SANTA FE, NM—Today House Republican leadership tapped Rep. Jim Townsend (R-Artesia) as chair of the newly-formed Policy Development Working Group for the House Republican Caucus. The group will provide a forum to develop legislative proposals, offer policy recommendations, and set long-term strategic goals.

“New Mexicans want fresh ideas to solve the problems facing our state, and Jim Townsend is the right person for this job,” said House Republican Floor Leader Nate Gentry (R-Albuquerque). “New Mexico continues to fall behind under the current Democrat legislative leadership. Instead of throwing more money at failed policies that are clearly not working, we need to set a new direction for our state. Rep. Townsend will help us find the right course to create a better New Mexico.”

“I am excited by this opportunity to develop innovative solutions for New Mexico,” said Townsend. “The current plan offered by Democrat House and Senate leaders is just a continuation of stale policies that have put New Mexico at the bottom of all the good lists and the top of all the bad lists. We must embrace bold new strategies to turn our state around.”