House Appropriations Committee, Education – January 22, 2009. I testified before this committee during the ‘public comment’ hearing. Please see the attached testimony. Several representatives asked why all districts do not participate in MOREnet. I responded that are about 10 districts that do not and they were typically very small districts that had a connection from a local provider, sometimes free, and that we contact them periodically to remind them of the services available in addition to connectivity.

Governor’s Budget Recommendation – Governor Nixon recommended flat funding for MOREnet in HB3 and included “$1 in federal funds on an open-ended basis to maximize the state’s access to and use of federal stimulus funds when they become available”. Nixon also recommended flat funding for the REAL Program in HB12. Given the current fiscal climate I consider a recommendation for flat funding and being considered for possible stimulus funding a very strong statement of support from the Governor’s office.

House Appropriations Committee Testimony