By KRWG News
Santa Fe – Republican Gov. Susana Martinez is reaching out to Democrats as the Legislature returns to work.
Martinez used her State of the State speech on Tuesday to call for a bipartisan approach to New Mexico's pressing problems, including a $400 million budget shortfall.
Martinez said the state's problems can be solved only if Democrats and Republicans the governor and the Legislature work together.
Democrats hold majorities in the House and Senate.
In her speech to lawmakers, Martinez outlined a package of education and ethics reforms. She wants to end social promotion of struggling students and provide financial incentives for the state's best teachers.
She proposed mandatory prison time for public officials convicted of corruption and the loss of their governmental pension.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.