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JD, Usha Vance visit Greenland as Trump administration eyes territory; Maine nurses, medical workers call for improved staffing ratios; Court orders WA to rewrite CAFO dairy operation permit regulations; MS aims to expand Fresh Start Act to cut recidivism.

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The Dept. of Health and Human Services prepares to cut 10,000 more jobs. Election officials are unsure if a Trump executive order will be enacted, and Republicans in Congress say they aim to cut NPR and PBS funding.

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Rural folks face significant clean air and water risks due to EPA cutbacks, a group of policymakers is working to expand rural health care via mobile clinics, and a new study maps Montana's news landscape.

Breaking down barriers to seeking political office in New Mexico

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Tuesday, October 29, 2024   

In politics, money talks and the barrier makes it tough for the average person to run for office and still harder in New Mexico.

State legislators do not receive a salary for their services, the only state in the nation where it is still true. A Democratic-sponsored bill proposing pay for the annual sessions was introduced in 2023 but failed to gain traction.

Estela Hernandez, executive director of the group Emerge New Mexico, said lack of pay limits who can serve, especially working women, minorities and nonbinary individuals.

"They also have the challenge in securing jobs that offer the flexibility that they need both to run for office," Hernandez pointed out. "Then once they are serving inside the Legislature, to attend legislative sessions for 30 or 60 days."

The bill to pay legislators would have sent a constitutional amendment to voters for the final decision. Legislators' pay amounts would then be determined by a citizens' commission. Supporters are expected to introduce a similar bill in the 2025 session.

Voters elected women to Congress in record-breaking numbers in the last three election cycles but the number of women candidates running in both major parties this year is down in nearly every category, according to the Center for American Women and Politics.

Hernandez pointed out Emerge New Mexico, part of a nationwide political training organization for Democratic women, is trying to maintain momentum, noting 450 alums currently hold more than 100 state offices.

"We're really trying to work on providing support," Hernandez outlined. "In terms of candidate training, campaign management staff training and also with fundraising for some of the toughest races here in New Mexico."

The Gender Parity Index shows the number of women serving in the New Mexico Legislature has grown from 20% in 1994 to 44% in 2024.


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