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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates House Bill 64

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Military Affairs (DMA)

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 261 appropriates $400.0 from the general fund to the Department of Military Affairs to institute a youth challenge program for at-risk youth.

Significant Issues

The Youth Challenge program is a 17-month residential and mentored process for high school dropouts who voluntarily enter the program, which is focused on education, self-discipline, life skills, and job skills through classroom and community service. The DMA would establish the program in Roswell, NM at the National Guard Debremmond Training Site.

The program is funded by both federal and state funds. A total of $1,200.0 of state funds will leverage a federal match of $1,800.0. According to the DMA, the Children, Youth and Families Department and the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department have committed existing funding for the program. The appropriation in this bill would bring the total state funds, combined with the CYFD and EMNRD commitments, to the required $1,200.0.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $400.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2002 shall revert to the general fund.

MW/ar