HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 3

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first special session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Donald L. Whitaker

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING ALL AGENCIES OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO OFFER TO STATE EMPLOYEES THE OPPORTUNITY TO REQUEST AND TAKE VOLUNTARY, UNPAID LEAVE FOR UP TO THIRTY DAYS.

     WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico is facing unprecedented budget shortfalls in fiscal years 2009 and 2010; and

     WHEREAS, the constitution of New Mexico requires that the state budget be balanced and that state government cannot operate in a deficit; and

     WHEREAS, the governor's proclamation acknowledges that this critical issue affects the economic health and welfare of the state and demands immediate attention; and

     WHEREAS, the governor's proclamation precludes consideration of measures to reduce salaries of state employees; and

     WHEREAS, state employees are thereby afforded a protection not extended to employees of private sector businesses who, in this uncertain and unstable economy, are not only at risk of reductions in their salaries, but are also at risk of losing their jobs; and

     WHEREAS, many state employees are in a personal financial position to contribute to the solution to the state's budget woes through voluntarily offering to take a leave of absence of up to thirty days without pay; and

     WHEREAS, many state employees would gladly volunteer for such a leave if it meant that other valuable programs in New Mexico could continue to be supported and funded at adequate levels;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that all agencies of state government be requested to offer to state employees the opportunity to request and take voluntary, unpaid leave for up to thirty days; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to all agencies and departments of state government and to the governor.

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