[1] 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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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR:	Papen		DATE TYPED:	01/23/02		HB
SHORT TITLE:		NMSU Southwest & Border Cultures Institute				SB	26
					ANALYST:		Baca

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY02

FY03

FY02

FY03

$450.0

Non-Rec

General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates HB 78

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Education (SDE)

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 26 appropriates $450.0 to the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University (NMSU) to establish the Southwest and Border Cultures Institute. The appropriation will match a challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

Significant Issues

NMSU received a Prestigious Challenge Grant from NEH in 1998 to create and partially endow the Southwest and Border Cultures Institute. The Center’s goals and activities are consistent with NMSU’s land grant mission to promote humanities acquisition, research and education outreach activities that emphasize the regions multicultural and multilingual heritage. According to the SDE analysis, eligibility requirements call for NMSU to provide three dollars for every from non-federal sources for every one dollar received form NEH. This is the last year that NMSU is eligible to apply for matching funds.

The SDE analysis states that this request is a high priority for NMSU and is only one of four such proposals submitted this year by NMSU. The federal government will match funds provided by the legislature if the October 22 deadline set for applications is met.

Senate Bill 26 – Page 2

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The $450.0 appropriation from the general fund contained in this bill is a non-recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2003 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The grant will be administered by NMSU.

DUPLICATION

Senate Bill 26 is identical to House Bill 78.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

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

This request for funding was presented to and approved by NMSU’ Board of Regents and included in the institution’s budget request. However, it is not recommended by the CHE.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. What evidence, such as test scores, do you have to justify the creation of the center?

2. Were public school personnel involved in the development of this request?

3. From what grade levels will student mentors come, e.g., high school, college?

4. If funded, how long would it take to get the program “up and running”?

5. Is there any activity such as the one proposed currently taking place?

LB/njw:ar