59 exempt employees let go

Gov. Bill Richardson's office says nearly 60 people have been notified they will be out of a job come Jan. 8.

The move saves $8.3 million and is part of the state's effort to trim the budget. It comes as most other employees will be furloughed for five days.

“While the governor has worked hard to cut spending with minimum impact to state employees, the reality is that we have to trim the number of exempt employees,” Richardson spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said in a statement. “We value and appreciate the public service these employees provided to the state of New Mexico.”

No word yet on who was laid off or what positions are affected, besides the Securities Division director I mentioned in today's story.