Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales | nm.gov Official Website
During a recent special session, the New Mexico State Senate demonstrated bipartisan cooperation in addressing challenges caused by federal funding cuts. Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales, who presides over the Senate, expressed pride in the chamber’s conduct and highlighted the civility displayed by members of both parties. "I am proud of the Senate, where as Lieutenant Governor I preside over the proceedings, and thank members of both parties for their civility and adherence to decorum throughout. It empowered us to get important things done. Perhaps our state senate here in the desert Southwest offers an example for the nation, especially for leaders in other state capitols stuck in partisan gridlock," Morales stated.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham called lawmakers into session on October 1 to respond to urgent issues resulting from reductions in federal support included in Washington’s budget reconciliation bill. These cuts threatened services that many New Mexico families rely on. The Legislature acted over two days to approve new state funding aimed at protecting food security, affordable health care, and access to care.
Morales noted that despite differences among New Mexico’s forty-two senators—including party affiliation, region, and political beliefs—they maintained respect and adhered to procedural rules throughout deliberations. "Better than I have ever seen in my seven years presiding, senate lawmakers observed the rules and decorum necessary to encourage a productive and respectful environment that supports effective policymaking. Mutual respect was palpable throughout the Special Session, and the chamber never got bogged down in acrimony," he said.
In preparation for the session, Morales met individually with Republican and Democratic senators to discuss concerns and priorities. He emphasized that this approach led to constructive agreements about procedure.
The Senate also addressed sensitive topics such as political violence but continued its legislative work without disruption. "These are emotional topics with great capacity to carry debate right off the rails, but it did not happen. Instead, we continued with the work before us responsibly, in a spirit of collaboration, to solve New Mexicans most pressing problems," Morales said.
By the end of the session, lawmakers had approved emergency support measures for food and health services as well as financial assistance for rural care providers and expanded access to health insurance.
For more details on this development see: https://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/state-senate-shows-bipartisan-cooperation-is-possible/article_44af2519-49f1-4773-86f2-c1085742a21d.html
Morales concluded by recognizing those senators willing to lead across party lines: "Among New Mexico’s state senators there truly are statesmen and stateswomen who are willing to lead and to move the state forward... In a country that seems deeply divided by labels – liberal, conservative, left and right – our state Senate demonstrated that we are New Mexicans and Americans first and foremost."
