COUNTY News:

A motion was made at the Dec. 9 Los Alamos County Council meeting by Councilor Rick Reiss and seconded by Council Vice Chair Kristin Henderson, that Council adopt the 2015 State Legislative Agenda.

The motion passed unanamously by all seven councilors.

Each year, Council adopts a State Legislative Agenda. This document is used as a guide for the County’s intergovernmental efforts. The State Legislative Agenda provides direction from the County Council to staff and its legislative support contractor when working with various State officials and entities, providing for a consistent voice in messaging.

The 2015 Legislative Session commences Jan. 20 and is scheduled for 90 days.

Los Alamos County FY 15 State Legislative Agenda

Support

• Legislation supporting Los Alamos County’s application for capital outlay funding to develop senior/affordable housing infrastructure;
• Legislation that enhances affordable housing programs;
• Funding for MainStreet/Arts and Cultural District programming and other statewide economic development initiatives;
• Legislation that allows the use of State General Funds for bridging the gap within the Safety Net Care pool;
• Legislation supporting changes to the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) that would broaden the utility of the Act; and
• Consensus legislative priorities of New Mexico Association of Counties and New Mexico Municipal League.

Monitor

• Any changes to municipal revenue legislation, such as proposals for local governments to “swap” GRT distribution for State income tax distribution;
• Other legislation directly affecting Los Alamos County and/or its ability to serve its citizens; and
• Legislation in support of Community Health Council funding.

Oppose

• Changes to the state school funding formula that would adversely impact Los Alamos Public School District;
• Proposals that would reduce the County’s receipt of general GRT revenue; and
• Legislation that alters the authority of H‐class counties.

As in the past, when setting the County’s State Legislative Agenda, four broad sources are used for determining priority areas:

• Regional, state and national organizations identified priorities including New Mexico Association of Counties and New Mexico Municipal League agendas;
• Staff recommended issues;
• County intergovernmental priorities; and
• Review of state and federal budgets.