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 recent media scrutiny. It notes that there are thirty-two public boards overseeing various colleges and universities, all of which engage in spending, including travel, and have their own procurement and travel policies.
The study aims to review expenditures, procurement policies, and travel policies, specifically focusing on those institutions that are exempt from the Procurement Code and travel codes. The resolution emphasizes the need for responsible spending in higher education and seeks to ensure transparency and accountability in how taxpayer funds are utilized by these institutions. A copy of the memorial will be sent to the higher education department to facilitate this request.