Good day, Everyone,
It looks like HB 376 will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee this Friday and that it will likely be the last hearing before it is referred to the Senate floor for a vote. Comparable to the House we can expect a more stringent examination of the bill from Judiciary committee members and more active defense by the Human Services Division. As at previous hearings we have a strong line-up of experts to present our position and answer questions but as those of you who have attended previous hearings know, it is vitally important that as many people show up to support the bill as possible. It is a part of the regular hearing procedure that after testimony has been given, questions asked and statements of support offered, the committee chairperson asks for a show of hands of support for the bill from the audience. At previous hearings, almost the entire audience raised hands in support and that needs to be repeated. The demonstration of unity and strength has impressed the committee chairpersons and members. On one occasion a chairperson voiced surprise at the level of support. Please do what you can to get to the hearing. We have to make sure that the bill is referred to the Senate floor for a vote. If it doesn’t get to the Senate floor, the bill will die. The expressed will of the Legislature through passage of this bill has significant value as we move forward on other issues related to the management of Medicaid.
In addition to your presence at the hearing, we must now make calls or send emails to the Judiciary Committee members to make sure it is understood that HB 376 has broad support in Indian country. It’s especially important that committee members from the counties where you reside receive calls or emails from you. After you have called or emailed your legislator, pick a couple of others from the list and give them a call. Identify yourself as a member of a pueblo or tribe as this bill impacts all of us no matter what tribe we are or where we live in the state. For your convenience, I’ve listed the members and their contact information below. Please ask family members and friends to make calls so that we will do everything we can to assure that the bill gets to the Senate floor. See you on Friday at the Roundhouse!
Judiciary Committee Members
Richard C. Martinez, Chr. (D) Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, Santa Fe
Joseph Cervantes, Vice-Chr. (D) Dona Ana
Ron Griggs (R) Dona Ana, Eddy, Otero
Linda M. Lopez (D) Bernalillo
Cisco McSorley (D) Bernalillo
William H. Payne (R) Bernalillo
John C. Ryan (R) Bernalillo, Sandoval
Michael S. Sanchez (D) Bernalillo, Valencia
Lisa A. Torraco (R) Bernalillo
Peter Wirth (D) Santa Fe
Evelyn Blanchard
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