45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO BENEFIT PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND SERVICE PROVIDERS AND TO COMPLY WITH CERTAIN FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS.

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

Section 1. APPROPRIATION--PURPOSES.--

A. Seven million dollars ($7,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the department of health for expenditure in fiscal year 2003 in the following amounts for the following purposes:

(1) four million dollars ($4,000,000) for an increase in reimbursement rates under the developmental disabilities waiver program in order to pay for increased program costs, including staffing costs such as overtime and increases in employee benefits; to provide salary adjustments to all employees to reduce turnover rates; and to provide a living wage to direct care staff at a minimum of ten dollars ($10.00) per hour; and

(2) three million dollars ($3,000,000) for an increase in the reimbursement rates for services provided exclusively with general fund appropriations, in order to bring these rates equal to the rates paid under the state medicaid waiver program for comparable services; to provide salary adjustments to all employees; and to provide a living wage to direct care staff of a minimum of ten dollars ($10.00) per hour.

B. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2003 shall revert to the general fund.