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Committee advances $20 million proposal to expand out‑of‑school time programs, including transportation funding
Summary
Senate Bill 93, which would authorize $20 million to expand out-of-school time programs statewide, received a due-pass recommendation after testimony from providers and advocates who said the money would sustain COVID-era gains and expand access in rural areas.
Senate Bill 93, a measure to expand and sustain out-of-school time (OST) programs statewide, received a due-pass recommendation from the Senate Education Committee after broad testimony from OST providers, community organizations and education advocates.
The bill authorizes a $20,000,000 appropriation: $10,000,000 earmarked for school districts and $10,000,000 for statewide nonprofit community organizations. Sponsor Senator Padilla told the committee the proposal is designed to sustain programs launched with federal COVID-era funding and to expand OST access, particularly in rural areas; the sponsor said the measure specifically permits use of funds for transportation, a barrier to participation in remote communities.
Why it matters: witnesses said OST programs deliver academic support, enrichment, physical activity and mental-health resources for students and help parents keep employment. Ian Gates of the New Mexico Out of School Time Network told the committee that “24,000 children and youth [are] waiting for an out of school time program because they're just not available.” Supporters argued that sustaining and expanding OST reduces afternoon crime spikes and extends learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
Support and testimony: representatives from statewide providers testified in favor, including the Boys & Girls Club, New Mexico Mesa, Horizons Albuquerque, and multiple nonprofit OST providers. Denise Veil Comstock of Horizons Albuquerque said the bill would allow students served by Horizons to benefit from OST funding this session. Advocates asked that funds be available to both LEAs and nonprofits to maximize reach.
Questions and concerns: Committee members asked how the Public Education Department would allocate funds, how rural providers would be prioritized, and what performance measures would govern continued funding. Senator Padilla said the department would promulgate application criteria and that the appropriation would not revert at year‑end so funds could be used until expended. Members asked for clear evaluation data and accountability; department staff acknowledged evaluations and said more detailed performance reporting is required by related budget and fund‑management proposals.
Outcome: The committee approved a due-pass recommendation for Senate Bill 93 following a motion and roll call.
