The latest attempt to streamline state government by consolidating two agencies — Tourism and Cultural Affairs — is facing grim odds after members of a House panel voted 9-6 to table House Bill 151.
Native American groups and representatives from the hospitality industry both spoke out in opposition to the measure, which is supported by Gov. Susana Martinez.
The vote in the House Judiciary Committee fell largely along party lines, with Democrats voting against the bill and Republicans voting for it. One GOP lawmaker, Rep. David Chavez of Los Lunas, also voted against the measure.
Both Martinez and the Democratic-controlled Legislature have spoken in favor of restructuring state government in order to improve efficiency and trim state spending, but no legislation on the subject has actually been passed during the last several years.
The merger of the Tourism and Cultural Affairs departments has already failed to pass the Legislature twice — during last year’s 60-day regular session and a special redistricting session in September 2011. You can read the bill for yourself by clicking here.
-- Email the reporter at dboyd@abqjournal.com. Call the reporter at 505-992-6281
