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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $484.0 to the Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico for the purpose of providing support services to disabled students.

Significant Issues

According to the CHE, the project proposed in this bill was the top priority in the list of eleven special project requests made by the institution. Funding would be used to provided sing language interpreting; Rapid Text Relay System transcribing; and maintenance, acquisition, and inventorying of assistive technology for students.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $484.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY00 shall revert to the general fund.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The CHE would prefer to work with institutions to insure the adequacy of funding for student services rather than fund I&G projects through separate line item appropriations.

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