Let's think this through- As your freshman legislator, I might have entered the world of politics at one of the most polarizing times in recent history. When I made the decision to run, the November ballot was not determined. Since my swearing in on January 17, national and world events, as well as a state budget crisis, has created uncertainty for many residents of District 38.
I have heard from many members of the community since the end of the 2017 session. Some are concerned with Governor Martinez's decision to veto funding for higher education and the New Mexico Legislature, and they want legislators to convene in an extraordinary session to override her vetoes.
I take these concerns seriously, and I am working with other House and Senate members to come up with a funding plan that will pay for government operations without passing the budget burden to New Mexico's families. Higher education funding will be restored.
There is a misconception that calling an extraordinary session is the only option available to the legislature for restoring higher education funding. This is simply not true. The Governor has called a special session for May 24. In the meantime all parties should work together on a responsible budget that does not increase the tax burden on middle class New Mexicans.
[Editor's Note: An extraordinary session and a special session are not the same. An extraordinary session is called by legislators and requires a two-thirds majority of the legislators to approve it. If approved, the legislators pick what bills are heard. The governor calls a special session and picks the bills to be heard.]
In part, the date of May 24 was chosen since the Senate leadership desires to wait until after the New Mexico Supreme Court rules on its lawsuit challenging the Governor's vetoes. This position creates a holding pattern until the court's hearing later this month.
While I, too, would like to resolve the state's higher education funding soon, calling ourselves into an extraordinary session when the majority of legislators are not willing to come to the table would be a huge waste of taxpayer dollars, up to $50,000 a day. Furthermore, the likelihood of simply overturning the Governor's vetoes is minimal.
It's not all bad news- Just as New Mexico ranks poorly in many key indicators, our tax system is considered among the worst in the nation. I have joined my Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives who are seeking tax reform instead of simply adding new taxes to fill the budget shortfall. Our state's economy is just starting to rebound from the recession. These tax increases would jeopardize this recovery. I cannot support this reckless and short-sighted tax and spend policy.
Just last week, when given a chance to vote on a local sales tax increase, the people of Santa Fe soundly rejected it. The voters in that city sent a clear signal to policymakers: find better ways to pay for government programs and services that do not involve simply raising taxes.
I pledge to continue my discussions with other lawmakers to find a way to solve the budget problem beyond the immediate fix. The right way for us to restore higher education funding is to reach an agreement through negotiations between the House, Senate and Executive. I have full confidence that higher education funding can be restored before the next fiscal year begins, but only if we come together in good faith and find responsible options that will benefit all New Mexicans.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Dow
NM District 38 Representative