By KRWG News
New Mexico – Legislative leaders have named an 18-member committee to start work on redistricting but a top Senate Democrat worries that lawmakers will be handicapped by a veto of $100,000 for the panel's expenses.
Senate President Tim Jennings of Roswell voiced concerns Monday at a meeting of the Legislative Council that the governor's veto could limit the redistricting committee's travels for hearings across the state.
Republican Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed the $100,000 from a budget that lawmakers approved.
Because of the veto, the redistricting committee will be paid for out of money allocated for legislative interim study committees.
Rep. Mary Helen Garcia, a Las Cruces Democrat, and Sen. Linda Lopez, an Albuquerque Democrat, will serve as co-chairwomen of the redistricting committee.
A special legislative session on redistricting is expected in September.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.