NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

New Mexico Department of Education (NMDA)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $600.0 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of the New Mexico State University for the New Mexico Department of Agriculture for cotton boll weevil eradication.

Significant Issues

According to the NMDA, the cotton boll weevil has infested cotton acreage over the entire state, covering approximately 75,000 acres. Producers in Luna county, Mesilla and Pecos Valley have voted to create control districts, joining Curry Lea, Roosevelt and Quay counties. Producers in those districts are currently contributing $938.0 annually. The cotton boll weevil has been successfully eradicated from eight states.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $600.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY01 shall revert to the general fund.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

CHE recommends that the following language be included for all new recurring higher education programs: "A plan for a program evaluation, including specific program goals and criteria for assessing program effectiveness shall be submitted to the LFC and the CHE by October 1, 2000. An assessment of the program will be completed prior to June 30, 2001 and submitted to the LFC and the CHE."

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