STATE News:

The Kiki Saavedra Senior Dignity Fund Act, sponsored by House Health and Human Services Chair Debbie Armstrong and a top priority of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Wednesday received concurrence from the New Mexico House of Representatives after the Senate made a small, technical change to the bill.

The concurrence vote means HB 225 has passed the Legislature and now goes to the governor to be signed into law. Ongoing budget negotiations will determine the amount the fund receives.

“This fund is to innovate and incubate senior programs above and beyond what the Department of Aging and Long Term Services already does to support seniors,” said Armstrong who previously served as secretary of the department. “We can never do enough to honor our elders, but we can always do better. Creating this fund will reflect New Mexico values by investing in seniors, family and independent living.”

HB 225 appropriates funds for the Department of Aging and Long Term Services to develop new programs that could include involving VISTA volunteers in senior home care; developing “greenhouse” senior living, which provides nursing-home-level care in a more home-like environment; and supporting grandparents raising grandchildren.

The House version of the budget includes $5.4 million for the Senior Dignity Fund; the Senate version includes $7.3 million. The final funding amount will be set during ongoing budget negotiations. The budget must be approved today by noon by both the House and the Senate.

“We are working within the budget process to create the Kiki Saavedra Senior Dignity Fund and to ensure that it receives the funding it needs and that it fits in with the overall budget for the state,” Armstrong said.

Community support for the fund is strong. AARP New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, the National Indian Council on Aging and Health Action New Mexico are among those supporting the bill.

“The Kiki Saavedra Senior Dignity Fund has strong support from around the state because it has the potential to improve the lives of people in every community,” Armstrong said. “From honoring tribal elders to helping seniors who live in big cities, the programs created by this fund will change lives and ensure dignity for our seniors.”