Call to Order and Roll Call
The fifth meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue was held on Thursday, October 23, 2014, at 1:00 PM, in Room 154 of the Capitol Annex. Representative Rick Rand, Chair, called the meeting to order, and the secretary called the roll.
Present were:
Members: Senator Bob Leeper, Co-Chair; Representative Rick Rand, Co-Chair; Senators Tom Buford, David P. Givens, Sara Beth Gregory, Denise Harper Angel, Ernie Harris, Stan Humphries, and Alice Forgy Kerr; Representatives Dwight D. Butler, John Carney, Leslie Combs, Jesse Crenshaw, Ron Crimm, Robert R. Damron, Mike Denham, Myron Dossett, Richard Henderson, Jimmie Lee, Reginald Meeks, Marie Rader, Sal Santoro, Arnold Simpson, Rita Smart, Fitz Steele, Tommy Turner, Jim Wayne, and Addia Wuchner.
Guests: Dr. Lynette Breedlove, Director, Gatton Academy; Dr. Julia Roberts, Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies and Executive Director of The Center for Gifted Studies, Gatton Academy; Dr. Steven Ralston, Provost, Morehead State University; Dr. Carol Christian, Director, Craft Academy; Tammy Watts, Director, Department of Revenue, Division of Collections; and, Gary Morris, Policy Advisor, Department of Revenue, Office of the Commissioner.
LRC Staff: John Scott, Charlotte Quarles, Eric Kennedy, Jennifer Hays, and Spring Emerson.
Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science
Dr. Roberts and Dr. Breedlove testified about the activities of the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University.
In response to questions from Representative Denham regarding why the number of students from Kentucky counties is not higher, Dr. Roberts said more students should apply. She said the goal of the Gatton Academy is to help Kentucky raise standards for advanced students. She said the Academy would welcome help from the various school districts in encouraging the highest level of classes be offered. The cost per student is approximately $22,000 per year, for two years.
In response to a question from Senator Givens regarding the state of final residence after the last degree attained, Dr. Roberts said she would provide that information to the committee at a later date.
Representative Crenshaw commended the Gatton Academy on its fine work.
Representative Carney thanked the Academy and said he is a proud father of a Gatton Academy student.
Craft Academy of Excellence in Science and Mathematics
Dr. Ralston and Dr. Christian provided an introduction and update on program development for the Craft Academy of Excellence in Science and Mathematics at Morehead State University (MSU).
In response to questions from Chairman Rand, Dr. Christian said the first class of 60 rising juniors and 60 high school seniors will begin in August 2015, for a full capacity of 120 students to start. The Academy has received over 300 inquiries so far.
In response to questions from Senator Buford regarding financial requirements, Dr. Christian said the tuition, room, and meal plan are provided through the Craft Academy Experience by the support of the Kentucky legislature and Mr. Joe Craft. The fees associated with some coursework will be included in the MSU financial package. The Academy is working on creating a fund for international study abroad trips, which would be an extra expense. The cost per student would be approximately $25,000 per year, for two years.
Representative Carney said that guidance counselors in local schools should be informing students of those opportunities.
Chairman Rand requested a motion to approve the minutes from the August 28, 2014 and September 25, 2014 meetings. The motion was made by Representative Damron and seconded by Representative Henderson, and the minutes were approved without objection.
Kentucky Department of Revenue Status Report
Mr. Morris and Director Watts provided an overview of the Division of Collections in the Department of Revenue.
In response to a question from Chairman Rand, Ms. Watts said the Division of Collections does not handle tobacco e-tax filing and reporting compliance requirements. Mr. Morris said that the compliance efforts would be handled in the Miscellaneous Tax Section in the Department of Revenue.
There being no further business before the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 2:17 PM.