Legislators must work together in lean times
By this time next week, we will have a new president and a new state Legislature will be meeting. A new U.S. Congress took over on Jan. 3. Whether great things will happen during this new era is yet to be seen, but it is probably guaranteed that the unfolding of this new story will be telling.
The New Mexico State Legislature, which begins its 2017 session Tuesday, only has 60 days to get its work done, as opposed to Congress, which seems to go on and on and on. Our local legislators need to work efficiently to accomplish what needs to be completed in the allotted two months.
Determining how the state spends its money is always the primary focus of any legislative session, a feat that is often left until the last minute, sometimes quite literally. The debates about who gets what, the debates between political parties and innumerable constituencies, fill the Roundhouse as well as newspapers and news shows. Local legislators are expected to fight so they can bring their share of state money home to their constituents. It happens every year.
This year, however, it may be a little different, or, even if it’s not different, the results will be different. Because there is a lot less money to be distributed than there has been in recent memory. Tough decisions have to be made, and legislators will not be bringing home as much money as they have in the past.
Because of this, we have two requests.
We implore our legislators to be thoughtful, to fight for our money to be spent wisely and to guide our state to functioning within the confines of the available money. We understand one legislator would have a difficult time accomplishing this, but legislators working together can accomplish great things.
We don’t need partisan projects, we don’t need barrels of pork returning home, we need a fully functioning state government that completes its required tasks with efficiency. This year we should ignore any use of money that is not crucial.
Our other request is to the people of New Mexico. Do not look to Santa Fe for handouts. Do not expect your legislators to bring home the bacon. Remember this year is not like other years. There will be no money for things we want but don’t necessarily have to have.
Encourage your representatives in Santa Fe to spend as much money as possible on essential government programs. We want those programs to be funded properly but judiciously. We expect our legislators to work together to do what is best for the state, even if that means less for local programs. This will be a tough year.
The Legislature and the people in the state need to join hands and understand that this is not a year for any frivolous spending. This is a year to take care of basic requirements and make cuts where possible.
Other than funding, this year holds a great opportunity to pass legislation not requiring money that is wise, necessary and serves the people of New Mexico well. Pass laws that are effective and enforceable.
This year legislators will have to act with wisdom and integrity, remembering the focus will be more on the needs of the state than on individual districts. If they do, they will have their constituents’ support. Contact the Ryans at ryan@abqjournal. com.