SENATE BILL 159

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2006

INTRODUCED BY

Linda M. Lopez

FOR THE WELFARE REFORM OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

AN ACT

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT TO INCREASE ELIGIBILITY AND SUPPORT FOR CHILD CARE PROGRAMS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. APPROPRIATION.--

          A. Eighteen million one hundred thousand dollars ($18,100,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the children, youth and families department for expenditure in 2007 as follows:

                (1) ten million dollars ($10,000,000) to expand eligibility for child care programs to two hundred percent of the federal poverty level;

                (2) four million dollars ($4,000,000) to increase the reimbursement rate for licensed child care providers;

                (3) two million dollars ($2,000,000) for aim high programs increasing the quality of early child care programs;

                (4) one million dollars ($1,000,000) for scholarships to help early childhood teachers learn more about child development and early learning while earning college degrees;

                (5) one million dollars ($1,000,000) for wage supplements for early childhood teachers, based on the educational level that those teachers achieve; and

                (6) one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) to improve accreditation for child care providers.

      B. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2007 shall revert to the general fund.

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