Contact: Isaac Padilla
505/986.4263
Isaac.Padilla@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lottery Scholarship Funding Bill Passes Senate Committee
(Santa Fe, NM) –Senate Bill 212, sponsored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Michael Sanchez, passed the Senate Corporations Committee today. SB 211 extends the distribution of 39 percent of the revenue attributable to the liquor excise tax to the Lottery Tuition Fund through June 30, 2019.
“This bill will expand access to college by keeping the lottery scholarship fund solvent,” said Sen. Sanchez. “We need to make college affordable so New Mexico’s children can compete for the jobs of tomorrow.“
Expanded access to higher education will expand economic opportunity for residents, and strengthen the New Mexico’s economy. New Mexico is ranked last in job growth, it has the highest unemployment rate and is ranked 49 in the percent of children living in poverty.
“States with high wages are states with a well-educated work force,” said Sen. Sanchez. “New Mexico needs an educated work force if we want our economy to grow.”
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