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.



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 Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.



F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T



SPONSOR: Pinto DATE TYPED: 02/01/00 HB
SHORT TITLE: Matching Funds for Navajo Veteran Trust Fund SB 244
ANALYST: Kehoe


APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY00 FY01 FY00 FY01
$ 3,000.0 Recurring GF



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



LFC Files



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



Senate Bill 244 appropriates $3,000.0 from the general fund to the New Mexico Office of Indian Affairs to provide matching funds for the Navajo Nation Veterans' Trust Fund to provide services for Navajo Nation veterans and their families.



Significant Issues



Senate Bill 244 may be referring to the " Navajo Nation Housing Trust Fund." A similar bill for the same appropriation was introduced during the 1999 Legislature. There is a great demand for housing on the Navajo Nation. A 1990 survey indicates a waiting list of 13,350 families in need of housing in New Mexico and Arizona. Private home ownership opportunities are less than five percent in reservation communities. However, it is unknown how many of these families qualify as indigent veterans to be eligible for assistance from the Navajo Nation Housing Trust Fund.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



The $3,000.0 appropriation from the general fund is to the Office of Indian Affairs for fiscal 2001 to provide matching funds to the Navajo Nation Housing Trust Fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2001 reverts to the general fund.



TECHNICAL ISSUES



If the services provided for in Senate Bill 244 are intended for housing, the fund in the title should be corrected to read the "Navajo Nation Housing Trust Fund."



LMK/njw