By Kevin Hendricks
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham delivered her seventh State of the State address last week in Santa Fe. In it, she laid out 2025 legislative priorities that include public safety, affordable housing, child welfare, health care, economic development and more.
“Working with the legislature over the past six years, we’ve achieved so much in New Mexico from reducing child poverty, to ensuring free college for every New Mexican to adding a record number of jobs and strengthening health care and environmental protections,” Lujan Grisham said. “Of course, there is still more to do. That’s why I’m proposing new initiatives to tackle our crime problem, expand affordable housing, protect at-risk children, improve our health care system and more. I look forward to working with lawmakers over the next 60 days to create an even better New Mexico.”
Here’s how some Sandoval County legislators reacted to the Gov.’s speech:
Sen. Jay Block (R-12)
“I was very happy to hear the governor actually focus on crime bills and solutions after six years in office. We Republicans have put forward numerous bills killed by the Democrats in committee after committee. Just last summer during the special session, Senate Republicans put forward public safety bills to make New Mexico safe. Once again, the far-left Democrats took the side of protecting criminals over our citizens who are screaming for more protection.”
Rep. Alan Martinez (R-23)
“The Governor dedicated quite a bit of her State of the State address to crime in New Mexico, specifically mentioning our revolving-door justice system. As we’ve said before, House Republicans are thrilled to hear that Democrats are waking up to the reality that New Mexico is not safe. The Governor is right when she says removing repeat offenders from our streets is just common sense. House Republicans have a solution to reinstate cash bail to address this problem head-on. After 4 years of rejections, it’s time to get this bill passed. We are hopeful that this will open the door to conversations about real tough-on-crime bills with our Democrat colleagues in the House. We all saw how far that was from the truth during the summer special session, so with that in mind, those of us ready to tackle crime in a real and lasting way are beginning this session with cautious optimism.”
Rep. Kathleen Cates (D-44)
“As we all know, New Mexico faces many challenges. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham gave us a good blueprint to use as a guide in her State of the State address, as we develop legislation and enact laws that will benefit all New Mexicans. Education is always at the top in New Mexico. The Governor emphasized the importance of education by proposing the permanency of the new Office of Special Education in law, which would establish consistent statewide standards for all K-12 special education students. It also includes a $50 million annual investment in the Indian Education Fund, demonstrating a commitment to supporting Indigenous communities. Furthermore, the speech highlights the creation of a comprehensive math and STEM program to complement literacy strides and proposes a significant increase in funding for the Early Childhood Education and Care Department, aiming to bolster services and programs in this critical area. These are proposals that will significantly help our children and I am fully supportive of these proposals. Crime continues to be a big issue and we – Democrats, Republicans, and all citizens must address this session. The Governor discussed updates to criminal competency laws aimed at ensuring that individuals who are frequently involved in New Mexico’s legal system receive the necessary treatment instead of being repeatedly released and proposed stronger penalties for convicted felons found in possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. I will be supporting HB 4, sponsored by Representative Christine Chandler, who will accomplish these goals.”
Rep. Joshua Hernandez (R-60)
“Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s state of the state sounded a little different this year and I was very encouraged to hear more than one policy priorities on which we agree. CYFD reform is one of those areas of common ground. Protecting New Mexico’s vulnerable children is not a partisan issue and common-sense solutions like repealing and replacing the CARA Act, should have overwhelming bipartisan support. I was also appreciative to hear from the Governor and several other members of the majority party that there will be opportunities for bipartisan solutions to New Mexico’s worsening crime crisis this session. I am very proud of the tough-on-crime solutions House Republicans have presented for the last 6 years and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find public safety solutions that protect the safety and security of all New Mexicans.”
Rep. Catherine Cullen (R-57)
“This year, I listened to the State of the State address from the Roundhouse. It was a vastly different experience listening to the policy priorities of our state’s overwhelming majority as a representative rather than a private citizen. I was greatly encouraged to hear that there were several areas on which we agree- like the dire need for education outcome improvements, real tough-on-crime legislation, and protecting vulnerable children in the care of CYFD. Although there will be plenty of areas on which I have to disagree with the Governor and majority party with how to tackle these important issues, I am thrilled to see opportunities for bipartisanship in Santa Fe. As legislators, it is our responsibility to deliver results that improve the lives of all New Mexicans, not just those who share our political values.”