A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO APPOINT A COMMITTEE TO WORK WITH THE EXECUTIVE ON THE REORGANIZATION OF THE OFFICE OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS.

WHEREAS, the museums and monuments of New Mexico are the most important assets the state possesses, and their collections, along with the collections of the state library and the work of the historic preservation division, give form and dimension to New Mexico's history and culture; and

WHEREAS, the legislature and the executive have considered the organizational structure of the office of cultural affairs several times, from several independent museums to the 1977 educational finance and cultural affairs department, and then to the creation of the office of cultural affairs in 1980 and the 1989 proposed legislation for a commission for cultural affairs to oversee the various boards of the museums and other divisions of a cultural affairs department to the current governor's desire to again spotlight cultural affairs by elevating the office to cabinet department status; and

WHEREAS, given the importance of the office of cultural affairs to New Mexico's history, culture, educational system and economic development, it is incumbent upon the legislature to ensure its participation in the office's reorganization;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to appoint a committee of three house members and three senate members to work with the office of cultural affairs and the governor's office on reorganization plans for the office; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the committee present its recommendations, including draft legislation, to the New Mexico legislative council by December 1, 2003; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico legislative council.