Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports if they are used for other purposes.

 

Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are available on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us).  Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not.  Previously issued FIRs and attachments may also be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

 

 

F I S C A L    I M P A C T    R E P O R T

 

 

 

SPONSOR

Aragon

DATE TYPED

2/2/2004

HB

 

 

SHORT TITLE

Treatment for Veterans With Lung Disease

SB

325

 

 

ANALYST

Chabot

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY04

FY05

FY04

FY05

 

$320.0

 

 

Recurring

General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

 

Responses Received From

Department of Health (DOH)

New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA)

New Mexico Veterans’ Service Commission (VSC)

 

SUMMARY

 

Synopsis of Bill

 

Senate Bill 325 appropriates $320 thousand from the general fund to VSC for the purpose of treating veterans with lung disease.

 

Significant Issues

 

VSC states information from the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Albuquerque states 385 veterans are being treated for some type of lung disease (e.g., Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Obstructive Chronic Disease, Emphysema, and Lung Cancer).  Temporary living assistance would aid in treatment options for these veterans.

 

MFA was administering a fiscal year 2003 appropriation from tobacco settlement fund to provide a transitional living facility for veterans following the cancellation of a contract with Rehabilitation Services and Veterans Program.  The joint powers agreement between VSC and MFA has now ended.

 

DOH states studies have found a higher rate of smoking among male veterans (36.1 percent) than the adult male population in general (27.6 percent), and female veterans (28.1 percent) than the adult female population in general (22.1 percent).  In addition, it is estimated there are 20,000 homeless veterans in New Mexico, with 90 percent of these having some type of lung disease.

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The appropriation of $320 thousand contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2005 shall revert to the general fund.

 

TECHNICAL ISSUES

 

VSC does not treat patients.  Recommend line 18 be changed to read:  “fiscal year 2005 for transitional living assistance for homeless veterans and veterans with lung disease.  Any”

 

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

 

  1. What services are envisioned to be provided through this appropriation?
  2. Will this program be carried out by contract or with the staff of VSC?
  3. Is there the possibility of receiving matching federal funds for this effort?

 

GAC/yr:njw