02/12/2008
CONTACT: Karin Foster, 505-238-8385 or Tony Malandra, 415-664-9685
From Karin Foster, NFIB/New Mexico state director. The business community, spearheaded by Foster, has been working with the Legislature for several years to establish a better process for passing regulations and rules in New Mexico.
"It is of great concern that Governor Richardson vetoed an appropriation for the establishment of an Interim Regulatory Process Committee.
"Our state has the reputation for not being very business friendly. Under the current system of creating and passing rules, there is no transparency or accountability of the actions of the Executive branch. We need to have a system where the smallest business owners can work with state agencies without having to hire legal counsel, because rules are so convoluted and complex.
"By working with House and Senate leadership, NFIB was able to get a small appropriation for the Interim Regulatory Process Committee that would have been tasked with making recommendations to the Legislature and the executive for consistent, clear regulations and rules.
"By taking the red pen to the funds for the Regulatory Process Committee, the governor is clearly indicating that better government for small businesses is not a priority with his administration."
