by Jim Copeland

As I am writing this, the Special Session is over.  The purpose of the Special Session was to eliminate the shortfall for Fiscal Year 2009 and balance the budget for Fiscal Year 2010.  There were several bills sent to the Governor for his consideration.  He has until November 12, 2009 to sign, veto, or partially veto the legislation.

Where does that leave Alta Mira?  The short answer is we don’t know until the Governor has acted on the legislation.  The legislation he received had a $16 million reduction in Medicaid.  The reduction was made up with other state and federal funding.  If the Governor vetoes all or part of the legislation, that could increase the amount of money to be reduced in Medicaid.  There may not be sufficient money to cover an increased reduction. 

What does that mean to Alta Mira?  The short answer is, at this time, we don’t know.  It would depend on the implementation of any other legislation or budget reductions in Medicaid. 

When will we know?  The short answer is we may not know for sure until the regular session of the legislature is over in February.  I would like to say that Alta Mira will not be impacted at all.  I don’t think that will be the case.  I don’t want to become the Executive Director of “doom and gloom”, but I also don’t want to be Pollyanna. 

There is a serious budget deficit in state government in New Mexico.  The easiest way to fix that deficit is to reduce spending.  Any state government spends the majority of its money on providing services to the citizens of the state.  When spending has to be reduced, it is generally services to the citizens that bear the brunt of the reductions.  There are other ways to fix budget deficits.  The usual one is to increase taxes.  There are numerous theories on the pros and cons for increasing taxes.  But, once again, the burden of the solution falls on the citizens of the state.

The Management Team and the Board of Directors will be reviewing potential adjustments to the possible revenue reductions.  I have misplaced my crystal ball so I don’t have a clear view of the future.  I do know the longer we wait for an answer to the questions, the shorter amount of time we have to adjust Alta Mira expenditures.  I also know that the Alta Mira families, providers, contractors, employees, and Board members will continue to make decisions based on sound information. 

I don’t believe that it will be painless.  I think everyone will share in the pain.  I believe that the organization will come out the other side stronger and more resilient.  As always, if you have questions, comments, or a crystal ball, please feel free to contact me.  I may be reached by e-mail at jcopeland@AltaMiraNM.org or by direct telephone line at 366-2117.