Legislative Pay Should Come With Accountability
This November, New Mexico voters will decide HJR 5, a constitutional amendment that would give state legislators an annual salary tied to New Mexico's median household income that will automatically adjust annually, currently estimated at about $67,800 per legislator. The salary would be in addition to existing per diem and mileage benefits.
For taxpayers, the cost is significant. The Legislative Finance Committee estimates salaries for New Mexico's 112 legislators would cost approximately $7.6 million every year, before employer payroll taxes and any additional benefits.
NMBC (New Mexico Business Coalition_ took a closer look at how that proposal compares regionally. New Mexico legislators currently receive $247 per day in per diem, among the highest rates in the region, and participate in a legislative retirement system. If the ballot question passes in November, the proposed salary would be higher than legislative salaries in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Utah and Oklahoma, based on NMBC's comparison.
And that raises an important question: If taxpayers are asked to provide a full annual salary, what additional accountability should taxpayers receive in return?
New Mexico's regular legislative sessions remain just 30 days in even-numbered years and 60 days in odd-numbered years. Legislators also serve on interim committees, but HJR 5 itself adds compensation without establishing new attendance, performance or accountability requirements.
Voters deserve to understand both sides of this issue before making a permanent change to the state constitution.
LEGISLATIVE COMPENSATION UPDATE
SANTA FE, NM — This November, New Mexicans will decide whether to change the state constitution to provide state legislators with an annual salary. House Joint Resolution 5 (HJR 5) officially places the issue of legislative compensation in the hands of the voters.
Comparison of Regional Benefits & Proposed Salary
The Proposal: What is HJR 5?
If approved, New Mexico legislators would receive an annual salary of $67,800. This amount is tied to New Mexico's median household income.
Current Compensation (No Base Salary):
- •Per Diem: $247 per day (Highest in region)
- •Mileage: Standard reimbursement for travel.
- •Pension: State retirement system (2nd highest in region)
Under HJR 5, the new salary would be added on top of these existing benefits.
Regional Perspective
Higher than Teachers
The $67,800 salary exceeds what many NM teachers earn.
Highest in Southwest
NM would have the highest legislative salary among neighbors.
How the Legislature Voted
Opposition: All Republicans voted NO (except Sen. Joshua Sanchez).
Support: All Democrats voted YES (except Rep. Lente and Sens. Campos, Cervantes, Muñoz, and Pinto).
ELECTION DATE
Because this is a constitutional amendment, the final decision rests with YOU this November. Early voting begins Oct. 5, 2026 and Election Day is Nov. 3, 2026.
[Editor's Note: This was procured by the New Mexico Business Coalition, but this editor's recommendation is that you NEVER vote for all the bond issues and the amendments, WITHOUT knowing exactly what each one says and what you are voting for or against.
[Often they will cost you more money, as did with the school bond in Grant County in 2023, and in this case, would likely also raise your taxes to pay the legislators. Educate yourself on the issues and the candidates BEFORE you vote.]
