Update from the New Mexico 2012 Legislative Session: Day 1

January 18, 2012

The first day of the Session is a day full of tradition.  The House and Senate are called to order and all legislators must sign an official roster of their attendance.  The Speaker of the House addresses the House of Representatives and sets the tone for the remainder of the 30 days.  The House and Senate join together to hear from the Governor about the state of the State.  Sometimes bills are introduced and the Legislature then quickly gets to work!

On day one the Speaker of the House, Rep. Ben Lujan, made an announcement that he is suffering from cancer and will not run for reelection.  The Speaker of the House is the Representative that runs the show in the House of Representatives.  It's an important and powerful job.  On behalf of Albuquerque Public Schools, the Government Affairs Team would like to thank the Speaker for his dedication to the State of New Mexico and support for Public Education.  Speaker Lujan was first elected to the NM Legislature in 1975 and has shown through his years of service that he cares deeply for our state and its citizens.

In other news, Governor Susana Martinez delivered her State of the State address which outlines her plan for the legislative session.  Education is definitely on the list!  Read more about the Governor's speech.

The House Education Committee begins its work on public education funding tomorrow.  Stay tuned for more!