Gov. meets with citizens about budget cuts

Posted at: 10/27/2009 5:38 PM | Updated at: 10/28/2009 7:21 AM
By: Eyewitness News 4; The Associated Press

Gov. Richardson meets with New Mexicans at the Roundhouse Tuesday

People lined up Tuesday to talk to Gov. Bill Richardson about a budget package that includes cuts for state agencies.

Richardson is worried that the cuts lawmakers approved at last week’s special session could lead to layoffs. The governor met with about 100 people Tuesday, each for about five minutes.

Most people showed up to complain about the cuts lawmakers made to education, which is less than one percent. Those who showed up to support education told the governor that money needed to stay in the classroom.

Some offered ideas on how to trim fat from administration costs. Others worried about what the 7.6 percent budget cuts just passed by the legislature would mean—especially when it comes to health care.

Human Services Department said Tuesday health care services for the needy will be reduced and agency worker furloughs are possible because of spending cuts approved by the state Legislature.

Lawmakers ordered budget cuts of 7.6 percent for agencies under the control of Gov. Bill Richardson as part of a plan to help plug a $650 million revenue shortfall.

The department says its budget cuts will mean a loss of almost $38 million in state money and $115 million in federal dollars that match state spending.

The agency said Tuesday some cutbacks will be required for health care services offered through Medicaid.

But the director of the Legislative Finance Committee, David Abbey, says it was the intent of the Legislature to shield all Medicaid services from cuts.

New Mexicans also voiced their concern afor cuts in CYFD programs as well as border protection.

Richardson’s office says the governor wants to hear from citizens before making any possible line item vetoes.

If you didn’t make it out Tuesday, the governor’s office is also taking comments on the proposed budget cuts by phone and e-mail.

New Mexicans can contact the Governor's Office with their thoughts about the budget bills by email: Special.session@state.nm.us or by phone: 505-476-2210.

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