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

SPONSOR Miera

DATE TYPED 2/20/05

HB 700

SHORT TITLE Multicultural Arts & Education Program

SB

ANALYST Baca

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

$50.0

Recurring General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

Relates to Appropriation in the General Appropriation Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 700 appropriates $50 thousand from the general fund to the Public “Education De-

partment for expenditure in FY06 for a model multicultural arts and education program with a

formal curriculum integrating academic, work and artistic skills in English and Spanish

Significant Issues

New Mexico is a state with many distinct cultures whose major languages are English and Span-

ish. This bill addresses the need to develop a formal curriculum that takes advantage of the

many positive traits associated with multicultural environment and the two major languages to

enhance student learning and future success. To date, many educators and public policy-makers

have recognized this need but little has been done, primarily because of the absence of adequate

funding.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

The development of a formal multicultural curriculum could enhance student learning and thus

help PED achieve its goal of improving instruction and student achievement.

House Bill 700. -- Page 2

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $50 thousand contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general

fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY06 shall revert to the

general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The PED will be responsible for developing or assigning a contract for the development of the

curriculum called for in this bill

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1.

Will the PED develop the model curriculum or will the activity be contracted out.

2.

How long might it take to develop the model curriculum.

3.

Is the appropriation in the bill sufficient to accomplish the development of a model

multicultural arts and education program in both English and Spanish.

LB/yr