(Updated to include links to Richardson's veto messages.)
Gov. Bill Richardson used his veto pen this afternoon to nix what he said were "irresponsible budget cuts that would have cut critical health services, closed prisons and jeopardized protection for kids."
At the same time, he signed an executive order that furloughs state workers for five days and cuts state agency budgets by an average of 7 percent for the budget year. He also said he would cut at least 84 exempt employee positions, although it's unclear which ones, and how many of those are vacant.
“Since the session ended, I have heard from hundreds to New Mexicans, including many legislators – who want me to exercise my veto pen to preserve those services,” Richardson said in statement. “I understand and share their concerns, particularly in light of the previous budget cuts.
“However, it would be fiscally irresponsible to simply veto this bill and wait for the Legislature to meet again in January – more than half-way through the fiscal year. “Instead, I am signing an Executive Order today that directs more responsible budget cuts across state government.”
Read the veto messages
here. First, here's a look at the details of the furloughs, as ordered:
A. Immediately, the Chief of Staff for the Office of the Governor shall:
i. notify the unions with collective bargaining agreements covering employees at agencies subject to Section 1(A) or Section 1(B) of this Executive Order of the need for furloughs and discuss those furloughs with the unions;
ii. develop a furlough plan that:
a. is limited to those agencies subject to expenditure restrictions under Section 1(A) or Section 1(B) of this Executive Order;
b. is consistent with Regulation 1.7.10.8 NMAC;
c. limits the number of required furlough days, which, if possible, should be no more than five (5) days during fiscal year 2010;
d. to the extent practicable and advisable, given the needs of individual agencies, schedule furlough days in a manner that least affects the provision of services to the public;
e. provides a process for limited exceptions based upon public safety, welfare, and cost-effectiveness; and
iii. seek approval of the furlough plan from the State Personnel Board in accordance with Regulation 1.7.10.8(A) NMAC; and
iv. oversee agency implementation of the approved furlough plan.
B. Agencies subject to the approved furlough plan shall implement the plan.
C. The State Personnel Director shall issue necessary or desirable guidance to affected agencies to implement the approved furlough plan, which guidance shall help agencies avoid overtime or other liabilities during the weeks when the furlough is effective.
Now, here's a look at what else Richardson did with the budget bills:
SIGNEDHB 6 Transfer Reserves to General Fund
HB 16 Reduce Legislative Appropriations
SB 24 School District Flexibility and Insurance
SIGNED WITH LINE ITEM VETOESHB 17 Reduce General Fund Appropriations
SB 29 STB Auth. for Capital Projects
POCKET VETOSB 25 School District Cash Balance Transfers
Lastly, here's a look at how much agencies are being ordered to save:
Taxation and Revenue Department
$3,902,300
Department of Finance and Administration
$1,438,800
General Services Department
$892,500
New Mexico Sentencing Commission
$36,200
Public Defender Department
$854,000
Governor
$244,900
Department of Information Technology
$70,400
Personnel Board
$89,500
Public Employee Labor Relations Board
$24,600
Border Authority
$25,700
Tourism Department
$332,300
Economic Development Department
$466,600
Regulation and Licensing Department
$873,100
New Mexico State Fair
$21,800
Gaming Control Board
$314,200
State Racing Commission
$115,700
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission
$5,000
Office of Military Base Planning and Support
$11,300
Spaceport Authority
$62,300
Cultural Affairs Department
$1,684,400
New Mexico Livestock Board
$58,700
Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department
$995,400
Intertribal Ceremonial Office
$200
State Engineer/Interstate Stream Commission
$1,218,000
Organic Commodity Commission
$9,300
Commission on Status of Women
$39,600
Office of African American Affairs
$41,000
Commission for the Blind
$41,400
Indian Affairs Department
$188,200
Aging and Long-Term Services Department
$1,274,500
Human Services Department, including $16 million that will be replaced by increased federal funds and appropriations from the Tobacco Settlement Program Fund
$28,702,500
Workforce Solutions Department
$402,900
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
$117,800
Governor's Commission on Disability
$58,500
Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
$131,900
Department of Health, including $2 million that will be replaced by increased federal funds
$10,364,900
Department of Environment
$800,400
Office of the Natural Resources Trustee
$14,400
New Mexico Health Policy Commission
$40,300
Children, Youth and Families Department
$6,023,000
Department of Military Affairs
$566,300
Parole Board
$14,600
Juvenile Parole Board
$6,700
Corrections Department
$11,389,600
Crime Victims Reparation Commission
$71,600
Department of Public Safety
$2,826,100
Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department
$166,600
Public Education Department
$479,900
Higher Education Department
$1,526,900
Total General Fund Savings:
$79,036,800
