HOUSE BILL 225

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2020

INTRODUCED BY

Deborah A. Armstrong and Susan K. Herrera and Karen C. Bash

and Linda M. Trujillo and Jim R. Trujillo

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO SENIOR CITIZEN SERVICES; CREATING THE KIKI SAAVEDRA SENIOR DIGNITY FUND; PROVIDING PURPOSES FOR THE FUND; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. [NEW MATERIAL] KIKI SAAVEDRA SENIOR DIGNITY

FUND--CREATED--PURPOSE--APPROPRIATION.--

A. The "Kiki Saavedra senior dignity fund" is

created as a nonreverting fund in the state treasury and shall

be administered by the aging and long-term services department. The fund consists of money that is appropriated or donated or that otherwise accrues to the fund.

          B. Money in the Kiki Saavedra senior dignity fund is appropriated to the aging and long-term services department to address high-priority services for senior citizens in New Mexico, including transportation, food insecurity, physical and behavioral health, case management and caregiving. More particularly, the goals of the fund are increased access for seniors and adults with disabilities, including veterans, to specialty vehicles and to specialty physical and behavioral health care not always provided in rural areas; assistance with appointments and meals in underserved areas of the state; and care coordination through community health workers.

          C. Expenditures from the fund shall be made on

warrants drawn by the secretary of finance and administration

pursuant to vouchers signed by the secretary of aging and long-term services or the secretary's authorized representative.

     SECTION 2. APPROPRIATION.--Twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the Kiki Saavedra senior dignity fund for expenditure in fiscal year 2021 and subsequent fiscal years to carry out the purposes of the fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund.

- 2 -