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

SPONSOR Taylor

ORIGINAL DATE

LAST UPDATED

2/7/06

HB

SHORT TITLE UNM African-American Student Services

SB 549

ANALYST Lewis

APPROPRIATION (dollars in thousands)

Appropriation

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY06

FY07

75.0

Recurring

General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to HB 641 (UNM African-American Studies Program)

Relates to SB 421 (UNM African-American Studies Program)

Relates to HC 937 (Capital Improvements in Albuquerque – including $25,000 to purchase and

install information technology for the African-American Studies Program at UNM)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Office of African American Affairs (OAAA)

Higher Education Department (HED)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 549 appropriates $75,000 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of the Uni-

versity of New Mexico for the African-American Student Services Program and operations.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $75,000 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund.

Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2007 shall revert

to the general fund.

Senate Bill 549 – Page

2

SIGNIFICANT ISSUES

The State Office of African American Affairs (OAAA) supports the SB 549 appropriation of

$75,000 to the African American Student Services Program at UNM. This Program is in need of

funding to ensure that program goals are met and student and community services continue. The

OAAA has established an effective partnership with the African American Student Services Pro-

gram to provide outreach services to surrounding communities. It is evident that this program

needs additional financial support to accomplish its mission.

According to the Higher Education Department (HED), the African American Student Services

Program at UNM offers culturally relevant programs designed primarily to assist African Ameri-

can students in achieving success at UNM. The program provides an environment that is sensi-

tive to the unique culture and history of African Americans. The services and programs offered

include Advocacy and Liaison, Academic Advising, Emotional Support, Environment, Finan-

cial/Employment Assistance, Community Relations, Referrals, Cultural Programming, Student

Organizations, and Black Greek Organizations. The funds requested would support the African

American Student Services Program in administering services.

This appropriation was not on the list of priority projects submitted by UNM to the HED for re-

view and was not included in the Department’s funding recommendation for FY07.

ML/yr