44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first special session, 1999

DIRECTING THE LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION STUDY COMMITTEE TO CONDUCT A STUDY OF SCHOOL VOUCHERS DURING THE INTERIM.

WHEREAS, the issue of educational choice is being widely debated in New Mexico this year; and

WHEREAS, the implementation of a school voucher program will require a comprehensive re-working of our current school funding regulations; and

WHEREAS, a new system that offers school choice will have an impact on public, private and parochial schools; and

WHEREAS, there remain numerous questions that must be resolved prior to the implementation of a comprehensive and fair statewide program of school choice; and

WHEREAS, this complex issue is one of central importance to the citizens of the state and therefore due consideration should be given to the issue before the implementation of a school voucher program;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative education study committee be directed to research and study the full implications of a broad-based and comprehensive voucher program and any issues raised by instituting such a program in New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislative education study committee make this issue the top priority during the interim and report its findings to the second session of the forty-fourth legislature; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the legislative education study committee.