SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 23

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2017

INTRODUCED BY

Benny Shendo, Jr.

A JOINT MEMORIAL

CALLING ON THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PROTECT THE FEDERAL INDIAN HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT.

     WHEREAS, the health care needs of American Indians are unique and include many unaddressed issues; and

     WHEREAS, according to the department of health, American Indians in New Mexico bear a disproportionate share of poor health status and disease; and

     WHEREAS, access to health care services varies greatly between urban Indians and Indians who reside on reservations; and

     WHEREAS, funding for Indian health services has historically been inadequate in New Mexico and throughout the United States; and

     WHEREAS, the passage of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the permanent reauthorization of the federal Indian Health Care Improvement Act offer significant opportunities for tribes and Native American communities to contribute to the improved health and well-being of American Indians in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the health and well-being of American Indians in New Mexico have benefited from increased tribal participation in and expansion of tribal health programs; and

     WHEREAS, the support, funding and opportunities provided by the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act have expanded and strengthened Indian sovereignty by allowing New Mexico Indian pueblos, tribes and nations to take ownership of the resources now available and to contribute in a meaningful way to the improved health of all American Indians in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the efforts of the United States congress to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act jeopardize the permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act; and

     WHEREAS, the protection of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act ensures that tribes and Native American communities can continue to contribute to the improved health and well-being of American Indians in New Mexico;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it protect health care for American Indians in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Mexico congressional delegation be called upon to urge their colleagues in the United States congress to support measures to protect the Indian Health Care Improvement Act; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the president of the United States, the governor and the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation.

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