REQUESTING THE STATE AGENCY ON AGING TO WORK JOINTLY WITH THE TAXATION AND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TO PUBLICIZE INFORMATION ABOUT PROPERTY TAX BENEFITS FOR LOW-INCOME SENIOR CITIZENS, ASSIST THEM IN OBTAINING SUCH BENEFITS AND STUDY THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SENIOR PROPERTY TAX ASSISTANCE AND RELIEF.

WHEREAS, many low-income senior citizens are unaware of their eligibility for a property tax rebate or a freeze on increases in the valuation of their homes for property tax purposes; and

WHEREAS, the state agency on aging operates the health insurance benefits assistance counseling program to provide senior citizens with information about health insurance and benefit entitlements; and

WHEREAS, the state agency on aging could work jointly through the health insurance benefits assistance counseling program and with the taxation and revenue department to provide information about property tax benefits, including information on eligibility requirements and how to apply for either a tax rebate or the freeze on property valuation increases; and

WHEREAS, in addition to providing information and assistance to low-income senior citizens regarding existing property tax benefits, the state agency on aging could also work jointly with the taxation and revenue department to study the need for additional property tax assistance and relief for various groups of senior citizens;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state agency on aging work jointly with the taxation and revenue department to publicize information about property tax benefits available to low-income senior citizens and assist interested senior citizens in determining eligibility and making application for such benefits; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state agency on aging also conduct a joint study with the taxation and revenue department to determine the need for additional property tax assistance and tax relief for various groups of senior citizens; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be given to the director of the state agency on aging and the secretary of taxation and revenue.