of these factors agency personnel can impact the most. In the survey, legislators were asked to identify how important each of the 27 factors is to them in approving budget proposals. In addition, analysts and state agency budget officials were asked to identify how important they think each of the 27 factors are to legislators in approving budget proposals. Finally state agency budget officials were asked to indicate how much impact they feel they can have on the 27 factors. The budget officials were also asked to provide any additional comments regarding effective budget tactics.
This study used descriptive statistics to analyze and rank the mean and standard deviation of each of the 27 factors both as to legislative importance and agency impact. ANOVA or Analysis of Variance was used to evaluate whether there were differences in how important subsets of the respondents think each factor is to legislators. Subsets of respondents included legislators, analysts, and budget officials. Legislators were further stratified to House legislators, Senate legislators, Republican legislators and Democratic legislators. In addition I presented descriptive statistics comparing the mean of these 27 factors of legislative importance by respondent type to the mean of agency impact on these 27 factors to determine if there was consistency between legislative importance and the ability of an agency to have an impact.
Results and Discussion
Importance to Legislators
The mean and standard deviation of the 27 factors of importance to legislators are presented in Table 1. Each respondent type is presented – legislators, analysts, and agency budget officials. They are presented in order of rank by total respondents with the rank number for each respondent type also presented.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Notes: The Total column contains the mean for the aggregate ranking of the three respondent types based on a Likert scale from 1 to 6. The value of n varied for each factor and respondent type as “Don’t Know” was allowed as a response and was eliminated from the sample. For Total n varied from 62 to 77; for Legislators n was 28 to 29; for Analysts n was from 6 to 8 with only one factor rated < n =" 29;" n =" 9;" n =" 18;" n =" 18;" n =" 9." n =" 29;" n =" 9;" n =" 18;" n =" 18;" n =" 9." title="" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5860132984087433256#_ednref1" name="_edn1">[1] Rubin Irene S., 2006. The Politics of Public Budgeting. Fifth Edition. CQ Press.
[2] Stillman II, Richard J., 2005. Public Administration Concepts and Cases, Eighth Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company.
[3] Rubin, Irene S., 2006. The Politics of Public Budgeting. Fifth Edition. CQ Press.
[4] Duncombe, Sydney and Kinney, Richard. Spring 1987. Agency Budget Success: How it is Defined by Budget Officials in Five Western States. Public Budgeting & Finance.
[5] Wolpe, Bruce C. and Levine, Bertram J. 1996. Lobbying Congress. Second Edition. Congressional Quarterly, Inc.
[6] Forsythe, Dall W., 2004. Memos to the Governor. Second Edition. Georgetown University Press.
[7] Sharkansky, Ira. 1968. Agency Requests, Gubernatorial Support and Budget Success in State Legislatures. The American Political Science Review, Vol. 62, No. 4, Dec 1968.
[8] Thompson, Joel A.1987. Agency Requests, Gubernatorial Support, and Budget Success in State Legislatures Revisited.
The Journal of Politics, Vol. 49, No. 3 Aug 1987.
for
Agency Budget Officials
by Arvy Smith
May 13, 2008
Table of Contents
Section Page
Introduction 2
Literature Review 3
Methods 7
Results and Discussion
Importance to Legislators 10
Rankings and Scores by Respondent Types 15
Comparison of Importance to Legislators and Agency Impact 27
Narrative Comments 31
Conclusion 32
References 35
Appendix
Cover Letter and Survey Document - Legislators 2
Cover Letter and Survey Document - Analysts 5
Cover Letter and Survey Document - Budget Officials 8
Acknowledgements
I would especially like to thank Dr. Jason Jensen, Ph.D., MPA Director, UND Department of Political Science and Public Administration who provided guidance in strategy and statistical analysis and reviewed the report. I would also like to thank Sheila Peterson, Director of Finance, North Dakota Office of Management and Budget, Allen Knudson, North Dakota Legislative Council, Representative Al Carlson, and Representative Bob Skarphol who piloted the survey tool and provided guidance to its contents.Introduction
Every two years North Dakota state agency directors, accountants and program managers shift their focus from their routine duties to the important process of budget strategy and preparation. Agency personnel, governor and legislator’s analysts and special interest groups spend many hours developing, discussing and reviewing budget requests and detailed data, supporting proposals for consideration by the state legislature. Despite their efforts, often times the legislature approves funding for programs that state agency officials never requested or even envisioned, the governor never considered or was made aware of, and powerful interest groups and lobbyists did not represent. What then impacted legislators to approve these proposals? This study seeks to identify the factors that are most important to legislators in approving budget proposals and which of these factors agency personnel can impact.
There are many important budget issues that the governor and the legislature consider and address each biennial legislative session in North Dakota. Constituents and interest groups are organizing now more than ever to get their budget issues addressed. These are often powerful actors that can be a part of agency budget success. But often, even one constituent can make a difference. For instance the 2005 Legislative Assembly passed smoke-free workplace legislation when interest groups mobilized and a 7-year old asthmatic boy testified about how unfair it is that he could not go to the bowling alley because of the effect second hand smoke has on him. An appropriation of $150,000 was passed by the 2005 Legislature because of efforts by one family impacted by a disease known as Russel Silver Syndrome. And in the 2007 session, one woman, whose child had died of a heart attack in high school, succeeded in getting funding for automated external defibrillators in schools. But should it have to take a personal crisis in someone’s life to make appropriate change? How can agency budget officials bring the most appropriate and meaningful information to legislators for consideration?
Studies note that the economy, the budget process itself, and the relationships between the governor and the legislature all have great impact on whether budget proposals are favorably considered by the legislature.[1] State agency personnel have little or no control over these factors. Identifying the factors that are most important to legislators in approving budget proposals and which of these factors agency personnel can impact most will lead to identification of effective strategies that agency budget officials can use to get favorable consideration of their budget proposals. Training of public administration students and practitioners on this topic will not only help them perform a very important part of their job, ensuring that they have adequate resources to accomplish their mission, but will result in better government as well.
Using the results of a survey of legislators, legislative fiscal analysts, Office of Management and Budget analysts and agency budget officials I conducted, I will identify those factors that are most important to legislators in approving budget proposals and those that agency personnel can impact most. I will determine the most important factors to each group of respondents, determine if there are significant differences between the groups, and analyze reasons for any differences. I will then compare the importance of factors to legislators with the amount of impact budget officials feel they can have on each factor to determine the level of agency impact on the most important factors to legislators.
Literature Review
Published literature regarding effective budget techniques is limited. In Stillman II’s “Public Administration” she indicates that budget decisions are greatly impacted by the variety of different actors (agency officials, legislative and executive analysts, interest groups, individuals and courts), as well as the budget process itself and the economic environment. The budget actors must consider the budget process and environment and their most effective strategies are to document need and the ability to save money[2]. The most pertinent work was done by Irene S. Rubin in 2006. In her book “The Politics of Public Budgeting” Rubin provides further detail on agencies’ strategies including ways to make agency requests more urgent or necessary than other requests, tactics to make requests seem cheap or cost effective, linking proposals to priorities of powerful players or legislators themselves, and finally tactics to lessen the competition for funding[3]. This work provides detailed guidance to agency budget officials to get budget proposals passed. However, I could find no evidence that she referenced any studies asking legislators what they consider as important when reviewing budget proposals.
Additional work was done by Sydney Duncombe and Richard Kinney in 1987 when they interviewed 100 officials from five western states[4]. The study used both qualitative and quantitative techniques to determine how agency officials, executive budget analysts and legislative analysts define agency budget success. Findings indicated that respondents thought that obtaining sufficient funds to meet agency needs and maintain agency programs, maintaining good relationships with legislative and executive budget staff, gaining flexibility in using funds, and good budget implementation were the most important indicators of success. The appropriation amount compared to the previous budget or the budget request were not the most important indicators as suggested in earlier studies. Economic and fiscal conditions have a great impact on how agencies approach the budget process and define success.
Based on my background as an executive budget analyst for 12 years and an agency budget official for six years, Duncombe and Kinney’s findings are consistent with what I’ve experienced over the past 18 years. This research does not, however, address successful techniques agency officials can use to achieve budget success; it focuses on how budget success is defined. It was also admittedly conducted during tougher state economic conditions which are speculated to have an impact on how successful agencies can be.
Although there are limits in agency officials’ ability to lobby, I find many of the suggestions in Wolpe and Levine’s “Lobbying Congress” relevant to state agency budget success. Their five commandments for lobbyists – tell the truth, never promise more than you can deliver, know how to listen, work with staff, and don’t spring any surprises – can certainly apply to bureaucrats’ work with the executive office and legislators in getting their budget proposals approved[5]. Most of the fundamentals of lobbying presented can also be applied to state agency strategies for budget success. But again it does not ask the individuals that make the final decisions – the legislators themselves – regarding which factors are most important to get a proposal passed in the legislature
In “Memos to the Governor”, Second Edition (2004), Dall W. Forsythe advises governors that there are four things that consistently affect budget dynamics – the economy, the extent of changes proposed, incentives for cooperation or competition among leaders, and the political calendar or timing of elections of the involved players. Forsythe’s advice to governors is that there are no “iron laws” but only rules of thumb when it comes to state budgeting[6]. His perspectives are general and do not relate to effective methods agencies can use to get budget proposals passed.
In 1968 Ira Sharkansky looked at 592 major agency budgets for one budget period in 19 different states between 1963 and 1969. He used the percentage of the agency’s request for the upcoming budget period appropriated by the legislature and the percentage of current expenditures appropriated by the legislature for the upcoming period as measures of budget success. Sharkansky concluded that the Governor was more powerful than the legislature on budget matters and considered the Governor’s potential tenure in office, Governor’s veto powers, party competition, the number of elected state executive officials, and several other factors to contribute to gubernatorial power. Sharkansky also finds that the Governor’s support appears to be a critical ingredient in budget success of individual agencies and that the more agencies request the more they receive. Finally he notes that various economic factors also affect the Governor’s recommendations and legislative action on budgets[7]. This study looked at only one period for each state and did not consider the respective parties of the Governor and each house in the Legislature. In addition although it looked at several agencies in each state, the study was conducted at a total state budget level in which case one agency’s large increase could be offset by several medium sized agency decreases. It also did not look at funding sources, the availability of those resources, changes in the budget process and state requirements for a balanced budget.
In 1987 Joel A. Thompson replicated Sharkansky’s work and assessed the impact of recent executive and legislative reform efforts, the changing intergovernmental environment, and the impact of various funding sources. Thompson specifically noted that state governments’ professionalism has increased. Thompson also noted that his period of study was a period of higher inflation than Sharkansky’s. With greater revenues available and greater inflation, agencies are likely to be more acquisitive (ask for more) and were also more likely to receive more. He indicated that increments from the base, not the size of the base are more important for decision-makers and that there was a significant decline in gubernatorial influence in budget proposals[8]. Factors included in my survey include agency professionalism and gubernatorial influence. My survey was conducted during a period of state revenue surpluses, similar to the period of Sharkansky’s study. This factor must be considered in determining generalizability of study findings.
Early literature focused on the competing powers of the governor and the legislature, measured budget success by comparing the appropriation to the previous period’s budget and the requested budget, and suggested that the more an agency asks for, the more they will get. More recent literature considers other measures of agency budget success and factors that impact legislative and gubernatorial budget decisions by surveying legislative and executive fiscal analysts. Additional literature provides fundamentals for lobbying Congress, some of which may apply to state agency budget efforts. But nowhere in the published literature were legislators themselves asked about the factors that affect their decisions to approve budget proposals. This study uses the information from this literature review, as well as my own experience, to develop a survey of legislators, fiscal analysts and agency budget officials and determine the most important factors to legislators in approving budget proposals.
Methods
In order to understand this study, it is important for the reader to understand the budget process in North Dakota. The executive branch, through the governor and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), is responsible for developing the budget process and submitting the governor’s budget plan to the North Dakota legislature. Legislators, by law, spend up to 80 days reviewing the governor’s proposal, as well as many other budget proposals included in bills submitted to the legislative assembly. Approval of final budget appropriations for state agencies often occurs in the final hours of the last legislative day. In North Dakota, the budget must be balanced, meaning that although they are able to incur debt for long term assets, they cannot approve a budget that ends with a negative general fund balance.
Budget guidelines are provided to state agency budget officials in April of each even numbered year and, unless an extension is approved, budgets are to be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget by July 15 of that year. After nine months of budget preparation and OMB fiscal analyst review and analysis for inclusion in the governor’s budget plan, agency budget officials present their budget proposals to the North Dakota Legislative Assembly.
I approached the research question by developing and administering a survey to a sample of North Dakota legislators, analysts and agency budget officials. Based on my review of available literature, my discussions with key budget players, and my own twelve years of experience as an executive budget analyst with the Office of Management and Budget and six years as an agency budget official, I identified 27 factors potentially influencing legislative budget decisions. Survey participants were asked to rate the importance of each factor to legislators in approving budget proposals, on a Likert scale from 1 to 6, based on the respondents’ own observations and experiences. In addition, agency budget officials were asked to rate each of these 27 factors as to agency budget officials’ ability to impact or control these factors. These 27 factors are the variables used for this study. Refer to the Appendix for copies of the survey containing the 27 factors or variables and cover letters sent to each of the three types of respondents – legislators, analysts, and agency budget officials.
In completing the survey, respondents were to assume that North Dakota was not experiencing a budget shortfall and that the overall state budget would tolerate a moderate (5% per year) general fund increase in expenditures. The survey was conducted in March and April of 2008. My intent was to include a full population of factors in the survey, including those that I thought were more important and less important to legislators, and those that agency budget officials have both more control over and less control over. This allowed me to compare responses and gauge the reliability of the information I received from the survey.
The survey was sent to all North Dakota legislators that have served on appropriations committees during the last three legislative sessions. In addition it was sent to legislative fiscal and executive budget analysts, and to agency budget officials that have served in their position within the last three legislative sessions. Legislators were limited to those serving on appropriations committees because these committees make recommendations to the full legislative body regarding passage of appropriations bills and, for the most part, their recommendations are generally accepted by their respective chamber. The Legislative Council employs around five full time legislative fiscal analysts who provide information to legislators regarding agency budgets and all appropriations bills. The Office of Management and Budget employs around five full time executive budget analysts to analyze agency budget proposals and appropriations bills and make recommendations to the governor. Agency budget officials are defined as the person in the state agency who is most responsible for the budget strategy for the agency. In smaller agencies this may be the agency director; in others it could be the deputy or assistant director, the chief financial officer or a separate legislative liaison that approves all budget testimony of the agency.
I had anticipated that survey response rates could be an issue, particularly for legislators, for a variety of reasons, including politics. This is why I developed the survey process in a way that it provided total anonymity to respondents. I also piloted the survey with two legislators, a legislative fiscal analyst, and a budget analyst, which addressed any concerns they had. Finally, I obtained support for the survey from the chair of the Legislative Council interim committee and was able to indicate that support in the cover letter for the survey of legislators. As a result I obtained a good overall response rate of 64% (77 of 121 surveyed). I received a good response rate of 59% (29 out of 49 surveyed) from legislators and in fact, received positive feedback from a number of legislators who responded to the survey. In only two cases did a legislator fail to indicate political party affiliation. My response rate for other respondents was good as well, with 67% of analysts responding (8 out of 12 surveyed) and 67% of agency budget officials (40 of 60 surveyed) responding.
The purpose of this study was to identify 1) the factors that are most important to legislators in approving budget proposals and 2) which of these factors agency personnel can impact the most. In the survey, legislators were asked to identify how important each of the 27 factors is to them in approving budget proposals. In addition, analysts and state agency budget officials were asked to identify how important they think each of the 27 factors are to legislators in approving budget proposals. Finally state agency budget officials were asked to indicate how much impact they feel they can have on the 27 factors. The budget officials were also asked to provide any additional comments regarding effective budget tactics.
This study used descriptive statistics to analyze and rank the mean and standard deviation of each of the 27 factors both as to legislative importance and agency impact. ANOVA or Analysis of Variance was used to evaluate whether there were differences in how important subsets of the respondents think each factor is to legislators. Subsets of respondents included legislators, analysts, and budget officials. Legislators were further stratified to House legislators, Senate legislators, Republican legislators and Democratic legislators. In addition I presented descriptive statistics comparing the mean of these 27 factors of legislative importance by respondent type to the mean of agency impact on these 27 factors to determine if there was consistency between legislative importance and the ability of an agency to have an impact.
Results and Discussion
Importance to Legislators
The mean and standard deviation of the 27 factors of importance to legislators are presented in Table 1. Each respondent type is presented – legislators, analysts, and agency budget officials. They are presented in order of rank by total respondents with the rank number for each respondent type also presented.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Notes: The Total column contains the mean for the aggregate ranking of the three respondent types based on a Likert scale from 1 to 6. The value of n varied for each factor and respondent type as “Don’t Know” was allowed as a response and was eliminated from the sample. For Total n varied from 62 to 77; for Legislators n was 28 to 29; for Analysts n was from 6 to 8 with only one factor rated < n =" 29;" n =" 9;" n =" 18;" n =" 18;" n =" 9." n =" 29;" n =" 9;" n =" 18;" n =" 18;" n =" 9." title="" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5860132984087433256#_ednref1" name="_edn1">[1] Rubin Irene S., 2006. The Politics of Public Budgeting. Fifth Edition. CQ Press.
[2] Stillman II, Richard J., 2005. Public Administration Concepts and Cases, Eighth Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company.
[3] Rubin, Irene S., 2006. The Politics of Public Budgeting. Fifth Edition. CQ Press.
[4] Duncombe, Sydney and Kinney, Richard. Spring 1987. Agency Budget Success: How it is Defined by Budget Officials in Five Western States. Public Budgeting & Finance.
[5] Wolpe, Bruce C. and Levine, Bertram J. 1996. Lobbying Congress. Second Edition. Congressional Quarterly, Inc.
[6] Forsythe, Dall W., 2004. Memos to the Governor. Second Edition. Georgetown University Press.
[7] Sharkansky, Ira. 1968. Agency Requests, Gubernatorial Support and Budget Success in State Legislatures. The American Political Science Review, Vol. 62, No. 4, Dec 1968.
[8] Thompson, Joel A.1987. Agency Requests, Gubernatorial Support, and Budget Success in State Legislatures Revisited.
The Journal of Politics, Vol. 49, No. 3 Aug 1987.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
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