Diana Bell — Diana Bell testifies on behalf of Luna County citizens and Deming Animal Guardians in support of the bill, explaining that the county shelter faces severe animal overpopulation, with about half of animals euthanized each year, and that limited funding has reduced spay-neuter efforts.
SB38 — The speaker strongly advocates for SB 38, asking the committee to support and pass it so the spay-neuter program can continue. They emphasize that the bill would create a permanent law and a regular funding source for spay-neuter services, describing SB 38 as a smart and effective statewide system.
Jennifer Rabinowitz — The speaker is identified as Jennifer Rabinowitz and begins testimony.
Jim Ludwig — Jim Ludwig testifies that his work in Albuquerque showed a 56% decrease in kittens entering shelters after spay-neuter efforts.
Jackie Roach — Jackie Roach, CEO of Santa Fe Animal Shelter and an animal welfare professional, introduces herself and then explains that Santa Fe Animal Shelter received grant funding through the spay-neuter program, which is being used to spay and neuter 500 community cats.
Jason Thompson — Jason Thompson testifies on behalf of the New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association in support of the legislation.
Jessica Johnson Shelton — Jessica Johnson Shelton identifies herself as senior program and policy strategist for Animal Protection Voters and says the organization is involved in the litigation.
Dr. Kitt Lawrence Young — Dr. Kitt Lawrence Young is identified as a member of the New Mexico Veterinary Board and is referenced as being involved in overseeing the grants and their distribution, with the speaker indicating he may provide expert comments.
Dr. Young — The chair invites Dr. Young to continue his testimony, and Dr. Young restarts his statement by explaining the purpose of the Affordable Spay and Neuter Law and the board’s role in administering it. The chair then thanks him, confirms his title as Dr. Young, and closes the presentation.
Mr. Ludwig — Referenced in a question about cats and TNR.
HB25 — Announced as rolled.
HB199 — Announced as rolled.
SB101 — Senate Bill 101, the Health Care Delivery and Access Act, is introduced and explained as repealing the July 1, 2030 sunset date to keep the law in effect. The discussion emphasizes that the bill preserves key health care delivery provisions, avoids harmful gaps in care, and supports access by making the hospital funding mechanism permanent in response to anticipated federal Medicaid reimbursement reductions.
Carrie Armijo — Carrie Armijo introduced herself as the Cabinet Secretary and then clarified that she is the Cabinet Secretary of the Health Care Authority, serving as the witness opening before speaking in support of making the financing strategy permanent.
Leslie Hillima — Testified on behalf of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce in support of the bill.
Juana Pincoma — Testified in support of SB 101 as Executive Director of New Mexico Safety Over Profit.
Julia Written — Testified in support of the bill on behalf of the New Mexico Hospital Association.
J.D. Bullington — J.D. Bullington introduced himself and testified on behalf of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce in support of Senate Bill 101, arguing that the bill is important for hospital financial stability. After his testimony, the chair noted his presence, thanked him for staying, and expressed appreciation for saving the committee time.
Misha Goodman — Misha Goodman, Director of Bernalillo County Animal Care Services, is introduced and then testifies in support of the bill. She explains that Bernalillo County is facing severe dog and cat overpopulation and shelter overcrowding, and she adds a rebuttal to a prior comment by clarifying that the county did not use the funds for vaccines instead of spay and neuter.
Dr. Lawrence Young — The chair calls on Dr. Lawrence Young to testify, and Young then identifies himself as chairman of the Board of Veterinary Medicine and begins explaining the purpose of the Affordable Spay and Neuter Law.