One of New Mexico's most influential senators is calling for a special session as state leaders face the prospect of dipping into reserves to address a multimillion-dollar budget shortfall.
Democrat Sen. John Arthur Smith of Deming made the formal request for lawmakers to reconvene this summer in a letter to Gov. Susana Martinez. The governor's office did not immediately response to a request for comment.
Smith is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which helps to craft the state budget. He and others warned during the legislative session earlier this year that continued slumping revenues could force lawmakers to revisit the budget.
Estimates released this week by legislative analysis show revenues for the fiscal year that just ended at $5.7 billion, or $159 million shy of expectations.
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