SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — University of New Mexico students are calling on state lawmakers to vote on a measure aimed at shoring up the lottery scholarship program.

The measure is pending before a key Senate committee after being approved by the House. The session wraps up Thursday.

The revamped bill calls for the New Mexico Lottery Authority to provide at least $40 million each year to the scholarship fund. All unclaimed prize money would also be funneled back into the fund and the authority's operating costs would be capped.

The lottery-funded scholarships help pay tuition for more than 28,000 students at public universities and colleges around the state. The amount of financial aid available through the program has been declining since lottery revenues have not kept pace with increases in tuition and student enrollment.

Financial challenges are one of the biggest education issues in the US.  With this in mind, we here at Hispanic Outlook run articles weekly on our website and in our social media on scholarship news and opportunities.

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