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SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 2

48

TH LEGISLATURE

- STATE OF NEW MEXICO -

SECOND SPECIAL SESSION

, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

John T. L. Grubesic

A JOINT MEMORIAL

DIRECTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO APPOINT A

LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE TO IDENTIFY ACTIONS NECESSARY TO REFORM

THE SYSTEM OF ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE AND HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN

NEW MEXICO, TO CONSULT WITH THE GOVERNOR AND TO MAKE

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE LEGISLATURE REGARDING APPROPRIATE REFORM

MEASURES.

WHEREAS, achieving meaningful health care reform is a

difficult process due to the complexity of the issues; and

WHEREAS, there are many unanswered questions regarding the

impact that various reform measures could have on individuals,

employers, insurers and others; and

WHEREAS, the cost of financing a reformed health care

system is difficult to predict, and the future impact on the

state general fund is unknown; and

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WHEREAS, numerous formal and informal commissions, task

forces, councils and advocacy groups have studied this issue

and made recommendations that have not resulted in consensus

regarding the optimal approach to reforming the health care

system in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, serious problems remain affecting the well-being

of New Mexicans, including the continued rising cost of health

care services and insurance, an uninsured rate of approximately

twenty-one percent, statewide shortages of health professionals

and a medicaid budget that is growing far faster than

inflation; and

WHEREAS, the legislature of the state of New Mexico

desires to reach consensus with the governor to address these

serious problems and concerns;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE

STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be

directed to appoint a legislative task force to identify

actions necessary to reform the system of access to health care

and health care services in New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall consult

with the governor to determine areas where consensus can be

reached and make recommendations to the legislature regarding

appropriate reform measures; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be

transmitted to the governor and the members of the New Mexico

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legislative council.

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