New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Signs Feed Bill (HB 1)

January 23, 2009 -- SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today signed House Bill 1, the “feed bill,” in its entirety as it was submitted by the legislature, without any line item vetoes. The Governor released the following statement following the signing:

“While I am concerned that the funding contained in the bill was higher than that recommended by either the Executive or the Legislative Finance Committee and does not reflect the level of fiscal restraint we are implementing across state government, I signed it as a gesture of good faith to the legislature as we move forward to tackle the broader budget issues facing the state. Critically, in HB1 the legislature requested expanded budget adjustment authority for their agencies, which allows for greater flexibility in redirecting operating funds to key areas in tight budget conditions. This is an authority I will also seek going forward for executive agencies for the same reason, and so I honored the legislature’s request.

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It is my hope that the signing of HB1 in its entirety puts the executive and legislative branches on track to face the challenges ahead in a cooperative manner."

The “feed bill” funds the costs of the legislative session among other items.

Source: New Mexico Governor