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Sponsored by Sen. Natalie Figueroa, Sen. Peter Wirth, Rep. Joy Garratt, Rep. Angelica Rubio, and Sen. Katy M. Duhigg
SJR 1 passed Senate Rules Committee by a vote of 7-2, and one excused. Importantly, the resolution received bipartisan support in the SRC, with two Republican senators voting yes.
A committee substitute was adopted at the beginning of the SRC hearing, which will change the date of the ballot question from 2026 to 2028, providing more time to educate the public and garner support for a modernized legislature.
Public comments were all in support of the measure, with diverse groups sharing a variety of reasons why it’s past time to pay our legislators a salary. You can read a sample of paraphrased comments on our X thread. You’ll also find the link to watch the webcast archive of the full hearing.
Committee members tended to agree with the premise of the resolution, citing the need for more diversity within the body, better supports for legislators who have an obligation to their constituents, and the need to ensure the legislature can function as a co-equal, professional branch of government.
A few legislators mentioned the idea of pairing salaries with term limits, while others contended that the voters ultimately determine if legislators continue to be re-elected and that combining term limits and salaries may be “logrolling” and not allowable under a single ballot question.
We were pleased to see the measure advance with broad, bipartisan support! Please thank sponsors Senators Katy Duhigg and Natalie Figueroa, and Senate Rules Committee members Senators Leo Jaramillo, Heather Berghmans, Jay Block, Crystal Brantley, Liz Stefanics, and Mimi Stewart who voted yes.
SJR 1 will be heard next in Senate Finance Committee.
You may also email written public comments in advance of the hearing directly to the Senate Finance Committee at SFC.Zoom@nmlegis.gov.
SJR 1 is Common Cause New Mexico’s top priority for the session. It would ask voters to amend the state constitution to allow for legislators to receive compensation and create an independent citizens commission to set legislative salaries. New Mexico is the ONLY state in the nation that does not pay its legislators a salary, and it leaves us at a disadvantage. Currently only the rich, retired, or extremely resourceful have the means to serve in office, leaving out the voices of everyday New Mexicans. Providing legislators with a livable wage is essential to create a more reflective democracy.
You can read a Source New Mexico story on SJR 1 passing the Senate Rules Committee on their website.
Sponsored by Sen. Peter Wirth, Sen. Heather Berghmans, Rep. Andrea Romero, and Rep. Matthew McQueen.
This bill would close loopholes and provide better transparency within the existing Campaign Reporting Act (CRA). Proposed changes to the CRA include limiting the ability of candidates to loan their campaigns money on interest and how campaign funds can be used and donated to community-based organizations. It changes reporting dates to provide better clarity of donations accepting leading up to the legislative session.
Common Cause New Mexico’s Molly Swank spoke in favor of the bill, and no one from the public spoke in opposition. Committee members had a robust debate on the bill, with some concerned that it does not go far enough to shine a light on the money that PACs and SuperPACs collect and spend to fund campaigns on both sides of the aisle in both chambers of the New Mexico Legislature.
Chair Sen. Joseph Cervantes and sponsor Sen. Peter Wirth both described the challenges of legislating disclosure in the wake of the damaging Citizens United Supreme Court decision, which opened the flood gates for spending in elections. You may watch the webcast of the SJC hearing to learn more about the bill and its goals for transparency.
SB 85 passed unanimously and moves to the Senate Floor for a final vote before heading to the House. Please urge your senator to vote yes!
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