The Democratic majority floor leader of the New Mexico Senate says allied lawmakers are focused on resolving the state's budget crisis and that criminal justice initiatives backed by the state's Republican governor can wait.
Sen. Michael Sanchez of Belen said Thursday that Senate Democrats are hoping to close tax loopholes to increase state revenues and avoid significant cuts to government programs and services during a special legislative session.
Gov. Susan Martinez plans to reconvene the Legislature on Friday to try and plug a budget shortfall linked to a downturn in energy markets and push for a vote on reinstating the death penalty for some crimes and tougher sentencing laws for violent crimes.
Sanchez says all other issues beyond the budget shortfall can wait until a regular legislative session in January.
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