HB 376 hold up in Senate Finance Committee

From The Center on Law and Poverty

Good morning, Everyone,
Movement of HB 376 is being held up by Mr. Mike Burkhardt who is a policy analyst for Senator John Arthur Smith, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. Mr. Burkhardt who is an unelected official is demanding an amendment to HB 376 that would establish an annual enrollment/disenrollment criterion. There is nothing in the bill that speaks to enrollment periods but in repeated testimony the Human Services Department has stated its objection to month-by-month open enrollment for Indians. As the state law reads now there is the option to “opt-out of managed care during the first 90 days of any 12-month enrollment lock-in period.” Regrettably, our needs are being overshadowed by political power-playing that is familiar to all of us. Rep. Madalena and Regis Pecos are trying to get the matter of the amendment resolved so that the bill can be heard in the Finance Committee today. The Finance Committee will not meet until after today’s floor session which will likely be 5:00pm to 6:00pm. The Finance Committee meets in Room 322.

Two actions are needed now. We need to have as many people as possible show up by 6:00pm at Room 322 of the Roundhouse to attend the committee hearing so that we will have a show of strength. I will not leave for Santa Fe until 5:00pm so will or will not be able to confirm with you that a hearing will be held. I should learn earlier and will notify you as soon as I know. The second action needed is for every one of us to make a call or calls to Finance Committee members to ask for their support for HB 376. You may be told by the Senators’ secretaries that the bill is not on the schedule to be heard but you can respond that it will be and the Senator’s support is important. Today the Finance Committee schedule was not published but was posted on the door to the hearing room and this is likely what will happen for the next two last days of the session. I’ve attached the list of committee members previously sent so you have the information handy. It’s up to us now to put as much pressure on the Senators as we can. We can be successful.
My best regards,

Evelyn Blanchard
Organizer
NM Center on Law & Poverty