Jan. 3—Show me the money
The Legislative Finance Committee is scheduled to release its budget recommendation during a news conference on Jan. 13 at the Roundhouse.
Sen. George Muñoz, a Gallup Democrat who chairs the committee, and Rep. Nathan Small, a Las Cruces Democrat who serves as vice chair, are among the committee members who are scheduled to speak. Committee staff will also be available to answer questions.
The release of the LFC’s budget recommendation comes after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham released her executive budget recommendation for fiscal year 2026, in which she proposed a 7% overall increase in recurring general fund spending.
The two budget proposals are typically released back-to-back, but the governor opted to unveil hers a month early to give the public and lawmakers more time to delve into the details.
Governor heads to Alamogordo
The governor, who has been holding town halls across the state to try to build support for her public safety proposals ahead of the legislative session, will be in Alamogordo next.
The town hall will be held Wednesday at the Tays Center, a 1,400-seat indoor arena located at 2400 N. Scenic Drive. The event, which begins at 5:30 p.m., is free and open to the public.
“The impact of crime on our communities cannot be ignored: it requires urgent attention,” states a post on the governor’s official account on X, formerly Twitter. “Call or email your legislators and tell them you want them to tackle crime in the 2025 legislative session.”
Breaking bread with politicos
You know a legislative session is approaching when rubber-chicken dinners are on the menu.
Both the Democratic and Republican parties of New Mexico are planning legislative dinners in Santa Fe shortly after the start of the 60-day session on Jan. 21.
Republicans are planning their event Jan. 23 at the Eldorado Hotel & Spa while Democrats are holding their shindig Jan. 28 at La Fonda on the Plaza.
Hopefully guests will be treated to more than rubber chicken, based on the cost to attend.
Tickets to the Republican dinner are $120 apiece. Tickets to the Democratic dinner start at — gulp — $500.
Luján appointed to finance committee
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján is now a member of the Senate Committee on Finance.
In addition to retaining his position on committees where he has previously served, Luján on Thursday announced his new appointment to the finance committee, where he said he would continue his efforts to protect New Mexicans’ access to health care and lower prescription drug costs as well as fight to protect Social Security and push for a fair tax code.
“Looking ahead to a new Congress and a power shift in the Senate, I am still laser-focused on working with all of my colleagues to make things better for my home state of New Mexico and all Americans,” he said in a statement.
Democrats pay tribute to Carter
Numerous high-ranking New Mexico Democrats honored former President Jimmy Carter on social media after his passing a week ago at the age of 100.
“President Carter inspired the world with his unwavering commitment to justice, his deep sense of conscience, his dedication to community, and his steadfast belief in democracy,” U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández wrote on X. “We will honor him with our own rededication to these values.”
“President Jimmy Carter exemplified what it means to live a life of faith and service to others,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland wrote on X. “His love for and conservation of our shared public lands leaves a tremendous legacy.”
Carter “devoted his life to serving others, seeking peace, and improving the world around him,” U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich wrote. “All of us can learn from his constant example of compassion, humility, and decency.”
Carter “possessed deep convictions, visionary ideas and a tireless work ethic, and our country is a much better place because of his service,” wrote Lujan Grisham.
“His leadership, dedication to Habitat for Humanity and fight for human rights will continue to inspire generations to come,” wrote U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez.
In a statement posted on X, U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury said “as we mourn his loss, we honor his exceptional legacy and the indelible mark he has left on our nation and world through his dedication to peace and humanitarian causes.”
Follow Daniel J. Chacón on Twitter @danieljchacon.