SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 76

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Richard C. Martinez

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE LABOR DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON DEVELOPING A STATE DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR NON-WORK-RELATED ILLNESS OR INJURY.

     WHEREAS, most employees are covered for work-related illnesses or injuries through workers' compensation; and

     WHEREAS, employees may find themselves without income or other resources due to non-work-related illnesses or injuries; and

     WHEREAS, employees who find themselves temporarily without paychecks run the risk of losing their homes or vehicles or having to file for bankruptcy; and

     WHEREAS, employees are often unable to receive other assistance because of their previous income, current assets or household income; and

     WHEREAS, employees may suffer non-work-related illnesses or injuries and only be temporarily out of work but may still be without income or other resources; and

     WHEREAS, few states have a state disability insurance program for non-work-related illnesses or injuries; and

     WHEREAS, the pooling of employee contributions to a state disability insurance program would provide the necessary funding without a tax increase or use of general fund dollars; and

     WHEREAS, a state disability insurance program may provide an additional safety net to prevent a family's financial collapse;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the labor department be requested to conduct a feasibility study on the creation of a state disability insurance program for non-work-related illnesses or injuries sustained by employees; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the labor department present its findings and recommendations to the legislative finance committee and the legislative health and human services committee during their October 2004 meetings and that two copies of their written findings and recommendations be provided to the legislative council service library; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the labor department.