13-05-2025
New Mexico lawmakers push for legislative salaries despite years of pushback
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – New Mexico is the only state in the country that doesn't pay a salary to lawmakers, even though some have pushed to change that policy for years. After another failed attempt this session, some are wondering if there is any chance New Mexico's system could change?
'Who we send to Santa Fe does not represent the incredible depth and diversity and insight and expertise of families across our state,' said Representative Micaela Lara Cadena (D-Mesilla).
Democratic state Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena says that's just one of the many reasons why she thinks New Mexico should have a paid legislature. She says the state's current 'volunteer' set up ensures that the powerful, wealthy, or retired make up the vast majority of candidates who can do the job.
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'And that means when we're there taking these consequential votes that affect and impact our lives every day, a lot of the folks taking those votes are really disconnected from what's happening in real time,' said Rep. Cadena.
The issue is one of what drove Representative Cadena to write a letter at the end of this session, only saying, 'The people of New Mexico deserve better.'
'That body, in my perspective and insight, does not represent the New Mexicans that I try to show up for every day,' said Rep. Cadena.
The legislative salary idea has been around for years, including this session, where a joint resolution, SJR 1, didn't get a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Democratic Senator George Muñoz. He opposes the idea of a paid legislature, saying the current system doesn't limit who's involved.
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'I see a wide variety of people there. I see teachers who have jobs that leave the schools for 60 days. I see non-profit organizations that have people that are elected, I see retirees, I see ranchers,' said Senator George Muñoz (D-Gallup).
He adds that creating legislative salaries could also attract the wrong kind of lawmakers to the Roundhouse. 'Now, will it open it up to an array of people, sure it will. It will get people running for a job, and it will not be for service to the state or for service to their constituents,' said Sen. Muñoz.
Democratic Representative Angelica Rubio was a sponsor of both the House, HJR 18, and Senate resolutions, SJR 1, for a legislative salary this session. She says they plan to reintroduce an updated version in 2026.
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