Tomorrow marks the start of the 57th Legislature's first session in New Mexico, a 60-day general session set to conclude on March 22, 2025. During this period, there are no restrictions on the subjects that can be addressed, and it is anticipated that over 1,000 bills will be introduced. The Chamber’s legislative team plans to evaluate these bills with a focus on those impacting New Mexico's economic competitiveness.

The state faces several challenges affecting its economic standing compared to neighboring regions. These include an underperforming public school system despite increased funding, high crime rates linked to drug abuse such as fentanyl, and a healthcare system struggling with shortages of medical professionals. Additionally, many young residents leave the state for better job opportunities elsewhere.

On Friday, the Chamber will present its legislative agenda developed with business partners from both public and private sectors. This agenda aims to enhance New Mexico’s economic competitiveness by addressing key issues:

- Making New Mexico safer through investment in addiction services and strengthening laws against crime.

- Reducing tax burdens on businesses and families.

- Ensuring high-performing schools led by great leaders.

- Making New Mexico an attractive place for medical practice by adjusting taxes and reimbursement rates.

The state's budget reflects its priorities. Both executive and legislative budgets are close at $10.9 billion and $10.8 billion respectively, marking around a 6% increase deemed sustainable by budget writers. Under Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's administration since 2019, the budget has grown by 45%. Senate Finance Committee Chair George Muñoz noted that while there is only about a 1% difference between the two budgets regarding strategic water plan funding and other allocations, neither includes provisions for tax relief or restructuring.

Key highlights from the legislative proposal include significant appropriations for transportation projects, special projects, public schools, healthcare authority increases due to hospital surcharges, salary raises for state employees including educators, road funding enhancements from the general fund, water projects support, and capital outlay requests amidst existing unspent balances.

As legislators prepare for tomorrow's session at the Roundhouse in Albuquerque with ceremonial proceedings including Governor Lujan Grisham’s State of the State address before both Senate and House members gathered together in joint session; stakeholders remain attentive throughout this pivotal legislative period.