RPNM would like to thank all of our Republican leaders and lawmakers for their hard work. These legislators continue to fight hard to improve the lives of New Mexicans and to advance good bills that promote strong values and principles. Thank you all for your service and your dedication to your constituents and the state.
1. STATE BUDGET WITH MORE THAN $530 MILLION IN SPENDING
INCREASES HEADS TO GOVERNOR--TAKES TWO VOTES AFTER
DEMOCRATS' PLOY
Early this morning the New Mexico House accepted Senate changes on a bloated state budget which will now go to the governor's desk.
The chamber ultimately approved a $7.6 billion state budget for the 2021 fiscal year, a budget that would increase spending by 7.6% over the current year or $536 million more. The Upper House had cleared its amended version of House Bill 2 by a vote of 35-7 yesterday. This budget would mark the state’s second consecutive year of big spending growth after several years of fiscal belt-tightening. The fattened budget demonstrates how the left-leaning Democrats fail to see potential dangers with this constant increased spending. They seem to consistently ignore the fact that vital oil and gas revenue--which makes up more than 40% of state revenues-- could take a downturn in the future. In this latest budget proposal, reserves would be targeted at 25%, less than what many lawmakers believe is needed.
But it took two votes on the budget after Democratic leadership tried to pull a fast one.
Around midnight, the House voted after a very brief debate. But Republican leadership was out of the chamber! Members soon ran into the room and blasted Speaker Brian Egolf for having the budget vote knowing “damn well” that they were in the other room.
“The entire session you have done this. You can’t keep your word for five minutes,” Minority Whip Rod Montoya (R)-Farmington bellowed to Egolf. “We were talking about working this out. Instead this is the route you decide to go.”
Moments later, Minority Leader Jim Townsend (R)-Artesia came in, unaware that the budget had already been voted on. Other Republican members also complained that they had asked to participate in the debate but were denied. Egolf agreed to hold a second vote. The budget was passed after 1am after minutes of debate.
Throughout the entire session, progressive Democrats have rushed through their legislative agenda and denied public input, increasing spending and refusing to discuss matters prudently.
2. ELECTION BILL THAT COULD HAVE LED TO VOTER FRAUD DIES
HB 229 is history. That means voters who use absentee ballots will continue to need to show three forms of identification. This is the law and will help stop fraud. HB 229 would have removed those three voter identification requirements (name, address and year of birth). If that bill were passed, it would have opened the door to all kinds of potential voter violations and fraud.
ROUNDHOUSE PROFILES: WORKING HARD FOR YOU
Rep. David Gallegos lives in Eunice and represents Lea County. Rep. Gallegos is a Sr. Superintendent and has been in the House since 2013.
Committees: Education, Labor, Veterans' and Military Afaairs
Email: [email protected]
