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

SPONSOR Tsosie

DATE TYPED 2/27/05

HB

SHORT TITLE Santo Domingo Pueblo Veterans Services

SB 990/aSIAC

ANALYST Weber

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

$300.0

Recurring General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Department of Veterans Services (DVS)

Department of Indian Affairs (DIA)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of the Senate Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee amendment.

The appropriation is changed from the Indian Affairs Department to the Department of Veterans

Services. In addition, changes are made to broaden the service area from just Santo Domingo to

all New Mexico Native American Veterans.

Synopsis of Original Bill

Senate Bill 990 appropriates $300 thousand from the general fund to the Indian Affairs

Department for the purpose of outreach services to veterans at the pueblo of Santo Domingo.

Significant Issues

The Department of Veterans Services contributes.

Santo Domingo has a veterans group that has been very active in providing assistance to the

veterans in their area. They assist in filing claims as well as providing transportation to the VA

Medical Center in Albuquerque or the Vet Center in Santa Fe.

Senate Bill 990/aSIAC -- Page 2

The Indian Affairs Department adds.

There are various State and Federal agencies that provide services to veterans, and surviving

spouses and children of veterans. It may be a daunting task for some to navigate through these

agencies and the often complex application processes to receive services. It may be even more

difficult for those with language, transportation, or cultural barriers. SB 990 provides one

opportunity to increase access for Native American veterans within their own communities.

The Indian Affairs Department has received information from New Mexico Native American

veterans stating that a properly coordinated outreach program is necessary to address their dire

needs. These comments have led to dialogue with the NM Veterans’ Service Department on

how these needs can be met and properly addressed.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $300 thousand contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general

fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY06 shall revert to

the general fund.

MW/yr:lg