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Proposal To Pay New Mexico Lawmakers Clears Committee

NM Rep. Terry McMillan R-Las Cruces

A bill that would provide a base salary for New Mexico lawmakers has cleared one committee.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports (http://bit.ly/1QAMtsm) that the legislation that would give legislators a salary of about $45,000 made it through its first legislative committee Saturday, but it went through without a recommendation for approval.

New Mexico has the only unsalaried state legislature.

The proposal was submitted to the state House of Representatives by Republican Terry McMillan of Las Cruces.

Approval looks unlikely because legislative salaries are not part of initial budget recommendations from the governor and legislature.

Some lawmakers such as Democratic Rep. Antonio "Moe" Maestas say a salary would increase the pool of talent to fill the seats.

Maestas says few people can afford to serve in a citizen Legislature.

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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.