text: In a letter from Attorney General Leevin Camacho to Leon Guerrero he writes that the impending Jan. 31 retirement of Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Aurelio Espinola will result in a fiscal 2019 budget shortfall.
  Espinola's contract authorizes a lump sum payout of $215,013.25 from the fiscal 2019 budget, Camacho wrote.
  Although the fiscal 2019 budget is sufficient to cover the payout, it will create serious challenges in all areas of personnel and will significantly hamper the recruitment of a new medical examiner, he wrote.
  The commission is requesting the governor to consider a transfer of funds or a supplemental appropriation of the lump sum payout to allow the medical examiner's office to function without interruption.
  The commission is also requesting $5,000 to cover travel costs for a future medical examiner, he wrote.
  Camacho wrote that he wanted to mention that the medical examiner's office continues to push for improved financial autonomy through the enactment of new statutory and regulatory changes.
  The proposed changes would allow the office to collect fees or charge for services, such as body storage and morgue verification and is estimated the office could generate from $80,000 to $100,000 if the fees are imposed, he wrote.
  The commission attached proposed legislation for the fees to the letter as well as sent a separate letter to Sen. Therese Terlaje asking she introduce the legislation.
  
  Individuals or families care for an adult breeder dog in their home. They provide a safe and loving home where the dog will maintain housebreaking, obedience, excellent house manners, and maintain the dog in proper body condition. Veterinary care is provided by the Foundation, and caretakers are responsible for the cost of food, treats, bedding and any other creature comforts. To learn more about our breeding program, CLICK HERE.
  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a litter of future guide or service dog puppies born and raised in your home? Can you commit to 6 weeks of care to a litter of puppies and their mom? Do you live within a one-hour drive of the Foundation? If so, please consider volunteering to be a litter host for the Guide Dog Foundation.