Features

Rep. Daymon Ely, D-Albuquerque

By ROBERT NOTT
SFNM

Republicans on Monday tried to battle against changes to the way this year’s legislative session will run in the House of Representatives but were stymied by a Democratic majority.

Democrats hold a 45-25 advantage in the 70-member House of Representatives and voted to table or defeat several amendments proposed by Republicans during a three-hour-plus debate on the issue.

Democrats also led the charge Monday in a 48-22 vote to approve House Rules 1, legislation ensuring a mostly virtual session in the House against the backdrop of COVID-19

Rep. Deborah Armstrong

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Rep. Deborah Armstrong announced this morning the introduction of legislation that establishes a new fund to reduce the cost of health insurance and medical expenses for tens of thousands of working New Mexico families.

“Even before the pandemic, access to high-quality and affordable health care for every New Mexican was a non-negotiable priority of my administration,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “House Bill 122 will expand coverage for up to 23,000 uninsured New Mexicans in its first year and drive down premiums for tens of thousands

House Parliamentarian Rep. Daymon Ely

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Proposed House rule changes to help ensure that the 2021 Legislative Session is safe for the public, staff and legislators during “an ongoing and deadly pandemic”, passed the House Rules and Order of Business Committee Friday.  

House Resolution 1, sponsored by the House Parliamentarian Rep. Daymon Ely (D-Corrales), would enact rule changes, which govern the way House members participate and vote.

The proposed rule changes include:

• Permitting members to participate and vote remotely 
• Allowing the public to call in or provide