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:	Feldman		DATE TYPED:	02/14/03		HB
SHORT TITLE:		NM to Work for Peace				SB	SM 28
					ANALYST:		Padilla

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY03	FY04	FY03	FY04
	NFI			NFI

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates HM 2

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Responses Received From

New Mexico Border Authority

Commission on Higher Education

Economic Development Department

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Memorial 28 expresses the Senate’s desire to decrease the dependence of New Mexico’s economy on military and security-related activities and instead increase “life-affirming and peaceful” economic development. The memorial resolves that New Mexico should provide incentives to its national labs and universities to pursue alternatives to defense and weapons research.

Significant Issues

New Mexico has a long history of fostering science and technology activities related to the defense, nuclear and national security needs of the United States. Many people who live and work in New Mexico contribute to these activities. The memorial seems to relate New Mexico’s history and its economic strengths in science and technology to the current problems of terrorism confronting the United States. The memorial stresses that New Mexico’s rich science and technology resources can be put to peaceful and productive uses such as alternative energy, improving the environment and technology transfer.

The intent of this memorial may be in conflict with the Governor’s initiative to minimize the possibility of military base closings in New Mexico.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The Commission on Higher Education points out that New Mexico’s institutions of higher education are already engaged in a broad range of “life-affirming” research, including medicine, and environmental protection. CHE adds that New Mexico’s research institutions operate independently and pursue missions in the areas of teaching, public service and research.

The Economic Development Department did not raise any issues concerning the memorial.

LP/prr