SCR-36, As Adopted by Senate, October 9, 2003

            Senators Sikkema, Jelinek, Hardiman, Brown, Cropsey, Switalski, Scott and Clark-Coleman offered the following concurrent resolution:

            Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 36.

            A concurrent resolution to create a family resource center curriculum joint study committee to make recommendations on adult education and related family services in Michigan.

            Whereas, In our swiftly changing society, the role of education continues to grow in significance for our citizens, economy, and society.  The challenges of education extend far beyond the traditional school setting to include the work of adult education, job training, and programs to help parents and children before the standard school years begin; and

            Whereas, Adult education and activities to help families become more effective partners in the education process are very complicated issues.  These key areas of education include not only the standard school curriculum, but also such diverse elements as English as a second language, early childhood development, G.E.D. preparation, employment training and work readiness classes, family services that include before- and after-school care, and parenting classes; and

            Whereas, It is important that people with experience in each of these fields come together to help shape more responsive public policies.  The Michigan Legislature's commitment to this concept is clearly outlined in section 107a of the State School Aid Act of 1979, being MCL § 388.1707a; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we establish the family resource center curriculum joint study committee.  The joint committee shall be comprised of the following membership:

            --three members of the Senate, with two appointed by the Senate Majority Leader and one appointed by the Senate Minority Leader;

            --three members of the House of Representatives, with two appointed by the Speaker of the House and one appointed by the House Minority Leader;

            --one member of the Michigan Association of Community and Adult Education appointed by that organization;

            -- one member of the Michigan Works! Association appointed by that organization;

            --three local adult education program directors appointed jointly by the legislators appointed to the family resource center curriculum study committee;

            --three local Michigan Works! program directors appointed jointly by the legislators appointed to the family resource center curriculum study committee; and

            --the state director of adult education.

The family resource center curriculum joint study committee shall explore and make recommendations on implementing a new integrated system of delivery of adult education and related family services, beginning with the 2004-2005 school year.  The joint committee shall address education issues that include high school completion programs, adult basic education, general education development (G.E.D.) test preparation, English as a second language programs, and early childhood education; family services that include even start programs, 21st century learning center grants, before- and after-school child care programs, parenting classes, and referrals for family and child services; and employment and training services that include career preparation programs and work readiness classes; and be it further

            Resolved, That the family resource center curriculum joint study committee shall report on its progress to the Senate and the House Appropriations Subcommittees on School Aid not later than November 15, 2003, and shall make its final recommendations to these subcommittees not later than December 31, 2003; and be it further

            Resolved, That the joint committee is hereby authorized to expend a maximum amount of $10,000 in carrying out its duties and such additional expenditures deemed necessary and approved by the Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House.  Payments for contractual services may be authorized by the Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House.