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	Harrison		DATE TYPED	2/07/04		HB	493
SHORT TITLE		Navajo Veterans Housing Assistance Program				SB
					ANALYST		Weber

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
	$1,750.0			Recurring	General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Response Received From

Department of Indian Affairs

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 493 appropriates $1.75 million from the general fund to the Indian Affairs Department to provide funding for a housing assistance program for Navajo veterans.

Significant Issues

The Department of Indian Affairs reports:

Housing is an important issue among Veterans. Native Americans are eight times more likely to live in substandard housing conditions than other Americans according to a report by Harvard University. The needs of Navajo veterans like other veterans are often not prioritized leaving them to live without those needs being met.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $1.75 million 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..

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