| July 2005 | ||
| MLA Legislature Report Alana DeLong, MLA Budget 2005 Puts Higher Learning At Head Of The Class With 30 Per Cent, Three-Year Funding Increase Funding for Alberta's Advanced Education budget will rise by nearly 30 per cent, or $433 million, over the next three years, including an immediate increase of 13.4 per cent, or $196 million, in 2005-06. The money will expand operating budgets for post-secondary institutions, create new and expanded scholarships, and add thousands of new student spaces. The total department budget will be over $1.6 billion in 2005-06, rising to almost $1.9 billion by 2007-08. In terms of financial assistance, government expects to distribute $105 million in student loans in 2005-06. Funding for scholarships, bursaries and grants will be $72 million in 2005-06, an increase of $7.5 million, or 11.7 per cent. In addition, government will pay tuition increases in the 2005-06 academic year for approximately 140,000 students enrolled at Alberta public post-secondary institutions, saving students $43 million. Government payments will go directly to post-secondary institutions on students' behalf. These dollars are in addition to the $382-million increase that institutions will receive over three years. 2005 Budget Launches Alberta Parks Renewal Funding to repair facilities in Alberta's parks has quadrupled this year. Budget 2005 sees $45 million allocated to ongoing parks infrastructure projects, up from $11 million forecast+-year commitment to renew aging park facilities for a more enjoyable parks experience for Albertans and out-of-province visitors. The new three-year renewal project will restore the facilities that parks visitors use most, such as repairing picnic tables and fire pits, leveling and regraveling campsites and repainting buildings. The $7.7 million this year will be followed by almost $40 million in years two and three, for a total three-year commitment of more than $47 million. Staff are identifying where the repairs are most urgent. Work will begin this year. Royal Visit to Alberta I had the pleasure of attending events in both Edmonton and Calgary of the Royal couples visit to celebrate Alberta’s 100 centennial. I was thoroughly impressed by the show of hospitality from all Albertans. AISH Living Allowance To Rise Up To $1,000 By April 2006 Albertans receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) will receive up to $1,000 each month by next April, and have access to additional benefits and higher earning exemptions following government's response to the recommendations of the MLA AISH Review Committee. The AISH living allowance will immediately increase to a maximum $950 each month, and an additional increase in April 2006 will bring it to a maximum of $1,000 per month. Government also committed to reviewing the amount every two years starting in 2007. Government will also implement recommendations to improve the earning power of AISH clients by increasing the employment earnings exemptions for those who work. In addition, government will provide supplementary benefits to help cover additional medical supplies, special transportation, child care and special needs costs, which previously were not covered by AISH. Also accepted, were recommendations on improving client services and coordinating government services provided to Albertans with disabilities. Copies of the MLA report and recommendations are available at www.aishreview.gov.ab.ca or by calling 310-4455. The report is also available in Braille and audio formats. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your participation in the review process by sharing your ideas and comments. Government Taking Action To Meet Skilled-Labour Demand The Alberta government is stepping up efforts to address the demand for skilled labour this .0year, with nearly $20 million more being spent in two departments in Budget 2005. A number of new initiatives are being planned and current programs are expanding in areas such as apprenticeship training, skills upgrading, and attracting more under-represented groups. Public Consultations Please visit http://www.gov.ab.ca/home/Index.cfm?Page=625
and provide your input to matters that affect Albertans.
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