Letter to the Editor
The recent legislative session in New Mexico produced many bills—some good, some questionable. But one action stood out as particularly troubling. During this session, the legislature approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would provide legislators with an annual salary of roughly $66,000. Considering that the legislature typically meets for only one to two months each year, this proposal raises serious concerns about priorities and self-enrichment.
Our local senator, Pete Campos, voted in favor of this measure. This comes after earlier votes affecting legislative pensions. In 2022, legislators approved a 27% increase to their pension benefits, followed by another 50% increase in 2024. As a result, long-serving legislators, such as Senator Campos, will retire with a pension exceeding $110,000 per year. At the same time, raises for many state employees and educators were minimal. Public school teachers in New Mexico, who work year-round educating our children, received only a 1% raise this year.
Citizens should ask themselves whether these decisions reflect the priorities and character they expect from their elected officials. Ultimately, it is up to the voters of New Mexico to decide whether they want their representatives using taxpayer funds in this way.
G. Michael Lopez
Mora County, New Mexico
