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

 

 

 

SPONSOR:

M. P. Garcia

 

DATE TYPED:

02/11/03

 

HB

HM 2

 

SHORT TITLE:

New Mexico to Work for Peace

 

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST:

Padilla

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY03

FY04

FY03

FY04

 

 

 

NFI

 

 

NFI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

Duplicates SM 28

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

Responses Received From

New Mexico Border Authority

Commission on Higher Education

Economic Development Department

 

SUMMARY

 

     Synopsis of Bill

 

House Memorial 2 expresses the House of Representatives’ desire to decrease the dependence of New Mexico’s economy on military and security-related activities and instead increase “life-affirming and peaceful” economic development.  The memorial resolves that New Mexico should provide incentives to its national labs and universities to pursue alternatives to defense and weapons research.  

 

     Significant Issues

 

New Mexico has a long history of fostering science and technology activities related to the defense, nuclear and national security needs of the United States.  Many people who live and work in New Mexico contribute to these activities.  The memorial seems to relate New Mexico’s history and its economic strengths in science and technology to the current problems of terrorism confronting the United States.  The memorial stresses that New Mexico’s rich science and technology resources can be put to peaceful and productive uses such as alternative energy, improving the environment and technology transfer. 

 

The intent of this memorial may be in conflict with the Governor’s initiative to minimize the possibility of military base closings in New Mexico.

 

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

 

The Commission on Higher Education points out that New Mexico’s institutions of higher education are already engaged in a broad range of “life-affirming” research, including medicine, and environmental protection. CHE adds that New Mexico’s research institutions operate independently and pursue missions in the areas of teaching, public service and research.

 

The Economic Development Department did not raise any issues concerning the memorial.

 

LP/ls