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

SPONSOR Cisneros

ORIGINAL DATE

LAST UPDATED

2/2/06

HB

SHORT TITLE Educate About Importance Of Acequias

SB SJM 18

ANALYST Quezada

APPROPRIATION (dollars in thousands)

Appropriation

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY06

FY07

NFI

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to Appropriation in the General Appropriation Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Joint Memorial Bill 18 requests the Public Education Department (PED) and the State’s

Public Schools to educate students and support efforts to engage students in research, documen-

tation of cultural knowledge, New Mexico’s history, and culture of present day acequias. The

local school district is requested to recognize the importance of acequia participation to assist the

cultural identity of youth in traditional communities. Local School district is requested to allow

youth participants excused absences for spring cleaning of such activities in their community.

The local School District is requested to collaborate with community-based organizations such as

the New Mexico acequia association to innovate service learning opportunities in a cultural envi-

ronment. In addition, state agencies, and local government is requested to embrace that acequias

remain strong, in promoting policies that support sustainability for benefit of future generations.

Copies of Memorial 18 should be distributed to the Public Education Department and superin-

tendents of state public school districts.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Senate Joint Memorial 18 contains no appropriation.

Senate Joint Memorial 18 – Page 2

SIGNIFICANT ISSUES

Acequias are a cultural and institution legacy in New Mexico. Acequias continue a century-old

tradition of water governance and enhance cohesion among members in the community.

Youth will benefit from learning their cultural heritage and history of their ancestors way of life.

WHAT WILL BE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT ENACTING THIS BILL

The consequence of not enacting Senate Joint Memorial Bill 18 is Youth may not learn about

their cultural legacy relating to water governance. In addition Youth may lose their cultural

identity concerning acequias.

JQ/yr