SANTA FE, N.M. — Lawmakers in New Mexico’s unique volunteer legislature have moved to end their unpaid status that has existed since the state joined the union.
In a close vote Tuesday evening, the state Senate approved a constitutional amendment that would eliminate the current ban on direct legislative pay. The measure will now go before voters this November, who will decide whether to link lawmaker salaries to New Mexico’s median household income.
The proposal gained momentum after years of failed attempts, driven this time by a coalition of younger female state representatives who highlighted the difficulties of managing careers, families, and legislative responsibilities simultaneously.
Currently, New Mexico covers lawmakers’ travel costs and provides meal and lodging stipends during legislative sessions. Many representatives also qualify for public retirement benefits.
The volunteer “citizen legislature” has traditionally been viewed with pride throughout New Mexico. However, supporters of paying legislators argue the current arrangement prevents young people and working-class individuals from running for office and can hamper work on complicated policy matters as lawmakers must maintain separate paying jobs.
For comparison, lawmakers in states like New York and California earn more than $100,000 annually, while New Hampshire pays its legislators just $100 per year.
