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A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO CREATE A TASK FORCE TO EVALUATE THE

FUNDING FOR ADDITIONAL CONSULTANTS FOR THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

AND SAFETY BUREAU OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT IN LIGHT OF

THE EXTENSIVE GROWTH IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES IN NEW

MEXICO.

WHEREAS, the state recognizes the need for safety

awareness in the construction industry; and

WHEREAS, the budget of the occupational health and

safety bureau of the department of environment has not been

adjusted to collate with construction job growth in New Mexico

since 1978; and

WHEREAS, the processes for funding the occupational

health and safety bureau have not taken into account the

relationship between industry growth and funding for the

bureau; and

WHEREAS, the construction industry is one of the fastest

growing industries in New Mexico, making it a major economic

driver in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, the consulting services provided to the

construction industry by the occupational health and safety

bureau are essential to sustaining growth, equitable practices

in the industry and the quality and safety of construction in

New Mexico; and

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WHEREAS, funding for the bureau must be adequate to

provide necessary consulting services, which are a vital part

of safety and health achievement recognition programs,

volunteer protection plans, consulting, training and education

programs, partnerships and alliances, and to ensure that the

New Mexico construction industry continues its outstanding

safety record throughout New Mexico;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE

STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to form a

task force to study the relationship between funding and

industry growth and make recommendations to the legislative

finance committee and the department of finance and

administration for means and methods of funding the

occupational health and safety bureau that correspond to

growth and other relevant changes in the construction

industry; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force consist of

the chief of the occupational health and safety bureau; the

secretary of finance and administration or the secretary's

designee; representatives of the associated general

contractors building branch partnership, associated builders

and contractors of New Mexico partnership, national utility

contractors association of New Mexico alliance and American

subcontractors' association of New Mexico; and other members

deemed necessary by the governor; and

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force consider how

funding for the bureau may be structured with flexibility so

the bureau can effectively respond to growth and declines in

the construction industry; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force report its

findings and recommendations to the governor, the department

of environment, the state budget division of the department of

finance and administration and the legislative finance

committee by August 1, 2006; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be

transmitted to the governor and the secretary of environment.