Gov. Bill Richardson issued a statement almost immediately following the close of the House Rules committee meeting this morning that he would convene a working group to “analyze revenue measures” for the January legislative session.

“Intriguing proposals” have been presented during the special session and he’d like to see a “comprehensive, well-reasoned revenue package” during the regular session that is “well-crafted and mapped out,” he said.  But, individual bills shouldn’t be “injected piecemeal” now.

He indicated that the votes by the House and Senate committees, finding revenue bills not germane to the scope of the special session, support his view.

Here is his full statement:

Given the fiscal realities facing the state I am prepared to consider a comprehensive, well-reasoned revenue package for the regular legislative session in January 2010.  Between now and then I will convene a working group consisting of legislators, executive staff, members of the business and education communities, and other interested parties to analyze such a package.

Already in this session there have been some intriguing proposals introduced.  However, I believe these must not be injected piecemeal without serious analysis into the present budget calculation but rather should be part of a well-crafted and mapped out package in January.  Accordingly, I agree with action taken by committees in both the House and Senate that supports this view.

In the meantime I urge the legislature to quickly address the immediate budget needs at hand in a way that preserves jobs, does not harm the economy, and protects students and teachers.