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

[Judy Williams]

Hi all, see the Common Cause one-pager attached.  The CA simply allows
legislators to be paid.  They can still work in the interim.  Some states
impose a maximum amount of outside income but this doesn't do that.  It
does recognize that legislators work far more than just the 30 and 60 day
sessions.

The League will work with our coalition partners to educate the public.
Don't forget that one reason for the salary is to allow more diversity in
the legislature, and reduce the advantage of legislators who already make
sufficient incomes (I won't name names).

Here is our boilerplate.  Please note the item that says there is a cost of
government and the taxpayers should pay (not lobbyists and donors).

Madam Chair and Committee Members, I am Hannah Burling, president of
and  registered
lobbyist for the League of Women Voters of New Mexico.

We ask you to support and expedite HJR5, Legislative Compensation.  (Sponsor
is Rep. Cristina Parajon and 18 others), which would allow the voters to
decide on whether to pay legislators.

The League of Women Voters of New Mexico supports legislative compensation
that is fair and reasonable, recognizing that there is a cost to government
and that the cost should be paid by the state (taxpayers) of New Mexico.
It’s time to create more opportunities for New Mexicans to serve in the
Legislature as well as reduce the influence of special interest.



Thank you. Please vote yes.


Here is the language of the amendment.  Very simple.

[image: Screen Shot 2026-02-25 at 10.45.41 AM.png]





On Tue, Feb 24, 2026 at 11:58 AM kwentworth17--- via Action <
action at mailman.swcp.com> wrote:

> 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.
>
> I suggest local Leagues consider educational on the subject.
>
> The League will be joining in a coalition to pass this ballot question.
>
> Add to this list if you wish:
>
>
> *Making the case for a paid legislature. The question will be on the
> November* *ballot*
>
> Being a New Mexico legislator does not only involve participating in the
> 30 day and 60day sessions. Here is what else it involves:
>
>  *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.
>
>
> *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.
>
>
>
> *Meeting with constituents and doing community forums.*
>
>
>
> *Working with Legislative Council Service and advocates to draft
> legislation*
>
>
>
> *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.
>
>
>
> *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.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Action mailing list
> Action at mailman.swcp.com
> https://mailman.swcp.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/action
>
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