SENATE BILL 303

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

Linda M. Lopez

AN ACT

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT TO IMPROVE QUALITY AND PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR CHILD CARE PROGRAMS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. APPROPRIATION.--

          A. Nine million two hundred seventy-eight thousand dollars ($9,278,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the children, youth and families department for expenditure in fiscal year 2009 as follows:

                (1) two million dollars ($2,000,000) for the aim high program and the stars program to increase the quality of early child care programs;

                (2) one million dollars ($1,000,000) for scholarships to help early childhood teachers study child development and early learning while earning college degrees;

                (3) one million dollars ($1,000,000) for a pilot program of education and retention incentives for early childhood teachers, based on the educational levels those teachers achieve;

                (4) four million two hundred thousand dollars ($4,200,000) for child development grants to increase quality services for working families with children from birth to five years of age;

                (5) one million dollars ($1,000,000) to implement inclusive child care; and

                (6) seventy-eight thousand dollars ($78,000) for child care resources and referrals.

          B. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2009 shall revert to the general fund.

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