Senate sends New Mexico lottery scholarship bill to governor

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000 | 8:35 a.m.

The scholarship program is projected to have a $2.7 million shortfall next year, according to the Commission on Higher Education.

If another source of money isn't found, the commission by law would have to reduce the amount of the scholarships from 100 percent of tuition to about 70 percent.

The Senate on Wednesday night approved House amendments to the bill with no debate and sent it to the governor.

Earlier in the evening, House Speaker Raymond Sanchez, D-Albuquerque, said another lottery scholarship bill with slightly different provisions was "in the Senate and should be making its way up to the governor."

"I'd like to see a couple of options before the governor," Sanchez said.

The bill sent to the governor, sponsored by Sen. Michael Sanchez, D-Belen, would change the percentage of lottery profits that go to the scholarship program. Currently, 60 percent of the profits go to public school construction and 40 percent goes to the scholarships.

Sanchez's bill would change the split to 50-50.

The other bill, sponsored by Rep. Joe Nestor Chavez, D-Albuquerque, would give 100 percent of the lottery profits to the scholarship program.

More than 8,000 students are getting scholarships. They are required to keep a 2.5 grade point average to remain eligible for the money.

"We will have sufficient money to carry the lottery scholarship through the next 2 years," Sanchez said of the bill sent to the governor. "So we ought to play it safe on this one."

Chavez said he was told the 50-50 option would leave the scholarship program with a deficit this year.

But Sanchez said it's important to ensure there is enough money for school construction and that the issue could be revisited next year if the 50-50 bill becomes law.