It's come down to this: if there's going to be a budget in this session, it's going to be mostly decided at this point by the 10-member budget conference committee. They won't officially announce the committee until tomorrow morning (Wednesday), but we think there is a great chance that the majority will be among the 12 we list here.
We're also including the Governor's office, Lt. Governor's office, Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, Senate Whip Mary Jane Garcia, and House Majority Leader Ken Martinez. If you know any legislators personally, this is the time to call in every favor and friendship you've ever had.
This is the final sprint. Get every family member to call, get every co-worker (union or not) to call, get your neighbors, bowling buddies, church friends--EVERYONE to call. Your calls and emails and rallies have already reduced direct cuts significantly, but without a final push to ensure no more cuts to agencies and universities, we may still face furloughs and/or layoffs.
Our request is simple: We've had enough cuts and we need to raise revenue so there are NO MORE CUTS to state agencies or universities. Be sure to mention state agencies and universities, because rumor has it that some people are trying to make state agencies bear the brunt of any cuts. Let's finish strong. Go get 'em!
Governor Bill Richardson 476-2200
Lt. Governor Diane Denish 476-2250
House Majority Leader Ken Martinez (Grants--Cibola, McKinley & San Juan Counties) 986-4776
mLo1@7cities.net
Likely Conference Committee members (only 10 will make it, but call all 12--they're all important either way):
House Democrats:
Kiki Saavedra (Albuquerque--Bernalillo County) 986-4316
Lucky Varela (Santa Fe--Santa Fe County) 986-4318
House Republicans:
Senate Democrats:
Senate Republicans:
Sue Wilson Beffort (Sandia Park--Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe & Torrance Counties) 986-4395
sue.beffort@nmlegis.gov
P.S. Senate Bill 207 to end double dipping will probably be heard in House Appropriations tomorrow--the only committee it has to go to. If that's your big issue, call the folks on yesterday's update again and ask them to pass SB 207 with NO AMENDMENTS. Gracias! --Carter
