The opportunity for students, faculty and staff to lobby lawmakers about tuition hikes and other University-related issues is fast approaching. UNM Day at the New Mexico Legislature is on Monday, and the Rotunda will be open for anyone who wants to speak with a legislator about issues or concerns.
University budget details outlined
The House Education Committee heard its first testimony Wednesday for recommendations to cut spending in higher education.
Legislative Finance Committee representative Paul Aguilar said this year’s higher education budget could be $22-30 million less than it was last year.
The LFC’s plan to fill the deficit includes a $100 tuition credit on students and a 50 percent reduction on out-of-state tuition waivers.
House Committee chairman Rep. Rick Miera (D-Albuquerque) said he would not support the tuition credit.
“Really, it’s a tax on students at the expense of the University,” he said. “It didn’t go over well.”
Rep. Alonzo Baldonado (R-Los Lunas), a House Education Committee member, said University administrators need to take students’ wallets into consideration.
“When I was at UNM, in 1996, I remember there was concern when tuition went over $1,000,” Alonzo said. “I would encourage administrators to take a good hard look at everything where they can make cuts and adjustments, so they don’t pass that along to students.”
The LFC also recommended a $10 million, or 10 percent, reduction for research and public service projects, such as student recruitment.
Miera said it is important for legislators to understand universities’ needs when completing the budget.
“I think we need to go to school and learn about the differentiation between UNM and Highlands, and other universities in the state,” he said.
The education committee will meet Feb. 1 to hear further details about higher education budget cuts.
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New Mexicans help balance the budget
Gov. Susana Martinez said she received more than 1,250 e-mails over the past month with ideas on how the state can save money.
She asked citizens to submit their cost-cutting suggestions last January, and said during a Wednesday press conference that she will implement one of those suggestions immediately.
“I have signed a one-year moratorium on new car purchases for non-law enforcement purposes,” she said. “These cars are not personal toys – they are paid for and maintained by New Mexico taxpayers.”
Martinez made similar remarks during her State of the State address.
She is also planning ways to cut travel by examining video conferencing technology, cutting cell phones for state workers and consolidating divisions at the Taxation and Revenue Department.
“These measures only mark the beginning of our fight to balance the budget and rein in government spending,” she said. “There are many more suggestions that will require further examination.”
Stay off the sauce, junior
Senator Kent Cravens (R-Albuquerque) wants to make it illegal for underage citizens to be drunk in public.
The current underage drinking law prohibits minors from possessing, buying and trying to buy alcohol, but says nothing about being drunk.
“If it is not in their hands, minors are not in possession and cannot be considered adjudicated or guilty of a crime,” Cravens said.
His bill would add language to the state’s underage drinking law that would prohibit public drunkenness.
According to the law, youths under 18 found drunk in public would be able to contest the case in court, whereas adults ages 18-21 would be found guilty. Both would have their driver’s license suspended for 60 days or have 60 days added to the time it takes to obtain one.
The Attorney General’s office requested the legislation, according to Cravens’ office.
Cravens said he hopes his bill sends a strong message that underage drinking is a serious offense.
“Drinking alcohol is not an appropriate behavior,” he said. “It will be a crime.”
