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

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO PROVIDE ADULT LITERACY SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

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

Section 1. APPROPRIATION.--

A. Two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) 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.

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

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

(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.

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

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