From the Chairman: Pitching In

When the House and Senate finance committees launched budget hearings a week before the start of the regular session, they were greeted – not surprisingly – by a parade of citizens concerned about potential cuts to the services and facilities important to them.

The legislative process depends on this kind of public participation. Indeed, the process would not work without the active and vocal input of New Mexicans. We want to hear from the people. It’s why the LFC holds summer hearings throughout the state and why we produce this newsletter. However, given the current economic situation, it’s unrealistic to hope that any area of state government can escape the budget knife.

When facing a threat, it’s natural to emotionally defend what’s important to us but what New Mexico needs right now is reasonable debate about how to survive the budget crisis. We need widespread recognition that everyone – everyone – must sacrifice.

Like all New Mexicans, individual legislators can be passionate about some causes more than others. But as legislators, we will be working hard to balance the needs of all New Mexicans while we protect the most vulnerable.

Rep. Luciano “Lucky” Varela

Chairman