New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in her State of the State address Tuesday that the state will reduce violent crime, improve public education, expand access to affordable housing, and address concerns about climate change and drought. He outlined an ambitious legislative agenda.
The speech marked the start of a 30-day legislative session that will determine next year's spending priorities as billions of dollars in General Fund revenue emerge. The rally was repeatedly interrupted by the cries of dozens of protesters at the state capitol demanding climate solutions and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip amid the Israel-Hamas war.
As lawmakers express dissatisfaction with academic performance and high school graduation rates below the national average, the two-term Democratic governor announced a new plan to send experts to low-performing public schools to increase support for students. The proposal was announced.
New Mexican lawmaker considers ban on oil and gas production near schools
“We all have to take responsibility for the outcomes we want, including school districts,” Lujan Grisham told a joint session of the state House and Senate. He added, “We need to ensure that the billions of dollars Congress has invested in public education are in the right places and lead to better outcomes.”
Republicans in the House of Representatives want a different approach to increase school choice and competition, proposing a proposal that would provide tax credits to low-income families who send their children to private schools.
In response to jeers from protesters, Lujan Grisham called on the sergeant to restore order, but also suggested applause to “accept differences of opinion.”
“Even if it's chaos…the world is complicated,” she said.
People protesting climate change and demanding a ceasefire in Gaza disrupt New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham's State of the Union address in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on January 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Roberto E. Rosales)
“The world war is a war of the rich against the poor. Stop the bombing and siege. Palestine will be liberated,” a group of demonstrators escorted from the Capitol chanted.
Protester Zephyr Jaramillo, a member of the Youth Coalition for Climate Action, said he joined the protests to protect sacred lands and aquifers. The 22-year-old, who has ties to Native American communities in Isleta and San Felipe Pueblo, accused the governor of putting industry interests ahead of residents in promoting carbon storage and hydrogen projects.
Lujan Grisham has secured $170 million from the National Treasury Trust to support the development of energy storage projects including batteries, geothermal power that harnesses underground heat, and hydrogen as a cleaner combustion alternative to fossil fuels. announced a proposal to Some environmentalists call hydrogen a false solution because it often relies on natural gas as a fuel source.
The state expects a record $13 billion inflow during the fiscal year that begins July 1, more than nearly a third of its annual spending obligation.
Leading Democratic lawmakers are warning that the surge in revenue from oil and natural gas production is slowing and are calling for a modest 5.9% increase in general fund spending, totaling $10.1 billion annually. They want to reduce borrowing for construction projects while increasing savings and endowments to sustain important government programs for the future, including child care and preschool.
Lujan Grisham recommends an even stronger annual spending increase of nearly 10%. Her new spending priorities include a $500 million plan to expand housing assistance and spur housing construction, and an additional $40 million to launch a statewide effort to reduce homelessness. include.
New Mexico Gov. Grisham promotes gun control and public safety as Congress resumes
House Democrats on Tuesday introduced legislation to increase spending on early childhood education and attract new investment in clean energy companies that could curb climate-warming pollution, along with improvements to public safety such as tighter gun laws. He emphasized that efforts should be made to
“We are at a pivotal time in New Mexico's history,” Democratic House Speaker Javier Martinez of Albuquerque said at a news conference Tuesday. “It means a huge responsibility to fulfill.”
Lujan Grisham emphasized support for a broad package of public safety initiates designed to combat gun violence, retail crime and hazing. The gun control bill would create a 14-day cooling-off period for gun purchases, limit the lethal features of assault rifles, and raise the minimum age to purchase semi-automatic rifles and shotguns to 21. .
On Tuesday, she also urged lawmakers to approve compulsory addiction treatment for people who repeatedly enter the justice system for illegal drug use and highlighted a proposal to ban panhandling.
“Something has to change,” Lujan Grisham said. “We need responsibility and accountability and compassionate action that will bring about lasting change, and that will ensure that these people get the care they need and frankly deserve. I mean it.”
Republicans in the legislative minority have warned against bills that could infringe on gun rights, while supporting changes to the state's pretrial detention system that would give authorities more leeway to keep some defendants in jail while they stand trial. There is. Lujan Grisham has also expressed support for pretrial detention reform.
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New Mexico overhauled its system in 2017, eliminating cash bail and allowing dangerous people to be jailed until trial.
State Sen. Craig Blunt, R-Rio Rancho, said he has met with Democratic officials, including the governor, about a bill that would strengthen laws against organized crime, with provisions aimed at combating the illegal sale of guns to minors. He said it could be used for
In response to concerns about climate change and fossil fuels, Lujan Grisham wants states to offer tax credits for the purchase of electric vehicles. Another proposal would undertake the development of a strategic new water source for industry using treated water produced from the salt byproducts of oil and gas drilling.
Elections for the entire parliament are scheduled for November.
