SENATE BILL 103

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

Linda M. Lopez

FOR THE LEGISLATIVE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

AND 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 two hundred thousand dollars ($18,200,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the children, youth and families department for expenditure in fiscal year 2008 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 and to increase the reimbursement rate for licensed child care providers;

                (2) two million dollars ($2,000,000) for aim high and stars programs designed to increase the quality of early child care programs;

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

                (4) one million dollars ($1,000,000) for a pilot program of wage supplements for early childhood teachers, based on the educational levels that those teachers achieve; and

                (5) four million two hundred thousand dollars ($4,200,000) to increase quality services through child development grants for working families with children from birth to five years of age.

           B. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2008 shall revert to the general fund.

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