Anson Stevens-Bollen
Morning Word, March 19: “Special session to consider economic relief measures kicks off April 5″
Scrutiny=Better
With a budget surplus during the 2022 session, legislators were each given free rein to spend a portion of $50 million. The resulting “junior” bill was culled together with no transparency about which lawmakers backed which projects included in the legislation. Governor Michelle Luján Grisham vetoed the bill.
The upcoming special session provides lawmakers the opportunity to start fresh and get the process right.
The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government calls on Gov. Luján Grisham to include a requirement for junior bill transparency in her agenda for the special session. However, whether or not openness is required by law, legislators should proactively release their lists of appropriations.
The $50 million at stake belongs to the public, and every New Mexican has a right to know how legislators are choosing to spend this taxpayer money. Making spending decisions transparent would increase public trust and make elected officials more accountable to their constituents.
Under public scrutiny, better decisions are made, resulting in better outcomes that meaningfully improve the lives of New Mexicans. We face weighty challenges as a state, and we cannot afford for a single dollar to be wasted when there is such great need.
Shannon Kunkel, New Mexico Foundation for Open Government
Online, March 30: “Crossing the Arroyo: Public Meeting on Richards Extension”
Drive On
I’m OK with this.
Johnny James Gabaldon, via Facebook
In support
Finally!
Angelique Enriquez, via Faceboook
