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)

Relates to SB 40 and SB 34. The General Appropriations Act provides $400.0 for adult and family literacy.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA)

State Department of Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 4 appropriates $250.0 to expand adult and family literacy services in underserved areas of the state.

Significant Issues

This appropriation would be used to contract 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.

Senate Bill 4 allocates funds for program management and operating support for community-based literacy programs utilizing volunteer tutors to deliver expanded adult literacy services. Technical support to these programs would also 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 objective documentation of outcomes. Existing services will be utilized whenever possible to expand service delivery and to avoid duplication of services.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $250.0 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.

The General Appropriations Act provides $400.0 from the general fund to the Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) through the State Library Division for Literacy programming. The OCA sole source contracts with a New Mexico non-profit named the Coalition for Literacy.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

This bill relates to Senate Bill 40 which appropriates $5.0 million for an Even Start Family Literacy Program and to Senate Bill 34 which provides $4.0 million for a summer intensive educational program stressing reading improvement.

LG/njw:ar