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
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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.
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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/.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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/.
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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)
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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.
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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.
Professor Emeritus -- Dr. Tom Seymour from West Fargo, North Dakota -- Professor, Minot State University, MSU Faculty Regents Award (2015) -- PAST Peer Reviewer (Higher Learning Commission - Chicago); - Author and Presenter Board of Directors, SRT Communications, Inc and Minot City Alderman - Ward 5 (2010-June, 2016) PAST - Editor-in-Chief (North Dakota State Senator (2002-2010) 2017-Cass County Electric Cooperative- Board of Directors
Friday, October 24, 2008
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.
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Lucretia James
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Region VIII
1600 Broadway, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-1568
lucretia.james@cms.hhs.gov
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