Help us get SJR 1 Legislative Salaries Commission passed through our toughest committee hearing in Senate Finance! We need our members to flood SFC members with calls of support for modernization and urge them to send the amendment to the voters!
Sponsored by Sen. Natalie Figueroa, Sen. Peter Wirth, Rep. Joy Garratt, Rep. Angelica Rubio, and Sen. Katy M. Duhigg
Yesterday, Common Cause New Mexico and our coalition partners, hosted our Modernization Day of Action at the Roundhouse, which welcomed advocates, champions, sponsors, and the public to hear about SJR 1 and how paying legislators a fair salary would reshape our government to be more effective and representative of our communities.
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.
SJR 1 has passed Senate Rules Committee with bipartisan support. The next committee hearing will be in Senate Finance, and that’s where we need your help. Please call members of SFC and urge them to support sending the amendment proposed in SJR 1 to the voters!
We celebrated Modernization Day of Action in Santa Fe with speakers highlighting how SJR 1 will empower more everyday New Mexicans to afford to run and serve in office, improve diversity in the legislature, and help legislators perform their duties.
Sponsored by Sen. Natalie Figueroa, Sen. Peter Wirth, Rep. Kathleen Cates, Rep. Cristina Parajon, and Rep. Angelica Rubio.
SB 16 passed the Senate Rules Committee this morning with robust public comment citing the need to enfranchise the 340,000 voters in New Mexico who are not registered with either major party!
Semi-open primaries allow independent and minor-party voters to participate in publicly-funded primary elections by selecting a ballot of the major political party of their choice to vote on, without changing their registration.
This bill builds upon the NM Voting Rights Act that passed in 2023. We want to make sure that with the VRA’s automatic voter registration, we’re welcoming new voters and helping them make their voices heard – regardless of party registration.
Sponsored by Sen. Peter Wirth, Sen. Heather Berghmans, Rep. Andrea Romero, and Rep. Matthew McQueen.
SB 85 passed the New Mexico State Senate today! It now moves to the House. SB 85 has been a key priority for CCNM because it would close loopholes and provide better transparency within the existing Campaign Reporting Act (CRA). Disclosure is the best defense against the corrupting influence of money in politics post-Citizens United!
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.
Demanding Effective, Transparent, and Accountable Government in New Mexico
Whether it’s allowing more flexibility in legislative sessions, increasing transparency in committee votes, or ensuring that bills receive due consideration, these proposals highlight a commitment to a more accountable and effective government.
Modernization measure passes first committee with bipartisan support!
SJR 1 Legislative Salaries Commission, CA, passes Senate Rules Committee by a 7-2 vote, and SB 85 Campaign Finance Changes advances to the Senate Floor.
