Governor's Budget Proposes Continued Investments in State's Tribal Communities

Proposed budget maintains $3.7 million for FY22

Jan 15, 20210

SANTA FE – The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) released its proposed executive budget for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department (IAD) for fiscal year 2022 this week. The budget recommendations maintain IAD’s budget at FY21 levels, allowing the department to continue its work to serve New Mexico’s 23 tribal nations.

“Over the past year, our department has worked hand-in-hand with our tribal communities to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis. IAD organized food, water, and PPE distribution throughout the pandemic and continues to support tribes as they recover. We commend DFA on their recommendation as it will ensure that our department can remain responsive to New Mexico’s tribal citizens. I am hopeful that the New Mexico legislature with concur with DFA and maintain a flat budget,” said Cabinet Secretary Lynn Trujillo.

IAD’s accomplishments over the past year include:

COVID-19 Response

• Organized the distribution of food, water, PPE, and other supplies to tribal communities

• Maintained direct communications with tribal leaders and tribal EOC operations

• Developed a first of its kind Tribal Response Plan to COVID

• Assisted DFA in disbursing CARES Act funds to tribal governments

• Created rapid response guidelines and protocols for tribal communities and enterprises

• Coordinated testing events in tribal communities

• Engaged tribal leaders in dialogue about COVID vaccine planning in partnership with DOH

Other Issue Areas

• Convened the MMIW task force, which has received national attention

• Partnered with Harvard, the UNM School of Law, pro bono law firms to do research on behalf of the department.