Welcome to the new year! On January 10 at 11:45 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel we will hear from League of Women Voters of New Mexico Advocacy Chair Dick Mason.
The New Mexico legislature opens in three weeks and this year a new governor and a much changed House of Representatives will likely lead the charge to consider a large variety of new bills, so it’s a good idea to remind ourselves of the league priorities for the 2019 legislative session.
Legislative Priorities for the 2019 Legislative Session
Tax Reform & Funding – Tax reform and funding proposals are going to be a major focus of the 2019 session. Most funding proposals being discussed are those the League has supported in the past.
Voting Rights – Automatic Voter Registration and Same Day Voter Registration and Extending the Voter Registration Period. These measures facilitate voter registration.
Iowa Redistricting Model – The LWVNM is the lead organization in developing legislation that would improve the redistricting process in New Mexico. The legislation would be based upon the Iowa model, which in the 1970s the LWV Iowa was instrumental in passing.
The State Ethics Commission ballot question has passed. Now, the legislature will have to pass enabling legislation. We need to assure that new legislation ensures an effective commission.
Reproductive Rights – Make a woman’s right to choose New Mexico law. Present New Mexico law makes obtaining an abortion a criminal offense. This has not been enforced because of Roe v. Wade. It is time to get this archaic law out of New Mexico statutes.
Dick Mason is well informed about the New Mexico legislature and able to answer many questions about how the legislature is likely to approach this session.
Please make your reservation for this lunch by 10 a.m. on Monday January 7. You can email lunch@lwvcnm.org or call the office at 884-8441 and leave a message.