HJM 3
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A JOINT MEMORIAL
REQUESTING THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROVIDE GREATER FUNDING
AND ASSISTANCE TO THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO TO OFFSET THE
DISPROPORTIONATE FINANCIAL COST OF BEING A BORDER STATE.
WHEREAS, New Mexico is one of only four states that
share a common border with Mexico; and
WHEREAS, federal laws mandate that each state provide
certain services, such as emergency health care and education,
to all persons living in the state, whether they are United
States citizens or not; and
WHEREAS, the cost of these federal mandates is borne in
disproportionate amounts by border states; and
WHEREAS, the cost of providing law enforcement services
in the border regions of New Mexico is increasing due to
immigration issues; and
WHEREAS, immigration control and border security are
federal issues, the cost of which should be borne by the
federal government; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico bears a disproportionate financial
burden because of its location as a border state;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE
STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the United States congress be urged
to provide greater funding to New Mexico to offset the
additional demands placed on this state by virtue of its