Sen. Papen suggests legislators reduce per diem pay

With the state's combined budget deficit, for the 2009 and 2010 fiscal years, approaching a billion dollars one Southern New Mexico senator wants her colleagues to 'share the pain" of the states' financial distress.

Sen. Mary Kay Papen (D-Dona Ana-38), has introduced a resolution asking fellow legislators to voluntarily reduce their per diem reimbursement by a minimum of ten percent for the remainder of the forty-ninth legislature.”

Her resolution notes that “while legislative agencies are included in the budget cuts, the rate of per diem reimbursement for legislators is set in the constitution of New Mexico.”

“I believe it’s important that the people of the state know that their legislators understand and are willing to share in the cuts that will need to be made in order to achieve a sound, balanced budget. And if this is done on a voluntary basis, I think it underscores the commitment of our legislators to do what is right and what is best to achieve that result,” Papen said .“A majority of Democratic Senators quickly signed onto SCR 1. I am encouraged that others will follow suit by supporting this effort. And I am hoping that we get a similar response in the House,” added Senator Papen.

If approved by the Senate, the measure then goes to the House for consideration and possible approval. The measure would not need the Governor’s signature.

Mayor-elect Berry resigns ahead of special session

Mayor-elect Richard Berry resigned his seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives to concentrate his efforts on implementing a smooth transition at City Hall.

"It has been my great honor and privilege to represent my district in the legislature during these past two terms. With the transition of my administration just getting underway, it is imperative that I give it my full attention. The citizens of my district deserve a full-time legislator representing their needs in Santa Fe and the people of
Albuquerque deserve a mayor-elect who is working full time to facilitate a smooth transition at City Hall," said Berry.

The Bernalillo County Commission will select a new representative for the district to complete Berry's legislative term.

But, it's unclear whether or not the commission can select a replacement in time for this weekend's special session.

Our calls to Bernalillo County Republican Party Chairman Charlie Tipton and County Commissioner Michael Brasher were not immediately returned.

Meanwhile, Berry opened his transition office today and immediately appointed Sherman McCorkle to lead his transition team.

Berry said he expects to name additional transition team members later this week. Berry also announced today he has resigned from his seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives. The Bernalillo County Commission is expected to name a replacement until the next legislative election. Berry is a Republican from Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights, and was serving in his second four-year term.

Albuquerque Chamber Lobbies Governor Richardson.

From a news release



ALBUQUERQUE, NM – On Friday, March 27, in an effort to follow up on legislation that passed during the recent 2009 legislative session, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce sent a series of letters electronically to Governor Bill Richardson requesting that he sign or veto some seventeen bills.

Included in the Chamber's letters to the Governor was a request that he veto Senate Bill 649, which allows for the expungement of all misdemeanor criminal records as well as other crimes specifically identified in the legislation.


"Members of the business community should always have the ability to access information on a prospective employee as to whether or not they have a criminal record especially in an area related to the position for which the employee is being considered. This does not mean businesses will not hire individuals with a previous criminal record, but they have a right to know when they are making that decision," said Chamber Chairman Don Chalmers.

Other bills on which the Chamber has expressed their position to the Governor include asking him to sign House Bill 31 which moves auto theft from the traffic code to the criminal code, Senate Bill 467 to provide TIDD financing authorization for the Winrock/Quorum project, Senate Bill 116 to limit campaign contributions and House Bill 393 to open legislative conference committees to the public.

Terri L. Cole, Chamber President & CEO said, "The job of representing our members does not end after the sixty day legislative session. It began long before the session started and continues as we follow up with the Governor on those bills that passed and ask for his consideration as he decides whether to sign or veto the legislation that has reached his desk."

Denish's Children Cabinet Days Kickoff Today.

Lt. Governor Diane Denish says she'll emphasize long-term value of early childhood investments during her annual Children's Cabinet Roundup this week.

At noon today, Denish launched three days of aggressive advocacy for investments in New Mexico’s youth.

We spoke with Denish this morning. She tells us statewide budget cuts are not impacting most of the children's programs.

"Actually in some of our areas, voluntary pre-K, and others have been held very stable, we actually have some very small increases. We are concerened about some cuts to our Americorp programs that help implement these programs. Primarily, we want to say, now is not the time to pull back on these investments that we've been making over the last six years."

She tells us her top three priorities for the Children's Cabinet includes preventing school dropouts, home visiting, early childhood education programs, and before and after school programs which includes development and mentoring.

"This keeps kids in school," said Lt. Governor Denish. "It gives them a good start. It helps them stay in school and be productive citizens. It's a huge impact on the community. We want to prevent dropouts which is our number one priority."

Denish will be joined by Helen Blank, Director of Leadership and Public Policy of the National Women’s Law Center, Economic Development Secretary Fred Mondragon, and Secretary of Children, Youth, and Families, Dorian Dodson.

Together they will tout the long-term value of investments in youth development.

Each day of the Children's Cabinet will have a specific focus:

• Monday, March 2, will start the advocacy effort for early childhood initiatives.
  
  Tuesday, March 3, will focus on school-age youth and adolescents.
  
  Wednesday, March 4, will be dedicated to early adulthood.
  

The Lt. Governors Children’s Cabinet Days in the Roundhouse will draw national leaders, cabinet secretaries, over 50 community organizations, and youth advocates statewide.