Legislative tidbits: Drop-out rate

Days remaining in session: 13

Drop-out rate

A memorial (HM 46) by Rep. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces, would require the Public Education Department to examine whether there’s a correlation between 4th and 8th grade reading and math proficiencies and high school drop-out rates.

“For many years there has been a belief that children who struggle in key proficiencies earlier in their education fall out of the education system later on,” Steinborn said.

“With a 40 percent dropout rate statewide, we have to keep seeking solutions to help our kids graduate from high school and lead productive lives.”

The study would look at other factors that might affect drop-out rates, such as teen pregnancy.

Ethics commission

A bill by Sen. Sue Wilson Beffort, R-Sandia Park, would set up an independent, six-member ethics panel to look into allegations of ethics violations in the executive and legislative branches of government.

“Unethical and illegal activity in state government could be better discouraged if those engaged in it believe there could be a better chance they are being watched, reported and caught,” Beffort said.

The measure (SB 268) would allow confidential investigations and prohibit retaliation against those who report the unethical behavior, Beffort said.

Another ethics commission bill, (HB 43) is making its way through the House. Rep. Mary Helen Garcia, D-Las Cruces, is carrying that measure.

Campaign contribution limits

The House Voters & Elections Committee on Thursday combined two bills that would prohibit campaign contributions from lobbyists, state contractors and companies seeking “targeted subsidies” like tax incentives.

One bill 118, sponsored by Rep. Joe Campos, D-Santa Rosa, which has been pushed by Think New Mexico, the Santa Fe-based think tank. The second bill, HB 172, sponsored by Rep. Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque is backed by Gov. Bill Richardson.

The committee substitute removed a provision from Chasey’s bill that would have prohibited contributions from corporations and a section from Campos’ bill that would have required nonprofit groups that get involved in political advocacy to disclose their contributors.

The vote was 6-4 in favor. The bill goes to the House Judiciary Committee.

House webcasting

The full House is expected to consider a measure (HJM 15) that would require the audio and video broadcasting of interim legislative committees this year.

“Interim committees play an important role in our process. Legislative policy and budgetary recommendations are all developed in the interim committee process,” said Steinborn, the bill’s sponsor. “Broadcasting these meetings would provide an incredible opportunity to expand the participation of both legislators and interested citizens — all from the convenience from of their home or office computer. Additionally, this technology offers the opportunity to save the state money in legislators being able to listen to meetings without having to travel and all the expenses that go along with that.”

Nothing in legislative rules currently address webcasting of interim committees, which meet around the state in the summer.

Looking ahead

• Today is film and media day at the Roundhouse. Residents interesting in learning about the film business are encouraged to stop by a large tent across from the Capitol at the corner of Paseo de Peralta and Old Santa Fe Trail for information. “This is a chance for people to interact with New Mexico’s film professionals and to see for themselves the tremendous positive impact the film industry has in our state and the opportunities it creates for our people,” said Lisa Strout, director of the state Film Office. Among other things, participants will be able to watch crews film a public service announcement and will have an opportunity to appear in a film about Billy the Kid. Representatives of the industry will be on hand to talk about local film education opportunities.

• Public television viewers tonight can catch an interview with former Gov. Gary Johnson on “New Mexico In Focus” at 7 p.m. on KNME-TV, Channel 5. The show this week also will feature an interview with Juan Sepulveda, director of the White House Initiative on Education Excellence for Hispanic Americans. Other topics include proposed budget boost for the state’s laboratories and recent turmoil at The University of New Mexico.

Later in the night, Sens. Dede Feldman, D-Albuquerque, and Rod Adair, R-Roswell, will appear on another public affairs show, “Report from Santa Fe.” That airs at 10:30 tonight and 7:30 a.m. Sunday. Feldman will talk about health care, sin taxes and lobbying reform measures, while Adair tells host Lorene Mills about a movement to rein in state legal fees.