HOUSE BILL 267

55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2021

INTRODUCED BY

Meredith Dixon and Candie G. Sweetser and Antonio Maestas and Roberto "Bobby" J. Gonzales and William F. Burt

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

MAKING APPROPRIATIONS TO THE TOURISM DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE DESTINATION MARKETING SERVICES AND SUPPORT TO CERTAIN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS, TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO TOURISM EVENTS THROUGH A TOURISM EVENT REVITALIZATION PROGRAM AND TO DEVELOP A TOURISM INDUSTRY CAREER ADVANCEMENT PILOT PROGRAM.

 

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

     SECTION 1. APPROPRIATION.--Seven million dollars ($7,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the tourism department for expenditure in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to provide destination marketing services, promotion, technical assistance and other support to business improvement districts pursuant to the Business Improvement District Act that meet criteria the tourism department shall establish to increase business retention and support business expansion. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2023 shall revert to the general fund.

     SECTION 2. APPROPRIATION.--Eight million dollars ($8,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the tourism department for expenditure in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to provide technical assistance to tourism events through a tourism event revitalization program to be established by the tourism department to improve efficiency, efficacy and sustainability of attracting out-of-state visitors to New Mexico tourism events. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2023 shall revert to the general fund.

     SECTION 3. APPROPRIATION.--

          A. Thirty million dollars ($30,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the tourism department for expenditure in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to develop a tourism industry career advancement pilot program to provide professional development opportunities to upskill the leisure and hospitality workforce following the losses in employment caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2023 shall revert to the general fund.

          B. The pilot program shall include provision for:

                (1) curriculum development and procurement;

                (2) a staff coordinator;

                (3) an outreach and recruitment coordinator;

                (4) program enrollment courses;

                (5) special events; and

                (6) supplies.

          C. The pilot program shall include:

                (1) a college fellowship program to retain New Mexico college graduates and support job placement post-graduation;

                (2) on-the-job training and mentorship at hospitality and tourism business establishments to reduce workforce migration and retain New Mexico’s talent; and

                (3) nationally recognized online professional certificates to increase skills and provide career advancement.

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