NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

Duplicates HB115

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Health

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 221 appropriates 200.0 from the general fund to the Department of Health for expenditure in FY 2000 in order to provide directly or by contract, the provision of family resource services in Dona Ana county. Family resource services are defined to be the improvement of parenting skills, and the teaching of effective, culturally sensitive child-raising techniques. Unexpended appropriations shall revert to the general fund.

Significant Issues

The need for family resource services been documented in the past. The need is especially great for young or teen age parents who do not have the skills necessary for proper care and nourishment of their newborn children.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Although the appropriation of 200.0 will provide services to this area of the state, there is no further documentation of the need in other areas and the needs they have.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The Department of Health is able to administer these monies without additional resources as they have a large contracting network already in place.

DUPLICATION

Senate Bill 221 duplicates House Bill 118.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The entire statewide need for these services is not met by this appropriation.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. Why was this area of the state chosen?

2. What data does the department of Health have to support the need for these services?

MB/njw