State of New Mexico
House of Representatives
Ben Lujan, Speaker of the House
Ken Martinez, House Majority Leader
Sheryl Williams Stapleton, House Majority Whip
                                                                               
PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                Contact: Victoria Chávez 646-241-5335
Feb. 11, 2010                                                                                     Bailey Sachs 505-261-2419

Rep. Cote Passes Ethics Legislation for Public Officials

Santa Fe, NM – A memorial requesting New Mexico State University to develop a course on ethics for public officials, introduced by Rep. Nathan Cote (D-Las Cruces), passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 56-1 this afternoon. House Memorial 6 would make the ethics course available to the state’s public officials and become part of their orientation and continued education.

“New Mexico’s public officials hold positions of trust and are expected to act in the best interests of the state. This is a measure that may prevent elected officials and others from unknowingly making decisions that violate laws, regulations or guidelines.” Rep. Cote said. “ In an article I published a few weeks ago in several newspapers and blogs, I discussed the need for such training and how we, as public officials, need to be prepared for unconditional and diligent self-reflection regarding our decisions. This memorial delivers on that promise with hopes it will make a difference on improving awareness and good decision-making with the public interest in mind.”

Some education and training on ethics for public officers and employees is currently required by the Governmental Conduct Act and further training is required by additional ethics commission legislation that is being considered during this session.