NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

CHE Files - Special Funding Requests Submitted by NMSU

State Department of Public Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of HEC Amendment

The House Education Committee amendment to HB21 added language which requires New Mexico State University to prepare a program evaluation plan, including specific program goals and criteria for assessing program effectiveness, to be submitted to the Commission on Higher Education (CHE) and the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) by October 1, 2001. Additionally, an assessment of the program must be submitted to the CHE and LFC prior to June 28, 2002.

Synopsis of Original Bill

House Bill 21 appropriates $100.0 to New Mexico State University (NMSU) to increase participation in the New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation (NMAMP) and the Regional Alliance for Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology for Students with Disabilities (RASEM).

Significant Issues

Both the New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation and the Regional Alliance for Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology for Students with Disabilities serve students at two-year and four-year colleges in New Mexico, with NMSU serving as the fiscal agent. Both organizations provide means, support, and encouragement for students in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. The NMAMP provides support for students considered to be members of ethnic minorities; whereas, the RASEM provides support to students with disabilities.

According to the CHE, all New Mexico higher education institutions were asked to provide to the CHE with an overall priority listing of all new and expansion research and public service project requests. NMSU provided a categorical priority list. The NMSU board of Regents ranked this request as the eighth priority in their second category. This appropriation would represent a 23% increase in last year's General Fund appropriation and supplements $900,000 in federal contracts and grants.

The Commission did not recommend expansion funding for this program.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $100.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY02 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPACT

Programs offered by the Regional Alliance, such as the Science Summer Camp, are directed toward secondary school students, so district personnel would be involved in providing information to students and their families.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

According to the CHE the Alliance for Under Represented Students Program at NMSU was evaluated using the CHE's evaluation process for the 2000 school year. The evaluation outcome placed the program on Tier II (meeting expectations). The evaluation process was developed in conjunction with DFA and LFC to be responsive to the Accountability in Government Act.

AMENDMENTS

The CHE suggests the following language for all new recurring higher education programs and expansion of current programs (assuming that funding will continue beyond 2001-2002):

"The institution receiving the appropriation in this bill shall submit a program evaluation to the Legislative Finance Committee and the Commission on Higher Education by August 2, 2004 detailing the benefits to the State of New Mexico from having this program implemented for a three-year period."

LG/ar