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

LFC Files

Commission for Higher Education (CHE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 589 appropriates $165.0 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico (UNM) for the Wemagination Center.

Significant Issues

This appropriation will be used to fund staff and operational expenses for the Wemagination Center of the UNM family development program. The funds are earmarked for the collection and distribution of recycled materials and for training and support to teachers and parents in creative, educational uses of recycled materials.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $165.0 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.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The following is provided for information only. It is not intended as a commentary on the merits of the program/project:

All New Mexico higher educational institutions were asked to provide the CHE with an overall priority listing of new and expansion research and public service project requests. According to the CHE, this request was not included in UNM's budget request to the their board of regents, and thus was not submitted to the Commission on Higher Education (CHE) for review.

UNM did not receive governing board approval for this funding request and the CHE does not recommend this appropriation.

LG/sb:ar