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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T
SPONSOR Foley
DATE TYPED 10/06/05 HB 7
SHORT TITLE Energy Assistance-150-300% FPL
SB
ANALYST Weber
APPROPRIATION
Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring
or Non-Rec
Fund
Affected
FY05
FY06
FY05
FY06
$20,000.0
Non-Recurring General Fund
(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
LFC Files
Responses Received From
Human Services Department
SUMMARY
Synopsis of Bill
House Bill 7 appropriates $20 million from the GENERAL FUND to The Human Services De-
partment for the purpose of assisting New Mexico residents with incomes between 150 percent
and 300 percent of the federal poverty level with residential heating or energy utilities costs.
Significant Issues
There are approximately 190,000 households in the 150-300 percent of federal poverty level.
This converts to approximately $23,500 to $47,000 for a family of three. If all 190,000 received
an equal benefit from the $20 million it would be $105 each. The bill does not contain any regu-
latory requirement or note how eligibility will be determined. While it may be assumed eligibil-
ity will be conducted by the Income Support Division since the appropriation is made to HSD
consideration should be given to defining this definitively.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS
The appropriation of $20 million contained in this bill is a NON-RECURRING expense to the
GENERAL FUND. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY06