March 26, 2025
Special Session Threatened Over Public Safety and Medical Malpractice Reforms
Even before the 2025 session ended the Governor was threatening a special session and Republicans were lined up behind her on the idea. Just before the session ended a mass shooting in Las Cruces allegedly perpetrated by juveniles that killed 3 and wounded 15 was reported. The Governor and Republicans were especially upset that bills in particular those dealing with juvenile sentencing were given short shrift by the Democrat majority. “The likelihood (of a special session) is far stronger than not,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “They should expect it,” she said. “I don’t know how you don’t expect it.
Oil and Gas Increase Struck From Tax Package
In a somewhat surprising move, an effort to increase the tax on oil and gas by 0.28% was stripped out of the final tax package passed by the legislature. The bill kept the expanded tax credit for working New Mexicans and put in a whooping 20% increase in liquor tax.
Teachers To Receive $5,000 Raise
By the time the dust had cleared on the 2026 budget the state’s teachers will walk away with a $5,000 a year raise. The raise applies to all three levels and brings the Level 1 pay to $55,000 a year, Level 2 to $65,000 and Level 3 to $75,000.
State Game Commission Reform Bill Passes
A bill that renames the State Game Commission to New Mexico Wildlife Commission and the department it oversees to the New Mexico Wildlife Department passed and was signed by the Governor with a gotcha line-item veto that may or may not stand up. The bill seeks to redefine the agency’s mission to include all wildlife not just game species. It also provides for a specific process to replace commission members, which the Governor disagrees with and used the line item veto on. She included a note with the line-item veto that said her signature on the bill would not be effective if it weren’t included. No one is sure exactly how this will play out. The bill also includes increases in license fees as well.
Roosevelt County Awarded $12.9 million in Capital Outlay
Roosevelt County entities were awarded $12.9 million for 15 projects across the county. The bill still awaits the Governor’s signature. Among the projects are $6.5 million for the ENMU Student Academic Services Building project now under way. Also is included $2.5 million for HVAC improvements at the ENMU Science Building, $408,000 for ENMU Animal Education & Research Center Equipment and $75,000 for theatre equipment at the school. Village of Elida received $600,000 for water wells and water line construction. Floyd received $150,000 for a program to replace water meters. City of Portales will get $150,000 for a Class A fire pumper, $300,000 for a motor grader, $100,000 for pedestrian facilities and sidewalk improvement, $200,000 for police evidence room expansion and $492,000 for street repairs. Portales High School will receive $100,000 for renovations on the field house facility. Roosevelt County was awarded $600,000 for courthouse renovations, $500,000 for road repair and $200,000 for a generator purchase.
