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.
SPONSOR: | Garcia | DATE TYPED: | 03/08/01 | HB | |||
SHORT TITLE: | National Guard Scholarship Program | SB | 328/aSFC | ||||
ANALYST: | Woodlee |
Recurring
or Non-Rec |
Fund
Affected | ||||
FY01 | FY02 | FY01 | FY02 | ||
NFI | NFI | NFI | NFI | NFI | NFI |
(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Department of Military Affairs
LFC Files
SUMMARY
Synopsis of SFC Amendment
The Senate Finance Committee amendment to Senate Bill 328 strikes the appropriation of $637.0. These funds are contained in the agency's operating budget.
Synopsis of Original Bill
Senate Bill 328 appropriates $637.0 from the general fund to the Department of Military Affairs for the New Mexico National Guard Scholarship program. The bill provides that the awards will be made in accordance with rules adopted and promulgated by the Department of Military Affairs. In addition, the bill provides that the board of regents of each public post-secondary educational institution shall designate a representative to coordinate the scholarship program.
Significant Issues
According to the agency, tuition reimbursement is the number one discriminator in terms of recruitment. Currently, the New Mexico National Guard ranks last in the nation in terms of readiness and is short approximately 1000 soldiers. The agency's goal is to recruit 350 new soldiers for fiscal year 2002.
Currently, the NM National Guard only is able to fund 66% of tuition costs for the soldiers in the program. The appropriation contained in this bill would bring the current students to 100% tuition reimbursement. Also, the appropriation would fund an additional 70 soldiers who wish to enter the tuition reimbursement program.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS
The appropriation of $637.0 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/njw