Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart

STATE News:

Newly elected Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart issued the following statement calling for unity from Democrats and Republicans on opening day of the 2021 New Mexico Legislative Session Tuesday:

“I am humbled and gratified by the trust my colleagues in the New Mexico State Senate have placed in me. But today is about all of us, together.

“The continuing COVID pandemic and our national crisis have threatened all of those we love and represent. These threats have shown us, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that if we define the stakes as winner-take-all, no one wins. In this Senate Chamber, we have always worked hard to find common ground and respect the tradition of seniority we have maintained in this body. 

“Democrats cannot fix these problems alone. Nor can Republicans. But together, if we assume the best of one another, we will find the solutions that work for our unique and beautiful state.

“I expect all Senate Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs to join me in working with more transparency and communication. We have important priorities over the next 60 days, chief among them passage of the Land Grant Permanent Fund for early childhood education, repealing the abortion ban, and providing economic assistance to all those who have been hurt by the COVID pandemic. 

“I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to pass these important priorities that will benefit all New Mexicans.”