THE LEGISLATURE GETS UNDERWAY IN SANTA FE WITH AN AMBITIOUS AGENDA FROM A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR, MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM, AND A COMPLETELY DEMOCRATIC CONTROLLED HOUSE AND SENATE. EDUCATION IS THE BIG TICKET ITEM ON THEIR AGENDA WITH LUJAN GRISHAM PROPOSING A 500-MILLION DOLLAR INCREASE AND THE LEGISLATIVE FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDING 400 MILLION DOLLARS EXTRA.
THEY’LL ALSO TAKE ON PUBLIC SAFETY, GUN BACKGROUND CHECKS, AND RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA. MEANWHILE, LAWMAKERS WILL ALSO HAVE A LOT MORE MONEY TO DOLE OUT DURING THIS SESSION. THERE’S A REPORTED BUDGET SURPLUS OF 2-BILLION DOLLARS, BUT IT’S ACTUALLY CLOSER TO HALF OF WHAT FORMER GOVERNOR MARTINEZ IMPLIED. THE FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT SAYS IT’S JUST OVER A BILLION DOLLARS.
