NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 244 appropriates $3,000.0 from the general fund to the New Mexico Office of Indian Affairs to provide matching funds for the Navajo Nation Veterans' Trust Fund to provide services for Navajo Nation veterans and their families.

Significant Issues

Senate Bill 244 may be referring to the " Navajo Nation Housing Trust Fund." A similar bill for the same appropriation was introduced during the 1999 Legislature. There is a great demand for housing on the Navajo Nation. A 1990 survey indicates a waiting list of 13,350 families in need of housing in New Mexico and Arizona. Private home ownership opportunities are less than five percent in reservation communities. However, it is unknown how many of these families qualify as indigent veterans to be eligible for assistance from the Navajo Nation Housing Trust Fund.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The $3,000.0 appropriation from the general fund is to the Office of Indian Affairs for fiscal 2001 to provide matching funds to the Navajo Nation Housing Trust Fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2001 reverts to the general fund.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

If the services provided for in Senate Bill 244 are intended for housing, the fund in the title should be corrected to read the "Navajo Nation Housing Trust Fund."

LMK/njw