Jameson Herrera, secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services, told the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee that the department assumed responsibility for the Taos state cemetery after the last legislative session and that the takeover was funded initially with a one-time appropriation.

"We are now in currently in charge of the Taos Cemetery, that was passed last legislative session... this year, we were funded with a special of a million dollars to start that program," Herrera said, adding the money largely covered front‑end equipment purchases. He told the committee that the department needs a recurring increase to its general fund allocation to maintain operations: "So we're looking at a a 500,000 recurring, add to our our our general fund in order to have the FTE and the services that are necessary to run a facility of that nature."

Why it matters: Herrera said the Taos cemetery transfer included four full-time positions that are currently covered with special funds and that those positions should become permanent to ensure ongoing operations. He framed the request as a shortfall he anticipates in FY27 and asked the committee for early assistance.

Herrera also provided counts and context for the state-operated cemeteries in New Mexico: Fort Stanton approached about 300 interments; Gallup had "over 200" burials; Angel Fire was "almost over a 150 burials." He said the Guard Equity Act, passed two years earlier, allowed some National Guard spouses and members to be interred in state cemeteries; disinterments and reinterments are cost-prohibitive for many families, so the equity program has moved more slowly than expected.

The committee asked whether a single crew would service nearby sites. Herrera described groundswork and internment duties as consolidated at present and said the department plans separate crews for neighboring locations rather than having staff travel back and forth for openings.

Ending: Herrera asked the committee to consider the recurring $500,000 request and the need to make four positions permanent; he said the department would raise the item again when preparing the FY27 budget materials.