Committee backs memorial to map CYFD funds for domestic violence services

The committee endorsed Senate Memorial 22 calling for a working group (to be convened by the Legislative Finance Committee and DFA) to map state and federal funds administered by the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) that support domestic violence services.

Sponsor and witnesses described providers' difficulty reconciling information about funding streams: coalition witnesses said repeated IPRA requests produced conflicting numbers and that providers report flat or reduced funding, rising costs and capacity constraints, especially in rural and tribal communities. Mary Ellen Garcia of the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence told the committee that providers saw decreased capacity and rising demand and that a neutral, independent review by DFA/LFC is needed to understand allocations and procurement flows.

Acting CYFD Cabinet Secretary Valerie Sandoval stated the department does have data but that inconsistent IPRA responses prompted sponsors to ask DFA and LFC to lead an independent reconciliation. Committee members emphasized transparency, procurement issues and the need to include CYFD and tribal partners in any working group. The committee recorded a unanimous do-pass recommendation and urged follow-up analysis.