New Mexico State Senator Michael S. Sanchez (D-29, Bernalillo, Valencia) has been elected vice president of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), a bipartisan organization that serves the nation’s 7,382 state lawmakers and legislative staff. Sanchez took office at NCSL’s Legislative Summit in Chicago on August 11th, 2016.
Sanchez will serve one year as vice president, ascend to president-elect the following year, and then become president at the Legislative Summit in 2018. NCSL leadership alternates between parties every year.
“I’m excited to assume this leadership role for an organization that is dedicated to bipartisan approaches to solving problems,” said Sen. Michael S. Sanchez. “I look forward to working with my colleagues from around the nation and continue to ensure that there is a strong voice of the states in Washington, D.C.”
Sen. Sanchez has been representing New Mexico’s 29th State District of Valencia and Bernalillo Counties since 1993. He currently serves as the Senate Majority Floor Leader and also vice-chairman of the Senate Committee’s Committee and serves on the Senate Judiciary. During his years of service, Sanchez has focused on creating better jobs, education and protecting working families. One of his notable legislative accomplishments was the creation of the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship, which has provided thousands of New Mexico high school students with financial assistance to attend college.
Sanchez is a practicing attorney living in his hometown of Belen, N.M, with his wife Lynn. They have two grown sons and one daughter.
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Since 1975, NCSL has served as the bipartisan organization serving the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.