New Mexico governor convenes Legislature to rewrite budget
New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez is convening a special session of the Legislature to plug a budget shortfall linked a downturn in oil and natural gas markets and also push for a vote on whether to reinstate the death penalty.
The decision Wednesday to reconvene lawmakers sets the stage for public debate on taxes and government spending and the emotionally charged issue of capital punishment less than six weeks ahead of November general elections that could shift the balance of power in the New Mexico Legislature. Republicans are defending a House majority, and Democrats control the Senate.
“The governor has worked for over 60 days to negotiate a budget deal with Senate Democrats.” Press Secretary Mike Lonergan said adding, ” it appears that Senate Democrats would rather play political games that could shut down the government rather than solve our budget challenges.”
New Mexico depends on oil and natural gas revenues more than almost any other state and has watched its operating reserves dwindle into negative territory amid a sustained downturn in energy prices.
(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
