The First Session of the 55th Legislature

Monday , February 22, 2021
WHAT'S HAPPENING

NEW MEXICO HOUSE COMMITTEE CLEARS PROPOSED $7.4 BILLION BUDGET

Today the House Appropriations and Finance Committee approved a state budget (HB-2) ([link removed]) for the next fiscal year that increases spending by $332 million or 4.6% over the current fiscal year. The proposed budget provides pay increases to teachers and other state workers and would extend the school year by at least 10 days. This is a more fiscally responsible budget compared to 2019 and 2020 spending plans that saw Democrat-led spending increase by 20% and 12% respectively. This proposed budget shows restraint. Nevertheless, this proposed budget lowers reserves to under 25%.

The full House could take up the bill on Wednesday.

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ABORTION RIGHTS BILL HEADS TO GOVERNOR’S DESK

Gov. Lujan Grisham may sign SB-10, the abortion rights legislation, later this week. The Democrat-led Legislature pushed the legislation forward Friday to ensure future access to abortions by voting to repeal the dormant ban on most abortion procedures. This marks a defiant counterpoint to efforts in some conservative states. New Mexico lawmakers approved the repeal of the 1969 statute that has gone unenforced since the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the right to an abortion. SB-10 would allow late-term abortions and provides no protections for women or health professionals.

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SEN. MARK MOORES STANDS WITH STUDENT ATHLETES, URGING STATE TO #LetThemPlay

Today Sen. Mark Moores (R-Albuquerque) sent a letter ([link removed]) to the New Mexico Secretary of Education, Dr. Ryan Stewart, urging the Public Education Department (PED) to immediately modify its pairing of in-person learning with participation in sports. Under PED’s current policy, high school athletics can only begin when a school reopens for hybrid education.

“I have been contacted by numerous constituents, including parents and student athletes, who were devastated by APS’s recent decision to remain completely virtual,” said Moores, a former high school and college football player. “As one mother stated, the state’s decision to pair in-person learning with sports ‘punishes students twice,’ especially our seniors who are being robbed of their capstone year for athletics.”

Gov. Lujan Grisham recently gave local school districts the option to reopen for hybrid, in-person learning. Last week, however, the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) Board of Education voted to keep Albuquerque schools closed for the remainder of the year – a crushing decision for students hoping to return the field and court.

“Our neighboring states found a way to give students, parents, and schools the option to participate in sports,” added Moores. “New Mexico needs to follow suit, and for the sake of our students, I urge the Governor and Secretary Stewart to #LetThemPlay.”

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2021 ROUNDHOUSE PROFILES: WORKING HARD FOR YOU
SEN. JOSHUA SANCHEZ

Sen. Sanchez is a small business owner who lives in Bosque. This is his first term in the Senate. Sen. Sanchez serves Cibola, McKinley, Socorro and Valencia Counties. Committees: Indian, Rural & Cultural Affairs and Tax, Business & Transportation. Sen. Sanchez's email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
REP. LUIS TERRAZAS

This is Rep. Terrazas's first term in the House of Representatives. He lives in Santa Clara and serves Doña Ana, Grant and Sierra Counties. Committees: Labor, Veterans' & Military Affairs and Health & Human Services. You can email Rep. Terrazas at: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
REP. RANDALL PETTIGREW

This is Rep. Pettigrew's first term in the House of Representatives. He is an engineer and serves Lea County. Committees: Consumer & Public Affairs and Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements. You can email Rep. Pettigrew at: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
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CHECK OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING ON THE NEW MEXICO SENATE AND HOUSE REPUBLICANS FACEBOOK PAGES
To go to the NM Senate Republicans Facebook page, click here. ([link removed])

To go to the NM House Republicans Facebook page, click here. ([link removed])
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DURING THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, YOU WILL RECEIVE REGULAR UPDATES ON KEY BILLS AND OTHER HAPPENINGS AT THE ROUNDHOUSE
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LISTEN TO CHAIRMAN PEARCE'S PODCAST
Be sure to catch Inside New Mexico with Steve Pearce each week on your favorite podcast platform. You can subscribe to listen and be notified when a new episode is available.
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