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)

Duplicates/Relates to Appropriation in The General Appropriation Act This bill relates to Senate Bill 38, Senate Bill 336, House Bill 20 and House Bill 21 as outlined below. This bill duplicates Senate Bill 54.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Commission for Higher Education (CHE)

CHE Files - Special Funding Requests Submitted by NMSU

SUMMARY

Synopsis of HEC Amendment

The purpose of House Bill 269 is to improve math and science skills of economically disadvantaged pre-college students, prior to entry into science and engineering majors. The House Education Committee amendment broadens the coverage of this bill to specify that the purpose is to improve the math and science skills of all pre-college students, with emphasis addressing economically disadvantaged students.

Synopsis of Original Bill

House Bill 269 appropriates $200.0 to New Mexico State University (NMSU) to improve math and science skills of economically disadvantaged pre-college students, prior to entry into science and engineering majors.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $200.0 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.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

This bill duplicates Senate Bill 54.

The following bill are related to this bill:

House Bill 20 appropriates $500.0 to NMSU to develop math & science skills for border region students.

House Bill 21 appropriates $100,000 to NMSU to increase participation in the programs of two organizations New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation (NMAMP) and the Regional Alliance for Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology for Students with Disabilities (RASEM). These programs are committed to improving student preparation for successful post-secondary math, science, engineering, and technology study.

Senate Bill 336 relates to developing math, science and engineering expertise.

Senate Bill 38 appropriates $500.0 to NMSU to develop math & science skills for border region students.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The following is provided for information only. It is not intended as a commentary on the merits of the program/project:

All New Mexico higher education institutions were asked to provide to the Commission for Higher Education (CHE) with an overall priority listing of all new and expansion research and public service project requests. NMSU provided a categorical priority list to the CHE, but funding for this program was not included and the NMSU board of Regents did not formally approve this program for special funding requests to be submitted in the 2001 regular session.

The CHE did not recommend funding for this program.

LG/ar