Santa Fe- Today, House and Senate Republicans filed a motion and amicus brief with the New Mexico Supreme Court in response to the Legislative Council Service's lawsuit challenging the Governor's vetoes of certain agency funding. The brief highlights the interests of certain members of the House and Senate Minority Caucuses and the threat to their constitutionally protected authority for overriding the Governor's vetoes.
"The Supreme Court is in the position to overturn the Governor's vetoes, a requirement established in the Constitution that requires 2/3rds of the membership present to do so," Said Senator Moores. "Regardless of the issue, this sets a dangerous precedent going forward."
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments on May 15.
Members of the New Mexico Senate who signed on to the brief are Senator Mark Moores (R-Albuquerque), Senator William E. Sharer (R-Farmington), Senator Greg Baca (R-Belen), Senator Cliff R. Prittle (R-Roswell), Senator Pat Woods (R-Broadview), Senator Craig W. Brandt (R-Rio Rancho), Senator Candace Gould (R-Rio Rancho/Corrales), and Senator Ron Griggs (R-Alamogordo).
House members who signed on to the brief are Rep. Rod Montoya (R-Farmington), Rep. David E. Adkins (R-Albuquerque), Rep. Monica Youngblood (R-Albuquerque), Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage (R-Kirtland), Rep. Paul C. Bandy (R-Aztec), Rep. Greg Nibert (R-Roswell), Rep. Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena), Rep. James E. Smith (R-Sandia Park), Rep. Randal S. Crowder (R-Clovis), Rep. David M. Gallegos (R-Eunice), Rep. James G. Townsend (R-Artesia), Rep. Larry R. Scott (R-Hobbs), Rep. Cathrynn N. Brown (R-Carlsbad), Rep. Zachary J. Cook (R-Ruidoso), Rep. Jimmie C. Hall (R-Albuquerque), Rep. Candy Spence Ezzell (R-Roswell), Rep. Rebecca Dow (R-Truth or Consequences), Rep. Rick Little (R-Chaparral), Rep. Jason C. Harper (R-Rio Rancho), Rep. Alonzo Baldonado (R-Los Lunas), Rep. Dennis J. Roch (R-Logan), Rep. Bob Wooley (R-Roswell), and Rep. James R.J. Strickler (R-Farmington).