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: Lopez, Linda DATE TYPED: 01/26/00 HB
SHORT TITLE: Pediatric Early Literacy Program SB 165
ANALYST: Baca


APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY00 FY01 FY00 FY01
$ 50.0 Recurring GF

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



Duplicates HB 83, except for appropriation of $31.1



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



LFC files



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



The bill appropriates $50.0 to the SDE for contracting for a pediatric early literacy program in Bernalillo County during FY 2001.



Significant Issues



According to a recent report from the Education Commission of the States, research indicates the first three years of life are especially critical to laying the groundwork for future learning. Researchers have confirmed that the infant brain requires almost nonstop stimulation to age 3, well before a child starts school.



According to SDE, a positive step toward solving the dropout problem in New Mexico would be to initiate systematic solutions at an early age.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The $50.0 general fund appropriation is to be expended in FY 2001. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY 2001shall revert to the general fund.



ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS



None



DUPLICATION



Provisions of SB 165 duplicate those of HB 83 except that HB 83 appropriates $32.1 for the program.



TECHNICAL ISSUES



None



LB/njw