SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 31
(By Senators Plymale, Walker and Jackson)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study of the West Virginia Educare proposal in order to further evaluate the program's concept, financial implications and explore the feasibility of utilizing the Governor's Cabinet of Children and Families to administer West Virginia's early childhood programs and initiatives.

Whereas, Current research on brain development in young children shows that early experiences lay the foundation for future social, emotional, physical and cognitive development; and
Whereas, Positive experiences lead to greater success in school and adult life, while negative experiences lead to problems that can be difficult and expensive to overcome; and
Whereas, The education of children begins a long time before a child enters school; and
Whereas, The West Virginia Study Commission on Services for Young Children was created by the Legislature in 1997 to examine ways to better serve our youngest citizens; and
Whereas, The Governor's Cabinet on Children and Families has shown leadership and innovation in serving the needs of young children; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to conduct a study on the West Virginia Educare proposal to fully understand its feasibility, policy and fiscal ramifications. The study will concurrently assess the feasibility of using the Governor's Cabinet on Children and Families as the vehicle to administer West Virginia's early childhood programs and initiatives; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Legislature during the November, 1999 interim committee meetings on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and be it
Further Resolved, That expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepartee a report and top draft any necessary legislation be paid from thelegislative appropriations to the Joint COommittee on Government and Finance.