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	Begaye		DATE TYPED	1/26/04		HB	41
SHORT TITLE		Indian Youth Program				SB
					ANALYST		Weber

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
	500.0			Recurring	General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Indian Affairs Department (IAD)

New Mexico Public Education Department (PED)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 41 appropriates $500 thousand from the general fund to the Indian Affairs Department for the purpose of contracting for culturally relevant programs and services for Indian youth in Gallup.

Significant Issues

IAD reports that according to the 2000 U.S. Census, the American Indian/Alaska Native population of Gallup comprises over 36% of the city’s total population. McKinley County, in which Gallup is located, is almost 75% American Indian/Alaska Native.

IAD reports the bill will provide resources for youth who are interested in learning about their Native American cultures. Providing culturally relevant programs to these Native American youth will tackle the issues of cultural practices and native languages being lost and other social issues. Early intervention, mentoring, leadership skills, and self-esteem building are goals of such culturally relevant programs and services.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $500 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.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The funds will be administered by the Indian Affairs Department through contractual arrangements.

However, the definition of “culturally relevant” should be provided and the specific problem the programs are to address would be helpful. Performance measures relating to the resolution of the problems should be an integral condition for the successful contract bidder.

MW/yr:lg