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

SPONSOR Campos

DATE TYPED 1/24/05

HB

SHORT TITLE Regional Senior Companion Programs

SB 29

ANALYST Hanika-Oritz

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

$50.0

Recurring General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Aging and Long Term Services Department

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 29 appropriates $50,000 from the general fund to the Aging and Long Term Services

Department (ALTSD) to increase the allocation for senior companion services to Guadalupe and

Quay counties under the Senior Companion Program (SCP).

Significant Issues

The appropriation under SB 29 would allow for a full time office and full time program coordi-

nator in Tucumcari as opposed to the existing part time office and part time coordinator, and al-

low for an increase in services under the SCP in both Guadalupe and Quay counties.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

The current part time office and part time coordinator in Tucumcari also coordinate the Foster

Grandparent Program (FGP) in addition to the SCP.

Senate Bill 29 -- Page 2

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $50,000 contained in SB 29 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.

This appropriation is not included in the Aging Network package, however, the funding would

go to the ALTSD to contract with Las Vegas Medical Center through the Department of Health

(DOH).

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

Senior Companion Programs, part of the USA Freedom Corps, is administered by the Corpora-

tion for National and Community Services, the federal agency that also oversees AmeriCorps

and Learn and Serve America.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

This same bill was introduced in last year’s session as SB 494 where it passed, but was vetoed.

The appropriation would be from the ALTSD to the DOH and would have to be dispersed

through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA).

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The Senior Companion Program provides a way for those 60 and over, whose incomes are lim-

ited, to provide assistance and friendship to adults who have difficulty with daily living tasks,

such as grocery shopping and bill paying. Senior Companions spend 20 hours a week helping an

average of two to four adult clients live independently in their own homes. Senior companions

receive monthly training, provide relief to caregivers, and alert doctors and family members to

potential problems. One must meet income eligibility requirements to serve as a senior compan-

ion, and will receive a modest, tax free stipend to offset the cost of volunteering.

The Foster Grandparent Program provides a way for those 60 and over whose incomes are lim-

ited to serve as extended family members to children and youth with exceptional needs. Foster

Grandparents serve 20 hours a week in schools, hospitals, correctional institutions, daycare fa-

cilities, and Head Start centers. They help children who have been abused or neglected, mentor

troubled teenagers and young mothers, and care for premature infants or children with physical

disabilities.

WHAT WILL BE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT ENACTING THIS BILL.

Without this appropriation, the SCP would have to continue with a part time office and part time

coordinator and the currently enrolled senior companions.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

How many individuals are currently being served under the SCP and FGP, and how many more

are expected to be under this appropriation.

Senate Bill 29 -- Page 3

What is the amount of the current modest, tax-free stipend senior companions and foster grand-

parents receive under each program.

AHO/lg:yr