L-R: President and Hidalgo County Treasurer Tyler Massey, NMAC Lobbyist Tasia Young, NMAC Lobbyist Brian K. Moore, Lea County DWI Program Director Kelly Ford, and NM State Representative Carl TrujilloTaos, New Mexico - The New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC) presented State Representative Carl Trujillo with the prestigious Legislative Excellence Award at its 81st Annual Conference Recognition Luncheon on January 22, 2017. The Legislative Excellence Award is given in recognition of legislators who have shown outstanding leadership and dedication to New Mexico's counties and the people of New Mexico. For many years, Representative Trujillo has taken the lead on critical major taxation and revenue issues, and strongly supported adequate funding for Local DWI programs in New Mexico. "Representative Trujillo has been a strong advocate for county government and he has worked tirelessly to protect and support the local DWI programs, which provide critical services to the community," said Steve Kopelman, NMAC Executive Director.

NMAC has a standing position in support of gross receipts tax reform. As Acting Chair of the House Taxation and Revenue Committee, Representative Trujillo ensured that Representative Harper's House Bill 412 received a thorough hearing in that Committee during the 2017 session. He is also honored for his sponsorship of HB 202, and his efforts to ensure adequate revenues to state government. And finally, he was commended for his years of sponsorship of legislation that would ensure adequate funding for important county LDWI programs.

Founded in 1936 and incorporated in 1968, NMAC is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization governed by New Mexico county elected officials and employees. Its mission is to strengthen New Mexico counties' ability to govern their own affairs and to improve the well-being and quality of life of their constituents. It provides counties with legislative representation, research, training, and assistance in improving the administration and financing of county government. The association offers insurance to counties covering workers' compensation and property, casualty and liability insurance. Contact Susan Mayes at 505.469.0042 or smayes@nmcounties.org for more information. Please visit the NMAC website at www.nmcounties.org.