State Tab For Policy Consultants: $1.7 Million

SANTA FE (KRQE) - Between 2003 and 2009, nine different New Mexico state agencies paid an out-of-state consulting company nearly $1.7 million for a big bag of ideas. Mostly, those ideas came in the form of studies, policy reviews and position papers that directed state employees to do tasks they likely already knew how to do. "They have a multitude of people to work on policy issues specifically, and so one would question what's the need for some type of out-of-state assistance," said state Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming. Public Works is based in Pennsylvania and "provides public policy research and analysis, organizational development and management consulting to government agencies, think tanks and non profits across the country," according to the company's website. The 19 contracts it signed with New Mexico state agencies over the six-year period was enough work for it to open up an office in Santa Fe. Five of those contracts valued at more than $100,000 were with the state Department of Economic Development. For that money, Public Works helped department officials clarify and implement the state's economic vision, according to one contract. More here

State Tab For Policy Consultants: $1.7 Million