Makes appropriations to the Nevada System of Higher Education for enrollment recovery at and to support certain expenditures for certain institutions. (BDR S-1180)
Impact
The funds delineated in AB491 are intended to address challenges related to student enrollment that various colleges within Nevada have faced. By prioritizing enrollment recovery, the bill aims to stabilize and potentially increase student numbers in the wake of disruptions, such as those caused by the pandemic. The funding will directly support instructional and operational expenditures, which could enhance educational programs and services offered by these institutions. Additionally, the timely disbursement and effective use of these funds is critical, as unspent funds must revert to the State General Fund by a specified date, emphasizing accountability in the allocation process.
Summary
Assembly Bill No. 491 is a legislative measure aimed at supporting higher education institutions in Nevada through a series of appropriations intended specifically for enrollment recovery and operational support. The bill allocates funds from the State General Fund to various colleges within the Nevada System of Higher Education, including Great Basin College, College of Southern Nevada, Truckee Meadows Community College, Western Nevada College, and Nevada State College. These appropriations total over $14 million, demonstrating the state's commitment to enhancing higher education access and quality within its jurisdiction.
Contention
While the bill reflects a broad agreement on the need for funding in higher education, discussions surrounding its provisions highlight divergent views on educational priorities and funding allocations. Some stakeholders may argue about the adequacy of the appropriated sums and their sufficiency to cover ongoing challenges faced by these institutions. Furthermore, there might be concern regarding the effectiveness of the proposed measures in truly overcoming enrollment declines, as specific strategies for enrollment recovery are not detailed within the bill itself. Thus, while AB491 is a step toward supporting higher education, ongoing dialogue on funding effectiveness and educational strategy continues to be pertinent.
Makes appropriations to the Nevada System of Higher Education for expenditures related to instruction that are due to caseload adjustments at certain institutions within the System. (BDR S-1202)
Makes appropriations to the Nevada System of Higher Education to expand undergraduate and graduate nursing programs and for academic programming and building renovations at institutions within the System. (BDR S-1200)
Makes an appropriation to the Desert Research Institute of the Nevada System of Higher Education to support the Nevada State Cloud Seeding Program. (BDR S-592)
Makes an appropriation to the Desert Research Institute of the Nevada System of Higher Education to support the Nevada State Cloud Seeding Program. (BDR S-389)
Makes an appropriation to the Nevada System of Higher Education for a grant program to expand undergraduate and graduate nursing programs at institutions within the System. (BDR S-917)
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.