Taxpayers are responsible for the $27,000 in travel expenses Gov. Susana Martinez racked up in the first three months of the year mostly related to her role in the Republican Governors Association, a national conservative group.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports state records show that the money was mostly for the lodging, food and transportation costs of state officers protecting Martinez.
Administration policy states for the safety of the governor and her staff, actual receipts or vouchers aren't included in Martinez's monthly expense report.
New Mexico Foundation for Open Government officials say these are public records that people should be able to access.
It's not unusual for taxpayer dollars to fund travel for security, like when Democrat Bill Richardson traveled to promote Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008.
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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
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