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.

The LFC is only preparing FIRs on bills referred to the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Ways and Means Committee, the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. The chief clerks are responsible for preparing and issuing all other bill analyses.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Room 416 of the State Capitol Building.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Companion to: HB 358 Relates to: HB 2 and SB 2

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Agency on Aging

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 298 appropriates $8,709.0 to the State Agency on Aging for statewide programs. The funding would expand services provided through senior citizen centers, senior volunteer programs, and other statewide services.

Significant Issues

According to the agency, the amount requested is the result of a prioritization process coordinated by the State Agency on Aging. The request would address current demands for services and responds to the increasing demand for in-home services for frail older persons. The request for long term care ombudsman includes an increase of one FTE for the Agency on Aging to be placed in the north west area of the state. The request for the employment program includes one additional FTE. The funds would break down into the following appropriations:

- $6,295.2 to the six area Agencies on Aging for senior services;

- $1,100.0 to provide increased volunteer positions;

- $379.8 for increased information and assistance, consultation, education, and respite care;

- $21.8 for statewide Senior Citizens Olympics activities;

- $163.4 for statewide long-term care ombudsman services;

- $185.0 for increased health insurance and public benefits counseling;

- $273.3 to provide increased employment opportunities for older, low-income individuals;

- $40.4 for increased legal assistance for older individuals;

- $150.0 to increase mental health peer counseling efforts; and

- $100.0 to increase respite care services for care givers.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The general fund would appropriate $8,709.0 in FY2000. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY2000 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The agency indicates that the majority of the increased services could be absorbed within their existing capacity. However, increased employment positions would require an additional FTE to administer the programs. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program would require two additional FTE to be located in Roswell, Farmington, and Silver City. At least one position would be hired directly from the Agency.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

Senate Bill 298 relates to House Bill 2 and Senate Bill 2; however, the requested funds are not contained in these bills. A companion bill, House Bill 358, was introduced in the House.

MW/gm