SENATE MEMORIAL 49

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2005

INTRODUCED BY

Phil A. Griego

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION TO CONDUCT A STUDY OF APPROACHES AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO ACHIEVE ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR DWI PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES STATEWIDE.

     WHEREAS, driving while intoxicated remains a significant problem in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, municipalities and counties are currently engaged in many programs, services and activities throughout the state designed to reduce the incidence of DWI, alcoholism, alcohol abuse, drug addiction and drug abuse; and

     WHEREAS, the local government division of the department of finance and administration manages the local DWI grant fund and is charged with awarding grants and distributing funds to support these programs, services and activities; and

     WHEREAS, the need to expand the scope and number of these programs, activities and services is growing as the state continues to affirm its commitment to addressing the serious problems associated with alcoholism; and

     WHEREAS, new programs are being developed, including victims assistance programs, and new services are being identified, including sobering services, detoxification, screening, assessment, referral and case management for clients with alcohol, poly-substance or co-occurring behavioral needs; and

     WHEREAS, although the need continues to grow, funding for these new programs and services has not been increased; and

     WHEREAS, the demand for current funds in the local DWI grant fund has been extended to fund drug courts; and

     WHEREAS, adequate funding for all DWI programs, activities and services should continue to receive a high priority; and

     WHEREAS, liquor excise tax revenues could be distributed to the local DWI grant fund to support current and expanded programs, activities and services;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the local government division of the department of finance and administration be requested to conduct a study of approaches to achieve adequate funding for DWI programs, services and activities statewide; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study be conducted in collaboration with DWI affiliates of a statewide association representing counties, DWI planning councils, the governor's coordinator of DWI programs, representatives of the liquor industry and representatives of community-based programs, services or facilities that provide prevention, screening and treatment of alcoholism and alcohol abuse; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study examine the potential for increasing the distribution of liquor excise tax revenues to the local DWI grant fund and that it examine other funding mechanisms as may be identified; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study propose legislative recommendations for adequate funding of DWI programs, services and activities statewide; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the findings and recommendations of the study be presented to the interim legislative health and human services committee and the interim revenue stabilization and tax policy committee by their respective October 2005 meetings; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of finance and administration, the director of the local government division of the department of finance and administration and the chairpersons of the legislative health and human services committee and the revenue stabilization and tax policy committee.

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