HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 3

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

Dona G. Irwin

FOR THE NEW MEXICO FINANCE AUTHORITY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROVIDE GREATER FUNDING AND ASSISTANCE TO THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO TO OFFSET THE DISPROPORTIONATE FINANCIAL COST OF BEING A BORDER STATE. 

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is one of only four states that share a common border with Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, federal laws mandate that each state provide certain services, such as emergency health care and education, to all persons living in the state, whether they are United States citizens or not; and

     WHEREAS, the cost of these federal mandates is borne in disproportionate amounts by border states; and

     WHEREAS, the cost of providing law enforcement services in the border regions of New Mexico is increasing due to immigration issues; and

     WHEREAS, immigration control and border security are federal issues, the cost of which should be borne by the federal government; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico bears a disproportionate financial burden because of its location as a border state;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the United States congress be urged to provide greater funding to New Mexico to offset the additional demands placed on this state by virtue of its status as a border state; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to members of the New Mexico congressional delegation.

- 2 -