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 for other purposes.

The most recent FIR version (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) is available on the Legislative Website. The Adobe PDF version includes all attachments, whereas the HTML version does not. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

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

SPONSOR:	Regensberg		DATE TYPED:	2/26/03		HB	888
SHORT TITLE:		Mora County 4-H Program				SB
					ANALYST:		L. Baca

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY03	FY04	FY03	FY04
	$50.0			Recurring	GF

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to: HB 387, Statewide Agricultural Education Programs

SB 536,Statewide Agricultural Programs Identical bills which differ only in

appropriation amount)

SB 756 Youth Holistic Agricultural Farming Program

Relates to HB 478, Statewide Career & Technical Education

Relates to Appropriation for New Mexico State University in the General Appropriation Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Responses Received From

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

New Mexico State University, College of Agriculture and Home Economics (NMSU)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 888 appropriates $50.0 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University (NMSU) to establish a 4-H program in Mora County.

Significant Issues

According to NMSU, the 4-H program has proven to provide positive influence on youngsters. Mora County is currently utilizing one agent to serve both Mora and San Miguel Counties from grant funding that will expire in 2005. In order to provide quality, continuous service to the youth in the area, permanent funding is needed to provide for an agent salary, fringe benefits, travel and all items needed to have an adequate program.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $50.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2004 shall revert to the general fund.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

A request was not included in New Mexico State University’s budget request to the New Mexico State University Board of Regents, and thus was not included in the list of priority projects submitted by New Mexico State University to the Commission on Higher Education for review.

AMENDMENTS

The CHE suggests adding the following language for all new recurring higher education programs and expansion of current programs (assuming that funding will continue beyond 2003-2004):

“A plan for a program evaluation, including specific program goals and criteria for assessing program effectiveness, shall be submitted to the Legislative Finance Committee and the Commission on Higher Education by October 1, 2004. An assessment of the program will be completed prior to June 30, 2005, and submitted to the Legislative Finance Committee and the Commission on Higher Education.”

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. How many students will be served if this bill is enacted?

2. How many are currently being served?

LRB/yr