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House Republicans Put New Mexicans First As 2019 Legislative Session Begins

Commentary: New Mexico’s House Republicans began the 2019 Legislative Session supporting sound fiscal priorities that put New Mexico first. Republican leaders expressed concern over the Democrat budget proposals during the first day of the 2019 Legislative Session on Tuesday. Budget proposals from both the Governor and the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) call for a more than 10 percent increase in state spending. Such proposals will more than likely lead to future cuts to education and tax increases for New Mexicans.

“We’re making permanent commitments to one-time funding and we’ll have to pay the price in the years ahead,” said House Republican Leader Jim Townsend (R-Artesia.) “These proposals mean there will be only two ways to fix overspending in the future: raise taxes or cut budgets.”

Republican leaders expressed support for increased spending on education and roads to ensure all New Mexicans benefit from the budget surplus. The Republican plan calls for pay raises to teachers as well as returning money swept from school districts during lean budget years. Additionally, Republicans are also proposing a significant investment in infrastructure to target repairing and improving roads across the state.  

Proposals offered by Democrats would focus on growing government and appeasing special interests in Santa Fe. In addition to the unsustainable amount of yearly spending, the most concerning budget items contained in the proposals include:

·      $300 million in taxpayer dollars to go directly to Hollywood corporations in a single year.

·      More than $4.5 million, representing a nearly 40% increase, in the Governor’s own budget.

“These proposals are like a family budget where you expect to win the lottery every year,” said Rep. Rod Montoya (R-Farmington.) “In a year of a huge budget surplus, Democrats are going to reach into the wallets of New Mexicans instead of spending responsibly.”

The Governor’s budget priorities mirror her social priorities of catering to radical Santa Fe special interests. From harming our state’s energy workers to damaging small businesses and raiding our permanent fund, the Governor’s plan sounded identical to failed plans from over 10 years ago.