HOUSE MEMORIAL 17

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Jimmie C. Hall

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO ASSIGN A STUDY OF WAYS TO ENCOURAGE STATE UNIVERSITIES TO EMPHASIZE DEGREE PROGRAMS IN THOSE PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINES THAT ARE IN SHORT SUPPLY IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, the higher education funding formula provides for the cost of academic programs at the universities, but does not consider the utility of those programs; and

     WHEREAS, there are a number of professions in short supply in New Mexico, including baccalaureate or higher degree nurses, doctors, dentists, certified public accountants, teachers, school administrators, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, engineers and the list goes on; and

     WHEREAS, such shortages affect not only those people in direct need of these professional services, but the economic well-being of the state, since study after study shows that the work force and quality of life are the preeminent reasons companies decide to locate in a state; and

     WHEREAS, there is no mechanism to ensure that state universities are producing the professional disciplines that the state needs;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council assign to the appropriate interim committee a study of ways to encourage state universities to emphasize degree programs in those professional disciplines that are in short supply in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study consider methods to reward universities for increasing graduation rates in underrepresented disciplines; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the interim committee consult with the higher education department and the universities during its study; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico legislative council, the higher education department and the council of university presidents for distribution to the university presidents.

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