Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will on Monday call the New Mexico Legislature into special session to finalize and approve new legislative district maps beginning at noon on Monday, December 6, as required once each decade by the state constitution.
The legislature will also during the session appropriate outstanding American Rescue Plan Act funds, which the state supreme court ruled that the Legislature must have a say in how more than $1 billion in federal aid was spent. Since that decision, pandemic relief funds have been frozen until legislative appropriations are made. The governor still retains veto power on spending legislation.
“My administration’s working relationship with the Legislature has been incredibly productive, for the benefit of New Mexicans, for several years now,” said Lujan Grisham. “We have achieved a lot together, and we have a lot more to do. I am sure that lawmakers will meet this moment and deliver this massively important federal funding to New Mexicans in a strategic and meaningful way,” she said.
“A fundamental part of our American democracy is ensuring that all voters are represented, and the redistricting effort will make sure that the right of all New Mexicans to vote is complemented by fair representation through their elected officials.”