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

SPONSOR T. Garcia

ORIGINAL DATE

LAST UPDATED

1/21/08

HB 78

SHORT TITLE Luna College Science & Math Instruction

SB

ANALYST Haug

APPROPRIATION (dollars in thousands)

Appropriation

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY08

FY09

$200.0

Recurring

General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Higher Education Department (HED)

Public Education Department (PED)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 78 appropriates $200.0 from the general fund to the Higher Education Department to

provide enhanced instructional services in science and mathematics in San Miguel, Colfax and

Mora counties. House Bill 78 requires the services to be coordinated through Luna Community

College.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $200.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any

unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2009 shall revert to the

general fund.

The HED states that this request was not submitted by Luna Community College to the New

Mexico Higher Education Department for review and is not included in the Department’s

funding recommendation for FY09.

House Bill 78 – Page

2

SIGNIFICANT ISSUES

The HED states that, Luna Community College (LCC) is an institution of higher learning

committed to serving the changing needs of its student population and the surrounding

communities. Its mission is to provide comprehensive education, preparations for relevant

employment, and opportunities for life-long learning. The guiding principles of LCC are to:

prepare students for employment in entry-level positions through a broad range of vocational,

technical, and professional education programs; enhance job effectiveness and continue training

in keeping up with changes in the job market and technology; assist students in gaining equitable

accessibility to education opportunities; provide continuing education and community service to

northeastern New Mexico; promote transfer of credits between institutions of higher education;

and educate students regarding intellectual, psychological philosophical, and social issues.

The HED states further that LCC offers Associate of Applied Science degrees in Computer

Information Systems, Electronics Engineering Technology, Drafting Technology, Manufacturing

Technology, and Nursing. LCC offers certificates in Building Technology, Automotive

Technology, Computer Application Specialist, Practical Nursing, and Welding Technology. The

institution also offers Associate of Arts degrees. Enhanced instructional services in science and

mathematics would help strengthen the curriculum of these degree offerings, better preparing

students for further education or professional advancement.

The PED states that, according to the bill’s sponsor, these funds would be used to support a pilot

demonstration project as a collaboration between Luna Community College and community

partners. The pilot phase would provide services to about 15 schools in three counties: San

Miguel, Colfax and Mora. The project would hire two teachers to visit classrooms, help with

science curricula and coordinate outdoor labs at the ranch with classroom lessons in the schools.

Funding would be used to pay for instructional services, travel, and equipment.

According to the PED, this legislation supports Goal 1 of PED’s A Strategic Action Plan for

Advancing Math and Science Education in New Mexico 2007-2010: “Increase student interest,

participation and achievement in math and science" (PED, 2007

GH/bb