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Storm system to exit US, leaving behind at least 39 dead and vast destruction from tornadoes, wildfires and dust storms; ME farmers, others hurt by USDA freeze on funding grants; SNAP, Medicaid cuts would strain PA emergency food system; Trash 2 Trends: Turning garbage into glamour to fight climate change.

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Secretary of State Rubio pledges more arrests like that of student activist Mahmoud Khalil. Former EPA directors sound the alarm on Lee Zeldin's deregulation plans, and lack of opportunity is pushing rural Gen Zers out of their communities.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

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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