February 3, 2010
Dear Neighbor,
As your state representative, I believe it’s important to give you an update before the 30-day legislative session comes to an end on February 18th. So far, over 300 bills and memorials have been introduced in the House of Representatives. Due to current economic conditions, this session has been difficult for everyone, but we’ve worked to be fiscally responsible in coming up with an adequate budget to deliver vital government services.
I came into this session with several priorities and a better understanding of my constituent’s needs as a result of numerous meetings, surveys, discussions with city and county government officials, representatives of organizations, and personal telephone calls. I appreciate your emails and phone calls offering advice and voicing your concerns. I assure you that I am doing my best to respond.
I’ve sponsored 12 bills this session having to do with education, veterans and the military, ethics, domestic violence, border law enforcement, state trails, and transparency in state land transactions. As a member of both the Transportation & Public Works Committee and the Taxation and Revenue Committee, I find this session particularly complex and challenging.
This year we’ve had to balance a budget with a considerable gap in projected revenue and current statewide department and program spending. The state is short $300 million dollars that is needed to continue supporting education, executive departments, the courts and public safety, and other vital government services and programs statewide. During the special session we voted for more funding cuts than any other legislature has had to in the history of New Mexico. Actions taken so far by both the executive branch and the legislature have reduced government spending, positions, and non-vital services. We’ll continue to look at cuts and efficiencies, but at the same time, further cuts could impact everything from our quality of life, healthcare, education, and infrastructure to incentives for new businesses and jobs.
The latest calculations indicate that New Mexico expects to make about $5.1 billion in revenues in the coming year. However, the state is projecting that $5.4 billion is needed for its budget. To balance the budget, lawmakers must decide how and if they should increase revenue or to further slash programs. In the seven years proceeding the economic recession, we cut $2 billion in taxes. Now we are faced with difficult choices. The budget is not only about money, but about what we’ve been able to build over the years and how we retain the programs and services that keep our state healthy.
We must act in our citizens’ best interest to ensure that further cuts are made with caution. More cuts could jeopardize education, human services like Medicaid and drug and alcohol intervention programs, corrections departments, public safety, emergency services, and government services that help our children, seniors, and those who are at a disadvantage. Ultimately, the final budget will be the result of long hours of analysis, discussion, and final debates and votes. Although our challenges have been great, I continue to work closely with my colleagues to ensure that we come up with the best public policy possible for the people of New Mexico.
I sincerely appreciate your support and comments. Should you want to contact me, please call my office at 505-986-4248, or email me at ncote@zianet.com. When I return home, you can reach me at 575-373-0902. You may also visit my website at www.natecote.com for updates and other information.
Very best wishes,
Nathan “Nate” Cote
