House Memorial 33, introduced by a group of legislators, requests the New Mexico higher education department to conduct a comprehensive study on the spending practices of public institutions of higher education in the state. The memorial highlights concerns regarding the management of taxpayer money, particularly in light of the thirty-two separate public boards overseeing various colleges and universities, including community colleges, tribal colleges, and specialty schools. It emphasizes the need to review expenditures, procurement policies, and travel policies, especially those that fall under exemptions from the Procurement Code and travel codes.
The resolution calls for an examination of how these institutions manage their finances, including travel and international travel expenses, to ensure responsible spending. The findings from this study are intended to provide insights into the financial practices of higher education institutions in New Mexico, ultimately aiming to enhance accountability and transparency in the use of public funds. A copy of the memorial will be sent to the higher education department for action.