Pandemic looms over New Mexico Legislature, state finances
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Legislators are gathering to shore up New Mexico state finances for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic struck.
The Democrat-led Legislature is scheduled to start a special legislative session on Thursday at noon in a Statehouse that is closed to the public. People can follow deliberations over the internet or telephone.
Lawmakers are confronting a 25% decline in estimated state government income for the coming budget year. Solvency proposals from a leading lawmaker and the governor would diminish but not do away with increased spending on public salaries, education and heath care.
First-term Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham also wants legislators to enact policing reforms such as mandating body cameras and streamlining mail-in balloting procedures ahead of November elections. She is hoping for legislation that extends a lifeline to local governments and small business by providing low-interest loans from a state trust fund.
House Republican legislators are arguing for a more cautious approach to state spending and warning that sustained spending increases now will eventually require tax increases as financial reserves dry up.
Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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