HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 55

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2006

INTRODUCED BY

Harriet I. Ruiz

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

     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, and national utility contractors association of New Mexico alliance; and other members deemed necessary by the governor; and

     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.

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