Contact: Erika Martinez
(505)986-4263
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2014
Medicaid Disability Services Oversight Council Clears Both Chambers
Santa Fe, NM – Senate Joint Memorial 5 (SJM5) sponsored by Senator Tim Keller (D-17-Bernalillo) and Representative Liz Thomson (D-24-Bernalillo) has cleared both the Senate and the House chambers. The legislation requests that the New Mexico Legislative Council establish a Medicaid Disability Services Oversight Council.
Sen. Keller said, “New Mexicans living with disabilities are in some of the most vulnerable circumstances, yet have the least say in key decisions. This legislation provides a way for people with disabilities to engage in meaningful participation with state agencies to help shape the services they provide.”
SJM 5 calls for a council consisting of two senators, one from each party; two members of the house of representatives, one from each party; two individuals living with disabilities; one disabled individual’s personal representative; one individual who serves a community advocate for individuals living with disabilities; one individual with expertise and experience in disability issues, disabilities law or disability policy or finance; one representative from the medical assistance division of HSD; and one representative from the Developmental Disabilities Supports Division of the Department of Health.
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