MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGES

FACULTY EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Legislative Committee Meeting

Minutes

December 8, 2003

Members Present: Laura Hine, Mark Klobas, John Jensen, Denise Menchaca, David

Rubi, Janet Regner, Doyle Burke

Legislative Update: Janet Regner reported that legislators had submitted a number of bills into the hopper for the next session. She anticipates significant interest in health care, transportation, and taxes.

Review of Legislative Orientation: Members were pleased with the participation in the Nov. 20 Legislative Orientation at Rio Salado College. Members suggested holding the next orientation in January 2005 during the Faculty Convocation as an optional event during the day.

PAC Plans: Apparently, three or four faculty have expressed interest in becoming members of the PAC. Doyle Burke will convey the information to President Willie Minor and suggest that the PAC officers be appointed to begin work.

ALIS Document: Doyle Burke distributed a document titled “Using ALIS,” the Arizona Legislative Information System, which members will read. After revisions and edits, the document will be sent to Carrie Taylor to add to the FEC home page for faculty throughout the district.

Legislative Contacts: Another document was distributed regarding contacts with legislators. This document will also be revised and edited prior to distribution to faculty.

Spring Meeting Schedule: Doyle Burke, committee chair, will contact members about the best date for committee meetings in the spring. The committee will meet again in January.

Faculty Contacts: Mark Kkobas recommended that committee members contact their local senates to begin developing information contacts in departments at each college.

Behavioral Health Issue: Janet Regner questioned committee members about legislation in the 2003 session relating to health care professionals. At issue is the work of college counselors and the possibility of their having to take a national test to function in their current capacities. Denise Menchaca reported that the Counseling Instructional Council was working with Pete Kushibab (MCCCD lawyer) and leaders of state mental health organizations to clarify the legislation’s effect on community college counselors. Janet Regner volunteered to help if the bill needed to be amended.