State Legislators in New Mexico do not receive a salary or employ staff or have an office in their districts. Legislators receive a daily per diem allowance during the Legislative sessions as well as for Interim Committee meetings and Conferences attended. This amount is determined by what it costs per night in a local hotel in Santa Fe and ranges between $125-142 per day. Other States typically offer their legislators a salary, staff, offices, daily expenses for lodging and meals, as well as per diem for meetings attended.
Legislators in New Mexico are considered a “Citizens Legislature” as they are in many other states, but in New Mexico this has evolved for many legislators into a year-round, full-time job. Those legislators who dedicate themselves to this commitment by attending Interim Committees and Conferences which are crucial for developing policy and solutions to issues, meetings with constituents and advocacy groups, and other important duties related to providing services to their constituents and the State usually incur expenses far beyond any reimbursement received by the State.
While we are permitted to raise contributions for campaigns, as well as to provide constituent services: sending out mailings, managing correspondence from residents of my Senate district, and maintaining this website, no contributions raised by myself or on my behalf can be used for personal benefits
My Senate District has more constituents than any other Legislative District in the State and due to its growth requires more attention to constituents and their issues. The time, effort and expense of correspondence, meetings, and related Statewide issues such as transportation, schools, water, developmental disabilities, autism, health care, economic development, the state budget, consumer concerns and all those other important issues that I have dedicated myself to over the years have been increased dramatically. I would appreciate any assistance you can afford me in providing these services.
