127th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1641		LR 2742(01)
	An Act To Establish a Commission To Reform Public Education Funding and Improve Student Performance in Maine and Make Supplemental Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of the Department of Education and To Change Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of Government for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2017
	Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Rep. Fredette of Newport
	Committee: Not Referred
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Legislative Cost/Study
			FY 2015-16	FY 2016-17	Projections  FY 2017-18	Projections  FY 2018-19
Net Cost (Savings)
	General Fund		$0	$15,000,000	$0	$0
Transfers
	General Fund		$0	($15,000,000)	$0	$0
Legislative Cost/Study
	The general operating expenses of this study are projected to be $1,000 in fiscal year 2015-16 and $3,000 in fiscal year 2016-17. The Legislature's budget includes $10,000 in fiscal year 2015-16 and $10,000 in fiscal year 2016-17 for legislative studies.  Whether the amounts are sufficient to fund all studies will depend on the number of studies authorized by the Legislative Council and the Legislature.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	Providing for a one-time transfer of $15,000,000 from the unappropriated surplus of the General Fund to the General Purpose Aid for Local Schools program, General Fund account within the Department of Education no later than June 30, 2017 will decrease the funds available in the General Fund for other purposes. The State Budget Officer, upon approval of the Governor, is authorized to allot these funds.
	Additional costs to the Department of Education to provide staff support to the commission can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.  Additional costs to the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System and the State Board of Education to serve on the commission can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.