[1] NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended only 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.

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

SPONSOR:	Nava		DATE TYPED:	01/23/02		HB
SHORT TITLE:		NMSU Underrepresented Students Alliance				SB	58
					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 HB 77

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

New Mexico State University (NMSU)

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 58 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.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

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.

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.

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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

SB 58 is identical to House Bill 77.

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 involved in the development of this request?

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

LB/njw:ar

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