A Las Cruces lawmaker has kept his promise to return several thousand dollars in per-diem payments after missing the recent legislative session.
Rep. Phillip Archuleta, a Democrat, repaid more than $5,000 in per-diem and mileage payments.
Archuleta missed the 30-day session, which ended in February, following complications from hip surgery, which led to one of his legs getting amputated.
Rep. Ernest Chavez says he is keeping the more than $4,000 received despite missing the session due to health issues.
The Albuquerque Democrat says lawmakers are entitled to it and the practice is common.
A Santa Fe lawyer has filed a complaint about the practice.
Phil Sisneros, a spokesman for the New Mexico Attorney General's Office, says the complaint is under review.
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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
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