Roosevelt County Chamber’s
Legislative Report
Jan. 19, 2017
Legislative Report
Jan. 19, 2017
Lawmakers Start Fast
During the first full day in session both Houses quickly passed solvency bills that will make up for the shortfall in this year’s budget. Many predicted soon after the fall Special Session to balance the budget that not enough was done and they were right. The solvency package is for about $260 million. Both bills follow the basic framework of agreements worked out by the Interim Legislative Finance Committee that includes both Senate and House leaders.
During the first full day in session both Houses quickly passed solvency bills that will make up for the shortfall in this year’s budget. Many predicted soon after the fall Special Session to balance the budget that not enough was done and they were right. The solvency package is for about $260 million. Both bills follow the basic framework of agreements worked out by the Interim Legislative Finance Committee that includes both Senate and House leaders.
Economic Development Money at Risk
In the solvency package, which still has to be resolved between the two Houses, money for the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) fund were at risk in the House today. This money is used to attract business and industry to the state and is known as a “Closing Fund.” for communities working on economic development. The New Mexico Chamber Executives Assn. supports leaving this fund untouched.
Public Education Issues
One of the big debates in Public Education will be the proposal to do a retirement swap included in the solvency package and being discussed as a budget balancing measure for FYI 2018 as well. For teachers it would mean a smaller take-home but not a pay-cut in order to keep their retirement fund at the same contribution level. Lots of heat here!
One of the big debates in Public Education will be the proposal to do a retirement swap included in the solvency package and being discussed as a budget balancing measure for FYI 2018 as well. For teachers it would mean a smaller take-home but not a pay-cut in order to keep their retirement fund at the same contribution level. Lots of heat here!
Also, the solvency package proposes a sweep of school district accounts that some say might endanger cash flow at local districts. Stay tuned.
Legislators Online
A big change this year in being able to stay up on particular Roundhouse debates is that both Houses have finally agreed to not only stream coverage of floor sessions and some committee sessions but to also archive them on the website. So if you’re having trouble sleeping just tune in your legislature. The legislature’s website has been totally reworked and has those links very prominently. The link to check it out https://www.nmlegis.gov/
A big change this year in being able to stay up on particular Roundhouse debates is that both Houses have finally agreed to not only stream coverage of floor sessions and some committee sessions but to also archive them on the website. So if you’re having trouble sleeping just tune in your legislature. The legislature’s website has been totally reworked and has those links very prominently. The link to check it out https://www.nmlegis.gov/
Up-date courtesy of The Roosevelt Chamber of Commerce
