HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 1

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

Joseph L. Sanchez

A JOINT MEMORIAL

RAISING AWARENESS OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF CERTIFIED WATER AND WASTEWATER OPERATORS TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND URGING THE LEGISLATURE TO ELEVATE CERTIFIED WATER AND WASTEWATER OPERATORS TO ESSENTIAL WORKERS AND FUND A STUDY ON PROVIDING CERTIFIED WATER AND WASTEWATER OPERATORS WITH STATE HEALTH INSURANCE AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS.

     WHEREAS, certified water and wastewater operators provide essential services in the state by helping maintain safe and reliable sources of drinking water and treating wastewater for release back into the environment; and

     WHEREAS, drinking water contains many substances that can be harmful to human health if not treated properly, including germs, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, lead and arsenic; and

     WHEREAS, the treatment of wastewater is important in maintaining the health of rivers, lakes and other bodies of water, protecting aquatic life and for reuse for agriculture; and

     WHEREAS, clean water is critical for a community's recreational activities and economic development; and

     WHEREAS, certified water and wastewater operators conduct operations and provide services that are essential to the continued operation of critical infrastructure;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislature support legislation to elevate certified water and wastewater operators to essential workers and fund a study to add certified water and wastewater operators to state health insurance and retirement benefit programs; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the legislature.

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