It’s that time of year again – the Legislative Session is almost upon us.  It will be up to all of us to make sure the Legislature knows of the needs of people waiting for services and their families.  The next In Line will be published after the Legislative Session begins on January 15, 2008.  Watch for pieces of legislation that are important to people with disabilities and their families and take action as necessary.

Whether you are a veteran in governmental affairs or brand new to public policy, you can make a difference.  By deciding to get involved and learning how you have already taken the most important step.  You now recognize that policy will be developed with or without you and you need to be involved to influence how that policy will look.  Here are some tips on letter writing, speaking with your Legislator, giving testimony, writing fact sheets and commenting on regulation for you to keep in mind as you become more involved.

Throughout the year there are numerous times and places where you can give your input to your elected officials and employees of state government.  The time that captures the most press and public awareness is during the legislative session. 

The legislative session begins the third Tuesday in January and runs for either 30 or 60 straight days including Sundays.  There are opportunities at every step in the process public input beginning with an idea for a piece of legislation.  Every law started out as someone’s idea.  You have the ability to have an idea, take it to your Senator or Representative and ask him or her to sponsor a bill for you.

The New Mexico state legislature continues its work between legislative sessions (in the “interim”) through “Interim Legislative Committees”.  These are committees made up of Senators and Representatives and Democrats and Republicans.  There are twenty-two committees and they are structured around big topics such as Economic and Rural Development, Land Grant, Indian Affairs and Welfare Reform Oversight.

The committees hear about and study issues related to their topic in greater depth than would be possible during the legislative session.  Interim Committees usually begin their work in June or July and continue to hold hearings into December.  Most of the hearings are in Santa Fe at the State Capital but occasionally a committee will travel to different parts of the state.  The hearings are open to the public and most offer time for public comment.

The Arc of New Mexico believes that for good work that improves the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families to happen, we must operate from a core statement of beliefs.  The Arc of New Mexico has its Mission Statement and holds to the same Position Statements as The Arc of United States.  In addition, The Arc of New Mexico has created some position statements unique to New Mexico.

Visit our extensive list of links to goverment agency, advocacy organization and legal web sites with resources for the developmental disability community.