44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first special session, 1999

REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DIRECT THE APPROPRIATE INTERIM COMMITTEE TO STUDY POLICIES TO ENCOURAGE ADOPTION.

WHEREAS, every child has the right to a loving and nurturing family; and

WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico, through its children, youth and families department, is recognized as one of the leading states in the union for the number of adoption placements; and

WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico and the children, youth and families department desire to continue to serve the children and families ready for adoption in the most effective and efficient manner and with the highest quality of service possible; and

WHEREAS, the United States congress enacted and President Clinton signed house resolution 3448 in 1996 to provide a federal tax credit for adoptive families; and

WHEREAS, President Clinton pushed in 1996 for an initiative to "make adoption a reality for America's most vulnerable children", and he and the first lady called for doubling of the number of adoptions by the year 2002;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the Adoption 2000 Initiative undertaken by President William J. Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham-Clinton be supported; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislative council be requested to direct the appropriate interim committee to study ways New Mexico can encourage and increase the number of adoptions in the state and report its recommendations to the legislature by November 1, 1999; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to members of the legislative council.