122nd MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 443		LR 0393(01)
	An Act To Encourage Cooperation between School Districts
	Fiscal Note for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Rep. Bowen of Rockport
	Committee: Education
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Current Costs - Legislative Advisory Group/Study
					Projections	Projections
			2005-06	2006-07	2007-08	2008-09
Net Cost (Savings)
	General Fund		$1,680	$1,680	$1,680	$1,680
Appropriations/Allocations
	General Fund		$1,680	$1,680	$1,680	$1,680
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$500	$500	$500	$500
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill includes a General Fund appropriation to the Legislature of $1,680 in fiscal years 2005-06 and 2006-07 to provide funds for the per diem and expenses of the legislative members of the Educational Efficiency Advisory Group.   The appropriation and allocation in the bill is to the Legislature and should be to the Miscellaneous Studies account.  This bill also includes an allocation of Other Special Revenue Funds in the amount of $500 for fiscal years 2005-06 and 2006-07 in the event additional dedicated revenue is received to carry out the advisory group's program activities.  The actual projected cost to fund the general operating expenses of this study is $3,000 annually beginning in fiscal year 2005-06.
	The Legislature's proposed Part I budget includes $30,000 in fiscal year 2005-06 and $20,000 in fiscal year 2006-07 for legislative studies.  Whether the amounts are sufficient to fund all legislative studies will depend on the number of studies authorized by the Legislative Council and the Legislature.  To be consistent with previously established legislative intent, this bill should be amended to strike section 4 and allow this proposal to compete with other legislative studies.
	Additional costs to the Department of Education to provide staff assistance for the advisory group can be absorbed utilizing existing budgeted resources.