By KRWG News
New Mexico – Some state government departments should be merged and more than a dozen boards and commissions should be eliminated to save taxpayer money and make New Mexico's government more efficient.
A committee on government efficiency submitted its report and recommendations to Gov. Bill Richardson on Thursday. The governor had created the committee in an effort to find ways to streamline state operations.
The recommendations include merging the Public Education Department with the Higher Education Department and joining the Homeland Security Department with the Department of Public Safety.
The committee also recommends merging several departments and agencies to create a state Commerce Department.
Richardson says he's ready to pursue many of the ideas either through executive order or during the upcoming legislative session.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.