State of New Mexico Office of the Governor Bill Richardson Governor To all state employees: ‘As we wrap up work for the year, and I prepare to leave office, I want to take the opportunity to thank you for your hard work. During my eight years as Governor, we have accomplished a lot for the people of New Mexico. We have transformed New Mexico with bold new approaches on the economy, education, crime, DWI and domestic violence, and health care. And as we transformed our state to meet 21" Century challenges, we made a new, historic commitment to preserving our greatest treasures— our land, our water and our unique quality of life. We leave behind a New Mexico that is fundamentally different than what it was just eight short years ago. ‘These accomplishments would not be possible without the dedication and hard work from state employees. I appreciate your contributions and I hope you share my optimism for the future of our great state. For more than two years, we have cut agency budgets and made sacrifices actoss state government in order to deal with the recession, Despite the tough times, I did everything possible to minimize the effect of our budget cuts on people. Rather than state employee lay-off or cutting classroom programs, we have collectively done more with less. ‘Again, I thank you for helping us to provide essential services to the New Mexicans who need them most during this recession. We have asked a lot from our state employees and Tappreciate the professionalism I have seen across state government. I wish you well in the future and hope you continue to serve the State of New Mexico. Lew State Capitol + Room 400 + Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 + 505-476-2200 + www-governorsstate.nm.us