Four-day work weeks and more tele-commuting for state workers? That may be in the works. In a signal that rising fuel costs are starting to balloon as line items instate department budgets, Gov. Bill Richardson ticked off  those two ideas Thursday in a press release as ways to reduce travel costs for the state’s workforce as gas costs continues to rise.

“With fuel prices over $4 per gallon, we must act aggressively to ease pressures on New Mexicans,” Richardson said.

Richardson directed State Personnel Director Sandi Perez to look into those ideas to cut down on fuel costs.

“I have directed State Personnel Director Sandi Perez to find ways for citizens and state employees can cut down on gas costs.”

Perez added:

“We need to look at the ways we can cut fuel costs, while still putting the public first and without interrupting their access to services.”

Richardson also has directed General Services Department Secretary Arturo Jaramillo to accelerate transportation efficiency goals for the state fleet and state employee travel.

Richardson’s office also launched a new webpage to help consumers beat high gas prices.   New Mexicans can go to www.governor.state.nm.us and click on “GAS SAVERS” to find cheap gas, fuel saving tips, public transit and carpool information.