44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO EXPAND ADULT AND FAMILY LITERACY SERVICES IN UNDERSERVED AREAS OF THE STATE.

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

Section 1. APPROPRIATION.--

A. Five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the library division of the office of cultural affairs for expenditure in fiscal year 2000 for the purpose of contracting with a statewide nonprofit adult literacy organization to provide basic literacy services in areas of the state underserved by existing adult basic education and literacy programs.

B. This appropriation is designated for program management and operating support for community-based literacy programs utilizing volunteer tutors to deliver services in three primary areas:

(1) post-employment literacy services and job skills training for participants in local welfare-to-work initiatives;

(2) basic health education services designed to improve knowledge of health care issues and access to health care for adult populations with low literacy skills; and

(3) intergenerational and family literacy services designed to improve literacy skills within families, breaking the cycle of illiteracy.

C. Technical support to these programs will include training on evaluation standards and techniques, best practices in the delivery of literacy services, board development and training, volunteer recruitment and support, financial and program management and quantifiable documentation of outcomes. Existing services will be utilized whenever possible to expand service delivery in underserved areas of the state and to avoid duplication of services.

D. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2000 shall revert to the general fund.