During the past year several individuals inquired about input into
proposed legislation. I want to try and experiment to see if
visionaries and others are interested in providing input on a bill
that would enhance gifted and talented programs in the public
schools.
The bill is in RS form but will presented to the House Education
Committee in about 10 days. The Gifted and Talented bill was
developed by Rep. John Alexander (D) who resigned several
weeks ago. He asked me to co-sponsor the bill and move it
through the legislative process. It is also co-sponsored by Rep.
Donna Boe (D).
The basic intent of the legislation is to provide that five percent of any
general fund surplus shall be deposited into a gifted and talented
fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide grants to school districts for
the education of gifted and talented children probably on a 40 percent
state match to a sixty percent local match. It will take time to reach
a minimum fund of $500,000. Interest from the $500,000 would then
generate monies for the program. Private and corporate donations
from the fund will be solicited. John Alexander says he already has
commitments of $2,000,000 from private industry that could be directed
toward the fund.
Rep. Miller has reviewed the bill, and has been especially helpful in
crafting the language. A recent U.S. Education department report
indicated that the number of two million gifted students is growing
and most bright students are condemned to mindnumbingly slow
regular classes.
The bill will be set up on my home page by late Monday. It is a relatively
short bill in length. You can access the bill via
http://www.infotrail.com/idaho/idaho.html E-mail feedback can be
directed to me here in Boise at ttrail@house.state.id.us
or mjmaxwell@juno.com or infocntr@lso.state.id.us (att: Rep. Trail)
To facilitate access to the bill click on gifted and talented update--a
sidebar.
Generally, one would like to provide input at an earlier date with
proposed legislation, but as an experiment this will still provide those
with interest to comment and make recommendations. All input will
be shared with the co-sponsors and with the relavant committees
Rep. Tom Trail, Dist. 5