SANTA FE – The New Mexico Senate and House of Representatives have passed legislation paving the way for a hospital in Valencia County. House Bill 240 – sponsored by Senators Greg Baca and Joshua Sanchez, and Representatives Kelly Fajardo, Alonzo Baldonado, and Gail Armstrong – would allow revenue generated by a 2006 local mill levy to be used for the operation of a 24-hour emergency health care facility.
“After more than a decade of uncertainty, Valencia County residents are finally one step closer to having their hospital,” said Senator Greg Baca (District 29-Bernalillo and Valencia). “We already have the funding thanks to Valencia County taxpayers. With the Governor’s signature, this legislation will ward off further litigation regarding the County’s ability to transfer the mill levy funding to support a hospital or emergency healthcare facility.”
“I thank my colleagues in the Senate and the House for their support on this important bill,” added Senator Joshua Sanchez (District 20-Cibola, Socorro, McKinley, and Valencia). “Enacting this legislation is the final hurdle in our effort to provide much needed, quality healthcare and emergency medical services in Valencia County and surrounding areas. I respectfully urge the Governor to sign this bill.”
Senate Bill 240 will now head to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s desk for her consideration.
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