NM Legislature approves resolution for lawmaker pay, sending question to voters on November ballot
The New Mexico Senate late Tuesday approved a resolution that would allow state lawmakers to receive a roughly $68,000 salary if voters approve the measure via a constitutional amendment during the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
New Mexico remains the only Legislature in the country that does not pay its lawmakers a salary, though lawmakers do receive per diem payments for travel reimbursement during the legislative session and for interim committee meetings.
House Joint Resolution 5 would make lawmakers eligible for salaries equal to the state’s median household income, which a fiscal analysis of the bill calculates as $67,800. For 112 state lawmakers, the annual cost to taxpayers will be about $7.6 million.
During the Senate floor debate Tuesday, sponsors Sens. Cindy Nava (D-Albuquerque) and Angel Charley (D-Acoma), said lawmakers like them require salaries to balance family obligations with careers in public service.
https://sourcenm.com/briefs/nm-legislature-approves-resolution-for-lawmaker-pay-sending-question-to-voters-on-november-ballot/
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