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 two interim committees of greatest interest to The Arc are the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) and the Health and Human Services Committee (H&HS).  The LFC is responsible for the state budget and has the ability to contribute strongly to the setting of priorities for the spending of money.  They hear from every department secretary about the budget they are requesting for the up-coming year.  They also hear from outside groups such as The Arc, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of New Mexico (NAMI/NM) and child care providers about what we think should be the state’s priorities.

The Health and Human Services committee is responsible for overseeing the state departments that provide health or human services such as the Department of Health, Children Youth and Families Department, Human Services Department and the new Aging and Long Term Services Department.  They also hold hearings on health care in general, prescription drug issues, home weatherization and other concerns of New Mexicans.  This committee usually has time for public comment in the morning and again in the afternoon of every meeting day.

Comments that are made during the public comment period become part of the permanent record of that committee.  It is not necessary to have comments in writing but if the subject is complicated it is helpful to the committee staff if they are provided in writing.  Make sure that your name address and phone number are on the comments.  It is also not necessary to contact anyone with the committee to reserve a place; all you need to do is show up.  Be aware that the agenda times are not strictly kept so plan on being early or you might miss the piece of the agenda of interest to you.  Also be prepared to wait.  The scheduled hearings frequently run long due to questions from legislators and the answers given.

For a full list of the interim committees, their meeting dates and agendas go to the NM State Legislature Agendas and Calendars page: http://www.legis.state.nm.us/newsite/agecalendars.asp

Please check this page regularly, as everything is subject to change.