Lawmakers hear testimony urging expansion of Infant Learning Program to earlier eligibility; agencies asked for fiscal estimates
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Summary
Public testimony and agency witnesses at the April 7 committee hearing urged lowering the ILP eligibility threshold from 50% to 25% developmental delay in HB376, citing long-term savings and improved outcomes; committee set an amendment deadline of April 13 and asked agencies to provide fiscal estimates, including potential Medicaid reimbursement.
The House Health and Social Services Committee heard public testimony and agency responses on House Bill 376 on April 7, a bill to expand Alaska’s Infant Learning Program (ILP) eligibility so it can serve infants and toddlers with a 25% developmental delay rather than the current 50% threshold.
Heidi Haas, executive director of ATCA (an infant learning program that serves a broad region of Alaska), testified in support and framed the change as an investment that improves outcomes and reduces long-term costs. "Greater access to early intervention services will also decrease the number of children who require special education services long term," Haas said.
Britney Taylor, an ILP coordinator, said the change is critical because "approximately 90% of brain development occurs within the first three years of life" and argued early intervention yields high returns. Niamh Dardis of the Reach Infant Learning Program told the committee prior estimates put annual special-education savings in the region of $34,000,000 if earlier intervention was provided. A program slide (presented by Richard Saville) cited per-child savings up to $229,000 and estimated budget neutrality in four years and overall cost neutrality in about 6.5 years.
Committee members asked for formal fiscal notes that tabulate anticipated upfront expenses and downstream savings. Director Tony Newman (Division of Senior and Disability Services) and unit staff said estimating long-term savings at the Alaska level would require coordination with the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED); Newman agreed to follow up and coordinate with agency liaisons. Susan Kessler (ILP unit and data manager) said agencies would need to coordinate to provide specific estimates and that Medicaid reimbursement may cover a share if ILP services are added to Medicaid-covered benefits.
Chair Representative Mina Chier closed public testimony, set an amendment deadline for Monday, April 13 at 12:00 p.m., and scheduled the next committee meeting for Thursday, April 9 at 3:15 p.m.
