New Mexico plans deep cuts to state's human resources jobs

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state of New Mexico plans to cut full-time jobs in human resources across state government by more than 30 percent.

The State Personnel Office said the goal is part of a plan to move human resources bureaus from various departments into one agency, The Santa Fe New Mexican reported last weekend.

State Personnel Office director Justin Najaka recently told lawmakers the goal is to go from 348 full-time staff working in human resources to 240.

Najaka told the Legislative Finance Committee the state would "right size" human resources staffing by leaving vacant positions open, reassigning personnel and cutting jobs.

"We have not laid anybody off," he said.