Albuquerque, NM – Today, Governor Susana Martinez issued an executive order instructing the state’s boards, commissions and agencies to implement reforms that will make it easier for New Mexicans to become licensed and find jobs, reduce the burden of occupational licensing on military families and job-seekers who move to New Mexico and aid those with a criminal records in finding gainful employment.
“Since day one, we’ve worked with businesses and individuals to make it easier to grow and start a business in New Mexico, because we want people to find work and make a good living for themselves and their families,” Martinez said. “This order will lower unreasonable barriers to employment – especially for our military members and their families, recent high school and college graduates, those living in poverty, and past offenders trying to get back on their feet.”
The executive order serves as a follow-up to an executive order Governor Martinez issued in July, which instructed New Mexico boards and commissions to review licensure requirements and develop recommendations to increase economic opportunity for New Mexicans.
Among other provisions, when implemented, the executive order will:
- Make it easier for people to enter the workforce or find new jobs by reducing artificial barriers to enter the workforce such as testing, experience and education for entry-level positions
- Allow people who move here from other states, such as military families, to transfer their licenses to New Mexico or substitute professional experience if they come from a state that does not license the occupation
- Waive initial license and testing fees for New Mexicans who are eligible for welfare programs such as SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid
- Waive fees for National Guardsmen and members of the Armed Forces who require an occupational license to carry out their official duties
- Reduce fees for licensure to 75 percent of the national average or less
- Make it easier for those with criminal histories to obtain licenses, find jobs, and help prevent them from returning to crime
- Expand the acceptance of online continuing education credits
“Across the board, overly burdensome occupational licensing regulations prevent people from escaping poverty by making it harder for them get a job. By removing these roadblocks, we’re clearing the way for New Mexicans to provide a better life for themselves and their families,” Martinez said.
Since taking office, Governor Martinez has made it a priority to streamline and improve the state government. Her administration has rolled back dozens of overly burdensome regulations, cut taxes and fees 61 times and strengthened New Mexico’s job creation tools to put people to work and help businesses grow.
The executive order can be found online here.