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	Park		DATE TYPED	2/4/04		HB	382
SHORT TITLE		UNM Young Children’s Medical Center				SB
					ANALYST		Baca

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
	$100.0			Recurring	General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

Relates to Appropriation in the General Appropriation Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Commission on Higher Education Funding Recommendations for FY05

UNM, Health Services (telephone interview)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 382 appropriates $100 thousand from the general fund to Board of /Regents of the University of New Mexico to operate a young children’s medical center in the southeast heights of Albuquerque.

Significant Issues

The Young Children’s Center is a line item for UNM in the General Appropriation Act. The appropriation in this bill is intended to restore cuts in services that were necessitated by funding reductions of 15% in FY03 and 5% in FY04 along with a .2% “sanding” in FY03. The funding reductions totaled $93.5 thousand and have led to reductions in services and staff. It is reported that, over a two year period, staff was reduced by 2.6 FTE: 1 FTE, 1 FTE social worker and 3 social workers at .2 FTE each. It is further reported that the Director has placed himself on

administrative leave and taken a position in another UNM health services program and is directing the center on a part-time basis – his own time.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $100 thousand contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY05 shall revert to the general fund.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The Young Children’s Medical Center serves a culturally diverse population in southeast Albuquerque, provides primary health and behavioral health care to children, adolescents and families. The Center also serves as a “medical home” for special needs patients in the area.

LB/yr:njw