[LWVNM Action] Making the case for Legislative Salaries - on the ballot in November 2026

[Akkana Peck]

The salary is based on median NM full-time salaries, so it sounds to me like it's meant to be a full-time salary. Plus benefits, I think?

I was very disappointed that they passed legislative salaries but NOT an extension of the legislative session. I always saw those two as connected: to me, the big reason salaries are needed is that our session is too ridiculously short, but it wasn't fair to ask legislators for longer sessions without paying them. With this, we'll be paying them a full-time wage for what's not actually fulltime work (I know it's a lot more than the session, but it still doesn't sound like a full-time year-round job), but they're still unwilling to even consider longer sessions. It makes me conflicted about whether I really want to vote for salaries.

Sorry, I know that's not the LWVNM position but I bet I'm not the only person thinking that way.

        ...Akkana

kwentworth17--- via Action writes:
> I've been wondering. If it passes, would this be considered a full time job? A half-time Job? A part-time job.  Would legislators have regular office hours?  It would be nice to have info about what this amendment means, exactly.
> 
> Karen
> ________________________________
> From: Action <action-bounces at mailman.swcp.com> on behalf of Richard Mason via Action <action at mailman.swcp.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 8:33 AM
> To: LWVNM Action <action at mailman.swcp.com>
> Cc: Richard Mason <polirich at aol.com>
> Subject: [LWVNM Action] Making the case for Legislative Salaries - on the ballot in November 2026
> 
> This has been a priority for the LWVNM for years. We need a rea effort to pass it in November.
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> I suggest local Leagues consider educational on the subject.
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> The League will be joining in a coalition to pass this ballot question.
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> Add to this list if you wish:
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> Making the case for a paid legislature. The question will be on the November ballot
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> Being a New Mexico legislator does not only involve participating in the 30 day and 60day sessions. Here is what else it involves:
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>  Time spent on capital outlay – Each legislator gets capital outlay to allocate to government entities in their districts for projects. Legislators have to meet with city & county governments to identify and prioritize needs. Overseeing the projects started.
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> GRO money – In the last 6 years, each legislator gets money for special smaller projects. Need to go thorough government entity but can be directed towards community groups.
> The legislator needs to meet with groups to identify & prioritize needs.
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> Meeting with constituents and doing community forums.
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> Working with Legislative Council Service and advocates to draft legislation
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> Attending interim committees: Starting in June of each year, the legislators have to attend interim committee meetings. Usually, 4 for each committee and each legislator is assigned at least 2 committees. They are held at various locations throughout the state.
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> Note: In the corporate world, a factor in compensation is how much the person is responsible for overseeing. For New Mexico legislators that means voting on the state budget (11.7 billion in FY27) and direct control over capital outlay and GRO allocations.
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