Democratic leadership in the state applauded many of the proposals outlined in the governor’s state of the state speech but think the operation of the state Legislature needs tweaking.
Democratic House Speaker Javier Martinez wants to see funding for dedicated paid staff, paid lawmakers and changes to the length of the sessions. He said those measures would help lawmakers work more effectively.
“We feel comfortable with the budget proposals that we’ve seen so far,” Martinez told KOB. “Obviously, the hard work begins, in terms of negotiating with the fourth floor, the senate, the house finance committees. But we’re very much looking forward to it because that’s what the people elected us to do.”
Martinez said lawmakers should focus on gun violence prevention efforts, gun safety and a bill that targets organized retail crime. He said more attention needs to be placed on the root causes of crime.
He also said it is important to ensure that New Mexicans have access to critical resources, healthcare and behavioral health.