New Mexico Governor Signs $100M Disaster Relief Bill

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(TNS) – Despite her disappointment with the Legislature’s lack of action during the special session, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Tuesday evening signed into law the only bill that made it to her desk.

The legislation allocates $100 million for disaster relief efforts, mainly targeted to help recovery from the South Fork and Salt fires and flooding in and around Ruidoso.

” The Legislature’s failure to prioritize public safety for New Mexicans during the special session is deeply disappointing,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “However, I am relieved that we managed to secure aid for critical recovery efforts in communities damaged by fire and flooding.”

The $100 million includes $70 million for local governments to use as zero-interest reimbursable loans, $10 million for the Mescalero Apache Tribe losses, $10 million for the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to use for fire, flooding and debris flow damage, and $10 million for Federal Emergency Management Agency application assistance.

Lujan Grisham made minor line-item vetoes that allow the Department of Finance and Administration’s Local Government Division to administer the $70 million loan program.

Lawmakers specified during the special session the recovery money can go anywhere, like for fire and flood relief efforts in northern New Mexico, besides the $10 million for the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

The bill also sent $3 million to the Administrative Office of the Courts for pilot programs focused on assisted outpatient treatment and competency diversion. The programs will be available in Bernalillo, Doña Ana, Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, Los Alamos, San Miguel and Otero counties, according to the Legislature.

Democratic leadership said during the session this was a step in the right direction while not rushing complicated bills.

“By improving the courts’ capacity to provide appropriate services, we are building out our systems so that New Mexicans can get help when they need it,” Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth said in a statement.

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