45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

FOR THE LEGISLATIVE FINANCE COMMITTEE

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO CREATE AN INTERIM COMMITTEE TO STUDY AND EVALUATE THE STATE GOVERNMENT'S ABILITY TO OPERATE IN A COST-EFFICIENT MANNER UNDER ITS CURRENT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND TO REPORT ITS FINDINGS AND ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGES IN THAT STRUCTURE TO THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FORTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE AND THE GOVERNOR.

WHEREAS, due in part to the frequency and rapidity with which change often occurs in today's technology-impacted society, traditional government organizational structure frequently inhibits the state government's ability to respond to new challenges and demands produced by changes; and

WHEREAS, that decreased ability results in lack of coordination among and within different levels of government, duplication of and gaps in services provided, inefficient service delivery, unacceptable quality or cost of service and frustration and distrust on the part of citizens of the state; and

WHEREAS, in performing its statutory functions the legislative finance committee has identified the following problem areas in which inappropriate government organizational structure appears to be a substantial contributing factor:

A. the provision of services in the medicaid program;

B. lack of coordination in the state's efforts to finance debt through the issuance of bonds; and

C. proliferation of workforce development programs; and

WHEREAS, identifying and implementing needed organizational changes would result in substantial savings in expenditures and increased efficiency in state government operations;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council create an interim legislative committee to study and evaluate the state government's ability to operate in a cost-efficient manner under its current organizational structure and to report its findings and any recommendations for changes in that structure to the first session of the forty-sixth legislature and the governor; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislative finance committee and the department of finance and administration cooperate with and assist the interim committee in carrying out its duties; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico legislative council, the legislative finance committee, the secretary of finance and administration and the governor.

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