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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

State Department of Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 526 appropriates $235.8 to the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Local Government Division to create ten educational access rooms to provide models for providing access to technology and education at community centers throughout New Mexico. The access rooms will be used for coordinated tutoring, distance learning, and parent involvement services.

Significant Issues

Tutoring for students via software technology, online learning, and distance education opportunities are becoming more prevalent in New Mexico with the advent of programs such as the New Mexico Virtual School and other higher education offerings. Since many New Mexico residents do not have access to the Internet at home, community technology access centers would enable them to gain access to these services.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $235.8 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY02 shall revert to the general fund.

AMENDMENTS

In order to more effectively utilize the technical expertise available at the State Department of Education (SDE), the SDE recommends that this bill be amended to include language requiring DFA to collaborate with the Educational Technology Bureau of the SDE, regarding the educational aspects mentioned in this bill.

LG/ar