New Mexico Senate OKs taxpayer thanks on buildings

[March 16, 2011]  SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) -- New Mexico lawmakers want to give taxpayers a more prominent pat on the back.

The state Senate unanimously approved a proposal Monday requiring the installation of a plaque on a new or renovated public building that provides a thank you to taxpayers before listing any elected officials in office at the time of construction. State law already requires an acknowledgment for taxpayer funding of buildings, but the legislation ensures that gets top billing. Republican Sen. Mark Boitano, of Albuquerque, sponsored the legislation, which goes to the House with little time left in the session. The Legislature adjourns Saturday. Boitano also has proposed a measure to stop the naming of public buildings after elected officials while they remain in office. However, a Senate committee shelved that bill. [Associated Press] Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.