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SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

New Mexico Veterans' Service Commission (VSC)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $100.0 from the general fund to VCS for the purpose of providing uniforms for honor guards at the Santa Fe and Fort Bayard national cemeteries in fiscal year 2002.

Significant Issues

Several veterans' organizations provide honor guards for funerals at the Santa Fe and Fort Bayard national cemeteries. The organizations pay for their own uniforms and this bill would provide reimbursement for the expense.

VSC identifies some concerns about administering this program. They point out that the bill does not specify what groups would be eligible and who owns the uniforms (i.e., the individual, organization, or the state.) In addition, the bill does not specify what items of uniform are included. Lastly, the bill does not specify how the uniform items are to be procured. These concerns are considered administrative in nature.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $100.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2002 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

VSC will have to develop administrative procedures that specify how veterans' organization can apply for uniforms. Only those groups that perform functions at the Santa Fe, Fort Bayard, and if the proposed amendment is adopted, Fort Stanton veterans' cemetery would be eligible. The procedures would have to specify what items of uniform will be provided, and how they will be procured. Ownership of the uniforms should be retained by the state so they are not considered belonging to an individual. The procedures should specify that organizations will be rank- ordered based on the number of ceremonies performed in fiscal year 2001 and uniforms will be provided in that order to requesting organizations until the funds are exhausted.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

VCS is planning on the cemetery at Fort Stanton becoming a state veterans' cemetery. If it is to be included as a veterans' cemetery, Line 19 should be changed to read: "Fe and Fort Bayard national cemeteries and Fort Stanton state veterans' cemetery. Any unexpended or"

GAC/ar