Aging department seeks long‑term care reorganization, caregiver supports and funding for senior food programs

The Appropriations & Finance Committee heard a compact presentation from the Aging and Long‑Term Services Department (ALTSD) as cabinet secretary‑designate Emily Koltenbach outlined priorities for FY26 that focus on strengthening the department’s point‑of‑entry, bolstering family‑caregiver supports, and sustaining senior nutrition programs.

Koltenbach told the committee that New Mexico’s 65‑and‑older population will grow substantially over the next 15 years and described family caregivers as “the backbone of our long‑term care system.” The department proposed creating a single program code (a long‑term care division) to consolidate services such as veteran self‑directed care, caregiver support, and care transitions; the reorganization is already present in statute, the secretary‑designate said, and the executive request centers on budget alignment and transparency rather than new recurring dollars.

ALTSD also requested one‑time funding for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and a $500,000 technology request to modernize aging‑network IT systems, and $1.5 million for marketing and outreach so older adults and caregivers can find available services. Koltenbach said many senior centers and aging network partners remain underfunded after the pandemic and that the department wants flexibility to deploy “dignity fund” dollars and other small grants to community providers.

Committee members expressed support for prioritizing caregivers and for investments that help older adults remain at home. Representative Pettigrew asked to schedule an additional brief for senior centers’ accounting and meal reimbursement practices; Koltenbach agreed to follow up. Ranking Member Chatfield moved the executive recommendation for ALTSD; the motion passed with no recorded opposition.

The committee directed staff to work with the department on the new program code alignment and asked ALTSD to return with details on planned IT upgrades, the proposed senior farmers market expansion and the administration of dignity fund grants.

What happens next: ALTSD and LFC staff will provide the committee with program and implementation details (technology design, outreach plans and senior‑center reimbursement rules) to inform final appropriation and any statutory language needed to implement the reorganization.