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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR:	Garcia, M.H.		DATE TYPED:	01/23/02		HB	77
SHORT TITLE:		NM Alliance for Underrepresented Students				SB
					ANALYST:		Baca

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY02

FY03

FY02

FY03

$200.0

Recurring

General Fund

(Parenthesis ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates SB58

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Department of Education (SDE)

New Mexico Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 77 appropriates $200.0 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of NMSU to increase participation in the New Mexico alliance for underrepresented students and the regional alliance for science, mathematic, engineering and technology for students with disabilities.

Significant Issues

The NMSU analysis states that the success of the on-going program and the increasing demand from industry for a qualified, diverse workforce has attracted students and led to increased enrollments statewide in science, math, engineering and technology (SMET). The current enrollment at the state’s two and four year institutions is 3,855 students has resulted in an increased need for student services. The program addresses the need to increase the number of Bachelor of Arts degrees granted.

The appropriation will allow the Alliance to serve additional students in SMET throughout the state, increase the retention of these students and increase graduation rates, according to the NMSU analysis.

House Bill 77 -- Page 2

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 FY2003 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The program will continue to be administered by NMSU. One additional full time equivalent position will be need if this appropriation is enacted, according to the NMSU analysis.

DUPLICATION

House Bill 77 is identical to Senate Bill 58.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

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

This request was reviewed and approved by the NMSU Board of Regents. However, it is not recommended by the CHE.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. What evidence, such as test scores, do you have to justify the creation of the center?

2. Were public school personnel been involved in the development of this request?

3. From what grade levels will student mentors come, e.g., high school, college?

LB/njw:ar