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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Governor's Committee on the Concerns of the Handicapped (GCCH)

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 171 appropriates $150.0 from the general fund to GCCH in FY2001 for the purpose of contracting for technical services to assist handicapped persons seeking to become homeowners. Any unexpended or unencumbered funds shall revert back to the general fund at the end of FY2001.

Significant Issues

For people with disabilities, housing affordability may be difficult since they may lack the finances and technical expertise to buy a home. According to GCCH, the bill will provide disabled New Mexicans with a means to learn information about home ownership opportunities. The objective is important since many disabled people may be unaware of programs that can benefit them.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

If this bill is passed, the monies would flow through GCCH to be used for contractual services to increase home ownership for disabled persons. The agency proposes to accomplish this through workshops, brochures and one-to-one mentoring targeting people with disabilities. According to GCCH, the funding would be a one-time appropriation and would be non-recurring. However, this contract appears to have recurring costs. Any remaining funds would be reverted back to the general fund at the end of FY2001.

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