Modernizing the Legislature

New Mexico has the only unsalaried legislature in the United States of America. NMOE is advocating for modernization policies that includes full-time salaries for legislators, year-round and full-time staff members for all legislators, and changing the timing of legislative session. New Mexicans deserve a fully professionalized legislative branch. 

Lacking a full-time legislature, New Mexicans experience the following problems:

• Our unsalaried legislature places limits on who can afford to serve as an elected official and hampers our legislative body.
• Currently, it’s primarily wealthy or retired candidates who can afford to carry the burdens of a political campaign and have the free time and financial means to serve in an unsalaried post.
• New Mexico’s 30-day and 60-day sessions are among the shortest legislative sessions in the US.
• Legislators are limited in their abilities to fully research complex issues and cannot serve their constituents effectively. With a lack of trained, permanent office staff, legislators are left to rely on the expertise of professional lobbyists, who can then exert undue influence.
• Additional resources: https://www.commoncause.org/new-mexico/our-work/protect-the-constitution-courts-other-democracy-reforms/modernize-the-nm-legislature/ 

Here's how New Mexicans would benefit from a modern legislature:

• A modern New Mexico Legislature will afford our state the opportunity to grow and thrive.
• Increased representation, consistency, communication, and accountability at the legislature for constituents in New Mexico.
• Elected officials who are reflective of our communities.
• Elected officials who have the necessary time and resources to tackle complex problems and find solutions to improve the lives of all New Mexicans.

Learn more from our Strengthening Democracy Town Hall recording about modernization: