State of New Mexico
House of Representatives
Ben Lujan, Speaker of the House
Ken Martinez, House Majority Leader
Sheryl Williams Stapleton, House Majority Whip

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                                                     Contact:    Dennis Hazlett
November 23, 2009                                                                                   505-231-0142

Rep. Cote Announces Town Hall Meetings about State Budget Crisis

LAS CRUCES, NM -- Today State Representative Nate Cote, representing District 53 (Dona Ana and Otero Counties) announced public input meetings in Alamogordo and Las Cruces to discuss the state’s critical budget situation.

With the state’s revenues continuing to decline, the legislature will be faced with bringing revenues and expenditures back into balance in its January session.  Despite the actions taken in the special session held in October, a significant gap still exists, and it must be addressed by revenue enhancements, further spending reductions, or a combination of the two.

Cote stressed the need for public input to help guide the legislature in making those decisions.  “It’s extremely important that we as legislators meet with our constituents so that we can explain some of the alternatives we’re faced with and listen to the public’s concerns” he said.  “The issues we’ll be facing in January can have significant impacts on all of our citizens.  I urge everyone to inform themselves and make their voices heard.”

The Alamogordo meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Sgt. Willie Estrada Memorial Civic Center, 800 First Street in Alamogordo. 

The Las Cruces meeting will be held on Thursday, December 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the Mesilla Valley Hospital conference room at 3751 North Del Rey Boulevard east of Las Cruces.  Representative Cote and Senator Steve Fischmann will join with Commissioner Scott Krahling and Las Cruces City Councilor Gill Sorg to host the event.  Commissioner Krahling will also have county staff on hand to discuss ongoing projects related to roads, drainage, health care and community center programs.