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

SPONSOR Begaye

DATE TYPED 01/25/05 HB 11

SHORT TITLE Center for Independent Living

SB

ANALYST Weber

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

$65.0

Recurring General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Indian Affairs Department

Human Services Department

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 11 appropriates $65,000 from the GENERAL FUND to the local government division

of the Department of Finance and Administration for the purpose of providing organizational

support to an existing organization in Gallup working to encourage independent living among

Native American people with disabilities.

Significant Issues

The Indian Affairs Department reports, that an independent living program is a community-

based program which has substantial consumer involvement and provides services, which assist

people with disabilities in increasing their self-determination and in minimizing unnecessary de-

pendence on others. There are only few independent living centers/programs that are suited to

meet the unique needs of Indian people in New Mexico. Options are needed to increase oppor-

tunity for Native American people with disabilities within their own communities.

House Bill 11 -- Page 2

The Indian Affairs Department continues, the Interim Indian Affairs Committee formally en-

dorsed an appropriation request to support an independent living center in McKinley County.

In addition Indian Affairs notes, data from the 1997 Survey of Income and Program Participation

found that 22 percent of the American Indian and Alaska Native population has one or more dis-

abilities. This is the highest rate of disability when compared with all other races in the United

States. The data also indicates that Native American people with disabilities, especially those

who live on reservations, face unique circumstances and legal environments that require special

outreach, consultation, protections, and services.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

No performance indicators are required in the bill to verify the success of the program.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $65,000 contained in this bill is a RECURRING expense to the GENERAL

FUND. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FISCAL YEAR

2006 shall revert to the GENERAL FUND.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

There may be administrative costs involved for the local government division if performance

measures are required and included.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The appropriation is described as organizational support to an existing organization in Gallup. It

is unclear why only existing organizations should be considered. In addition, it is unclear why

the funds are directed for organization support of an operating entity rather than toward program

services.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

Why are only existing organizations considered.

MW/lg/njw