UNM
The governor signed the General Appropriations Act, which includes funding for UNM, on Thursday.
The measure included full funding according to the state's funding formula for UNM.
However, the Legislature increased the tuition credit to 4.5 percent.
The tuition credit is the amount by which legislators expect a school to raise tuition. Last year, the credit was set at 4 percent.
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The Legislature also funded a 2 percent increase in staff and faculty compensation. Legislators funded a 3 percent increase last year.
UNM President Louis Caldera said in a news release the low compensation increase will add to the University's difficulty in recruitment and retainment.
The legislative session ended on Saturday.
Higher education
Higher education in New Mexico will be run differently if the governor signs a bill creating a Cabinet-level secretary of higher education.
The Commission of Higher Education, a board appointed by the governor, oversees the state's colleges and universities.
The bill, which the Senate passed on Saturday, would replace the commission with a department of higher education. The measure also creates an advisory board to advise the higher education secretary and the governor.
The change was one of Richardson's higher education priorities. Last year, the Legislature created a state department of education to administer K-12 education.
UNM's Board of Regents will retain local control of the University.
A measure creating a needs-based scholarship program for New Mexico high school students was passed by the Legislature on Friday.
The College Affordability Act would create scholarships for students based on their financial need. The scholarships would be awarded to students who attend a public college or university in New Mexico and do not have a bachelor's degree.
The bill needs to be signed by Richardson before it is enacted.
Action on bills covered by the Daily Lobo
Lottery bills - not out of committee
Body Art Safe Practices Act (House bill 364) - not out of committee
Right to Eat Enchiladas Act (Senate bill 291) - not out of committee
Standardized courses (Senate bill 161) - passed
Medical marijuana (Senate bill 492) - not out of committee
