SENATE MEMORIAL 41

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Eric G. Griego

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO CREATE AN INTERIM DISABILITIES CONCERNS COMMITTEE ON WHICH PUBLIC MEMBERS MAY ALSO PARTICIPATE.

     WHEREAS, legislation affecting persons with disabilities runs the gamut from health concerns to business access and from behavioral health difficulties to accommodations in the schools; and

     WHEREAS, many persons with disabilities are interested in taking part in shaping the legislative agenda that shapes their lives; and

     WHEREAS, disabilities legislation and initiatives often fall through the cracks because they do not completely reside in any single topic, committee or law; and 

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has passed the Developmental Disabilities Act and must comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and

     WHEREAS, inclusion of persons with disabilities in the mainstream of New Mexico's political life will benefit all those involved; and

     WHEREAS, legislators have good reason to unify such a broad focus area by bringing interested persons from many fields and many legislative perspectives together;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council form an interim disabilities concerns committee composed of four members of each house of the legislature, balanced as to party affiliation, and other public members with disabilities and expertise in disabilities law, health, education and resources; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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