FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2020
Contact: Matt Garcia-Sierra, m.garciasierra@nmlegis.gov, 505-946-5358
Representative Dow delivers crucial veterans services in 2020
Santa Fe, NM– Representative Rebecca Dow (R- Truth or Consequences) delivered on her promise to constituents to request funding for crucial veterans services in New Mexico. Originally Rep. Dow’s request was presented in HB 192, which passed unanimously in the House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs committee, but failed to be called up in the House Appropriations committee. Rep. Dow communicated the issue to the Appropriations committee and worked with veteran lawmakers to ensure that the funding request made it into the final budget proposal.
“In Silver City last year, I heard loud and clear from our community that there was a gap in veterans services, especially in rural New Mexico,” said Rep. Dow, “I am pleased that our state is committed to funding five full-time Veteran Service officers that will be dedicated to delivering much needed assistance to rural veterans. My colleagues and I have heard these concerns echoed from veterans across New Mexico, and we are taking a step in the right direction by investing in our veterans.”
HB 192 called for $200,000 to be sent to the New Mexico Veterans Services Department to hire five full-time Veterans Service officers. Representative Dow, Representative Randy Crowder (R-Clovis) and Representative Rudy Martinez (D-Bayard) advocated for the funding to be provided in the final budget which is awaiting the Governor’s signature.