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

2/12/04

HB

494

 

SHORT TITLE

Tohatchi Youth Development Programs

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST

Dunbar

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY04

FY05

FY04

FY05

 

$42.0

 

 

Recurring

General Fund

 

Relates to HB 242; HB 41; HB 244; SB 435; SB 451

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

 

Responses Received From

Office of Indian Affairs (OFA)

Department of Health (DOH)

NM Public Education Department (NMPED)

 

SUMMARY

 

Synopsis of Bill

 

House Bill 494 appropriates $42,000 from the General Fund to the NM Office of Indian Affairs to fund youth development programs at the Tohatchi chapter in Tohatchi. 

 

Significant Issues

 

HB 494 proposes to implement youth development programs in Tohatchi.  There is a mention of “youth leadership project,” with no additional information on what is meant by the youth leadership project. 

 

HB 494 would be enhanced by addressing the need for recurring services, the overall goal of the project, and evaluation to measure effectiveness of the program on the service population.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, of the 2076 people living in Tohatchi, there are 966 youth between the ages of 0-21 years old.  Approximately, 95% of the population is Native American, predominantly members of the Navajo Nation.

 

House Bill 494 allows for the OIA to contract with youth development programs.  OIA states Native American youth are in need of early intervention, mentoring, leadership skills, and self-esteem building programs.  Native American youth face many challenges and they require programs and mentors that can support them to stay in school and plan their future.    

 

Like Indian youth elsewhere, Navajo youth are challenged by a host of problems including gang violence, drug and alcohol abuse, theft and violent crimes, and teen pregnancy.  Providing leadership programs that encompass culturally relevant components will tackle substance abuse and drug abuse issues. 

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The appropriation of $42.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the General Fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY 05 shall revert to the General Fund.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

 

This bill will provide funding for youth development programs, which includes the youth leadership project at Tohatchi Chapter.  It is unclear if the suggested program and service will partner with existing youth programs in Tohatchi.  NMPED recommends that the Tohatchi Chapter work with or coordinate with the schools in providing after-school or weekend activities to build resiliency skills.

 

RELATIONSHIP

 

Relates to:

q       HB 242, which would appropriate $50,000 from the general fund to the Public Education Department for expenditure in FY05 for a character building program for underprivileged and Native American youths in San Juan County;

q       HB 41 which proposes $500,000.00 from the General Fund for culturally relevant programs and services for Indian youth in Gallup;

q        HB 244, which would appropriate $50,000 from the General Fund to the Pueblo of Zuni for expenditure in fiscal year 2005 to fund the Zuni youth development initiative;

q       SB 435 which proposes to appropriate seventy thousand dollars ($70,000) from the general fund to the NM Public Education Department to contract for Character Counts program services in Chaves County.

q       SB 451 appropriates $95,000 for identical program as HB 494.

 

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

 

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, New Mexico has a little less than two hundred thousand Native American citizens who comprise over ten percent of the state's entire population.

 

Central to the positive youth development approach is an understanding that all youth need access to developmental opportunities. These services are far more effective when they are part of a community-designed system of supports and developmental opportunities that provide young people with chances to try new ventures or work toward dreams they had not thought attainable.

 

The positive youth development approach emphasizes fully preparing young people to succeed and contribute now and as adults; rather than focusing simply on ensuring that young people are not engaged in risky behaviors. Nonetheless, risk reduction and problem avoidance are often outcomes of developmentally focused programs. 

 

The nonpartisan National Academy of Sciences concluded that adolescents who spend time in communities that are rich in developmental opportunities experience less risk and show evidence of higher rates of positive development. 

 

The Office of Indian Affairs has youth programs at Cochiti and Isleta Pueblos and at the Santa Fe Indian School.

 

BD/dm:lg