Editor’s note: This is a series profiling our local state legislators, their priorities and issues impacting our Sandoval County throughout the 60-day Legislative Session. Read more online.
By Jesse Jones
State Rep. Catherine Cullen, a freshman Republican legislator from Rio Rancho, narrowly won the vacant District 57 seat, defeating Democrat Michelle Sandoval by 133 votes. The race was separated by less than 1 percentage point, triggering an automatic recount.
Cullen, a former Rio Rancho Public Schools board member and associate real estate broker, succeeded the retiring Republican state Rep. Jason Harper, who had represented District 57 since 2013. The district includes the Rio Rancho neighborhoods of Enchanted Hills, Mariposa, Northern Meadows, North Hills, Mountain Hawk and Cleveland Heights.
Cullen serves on the Consumer and Public Affairs Committee and the Rural Development, Land Grants and Cultural Affairs Committee this legislative session.
“With every bill introduction and every vote I cast, I will be considering how legislation will benefit our communities and make life better for all that reside in Sandoval County,” Cullen said.
Cullen said she is excited to introduce bills aimed at improving healthcare access and “fixing our broken education system,” which she identified as her top priority for the 60-day session. She said these issues are vital to improving the quality of life in New Mexico.
Education reform
“There is nothing more important than ensuring our future generations are equipped with the education, support and tools they need to be successful,” Cullen said.
With her experience on the Rio Rancho school board, Cullen said she will focus on legislation that supports and encourages participation in career and technical education programs, helping young people enter the workforce equipped with the skills they need to thrive.
Tax reform
She also wants to implement a more practical management strategy to ensure schools receive the transparency, consistency and leadership necessary to succeed. High turnover at the top of the state education system creates a trickle-down effect that negatively impacts children’s education, she said.
“Rio Rancho is blessed with amazing schools and incredible educators — an asset that does not exist in every part of the state,” she said.
Cullen said her goal is to make homeownership possible for young New Mexicans by simplifying the state’s “antiquated and complex” tax system. She added that the state should focus on using its surplus to return money to residents.
Despite New Mexico’s billion-dollar surpluses over the past six years, government spending has increased significantly while residents’ incomes have remained stagnant. Cullen also said tax reform would help attract out-of-state businesses to New Mexico.
Healthcare access
“The lack of healthcare access in New Mexico is dire, and Sandoval County is not immune,” Cullen said.
She said the exodus of medical professionals from the state is making it nearly impossible to access timely and reliable healthcare.
To address this, she wants to work with other lawmakers to reduce malpractice caps, which she identified as a key obstacle to providers practicing in New Mexico. Additionally, she wants to expand the scope of practice for physician assistants and offer tax incentives to encourage providers to move to the state.
Reducing crime
Cullen is encouraged by the Democrat majority’s plans to introduce crime bills this session and hopes to find bipartisan support for “tough-on-crime” legislation, she said.
“Crime is a quickly worsening issue in Sandoval County, and unless real, lasting change is achieved, we will continue to feel less safe with each passing day,” Cullen said.
The introduction of the bills by the Democrats is a positive first step, she said. The next step involves having “honest and open conversations” between both parties to cooperate to ensure the safety of all New Mexicans.
Hearing from constituents
“I am fortunate to live in Sandoval County for so many reasons — one being that my commute is far shorter than many legislators across the state,” Cullen said. “I plan to be home often, meeting with my constituents and updating them on legislative proposals and priorities. Regardless of where I am in New Mexico, I am always available and happy to speak with my friends and neighbors about the issues that matter most to them.”
To contact Cullen:
Office Phone: 505-986-4226Email: catherine.cullen@nmlegis.gov