SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The New Mexico Legislature will have to try again to fund its own operations after Republican Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed a bill to pay for the current legislative session.
Republican lawmakers urged colleagues Saturday to approve a bill with a smaller spending allowance for the Legislature than the proposal backed by the Democratic majority in the House and Senate.
In her veto message, Martinez sharply accused Democrats of trying to protect funding for the Legislative branch of government amid a budget crisis in state government.
The vetoed bill includes emergency funding for the Judiciary to cover costs for juries, court interpreters and clerk’s offices.
Republican lawmakers object to appropriations for the Legislature that exceed final expenses in previous years. The Legislature typically sets aside more money than it spends.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.