The New Mexico House of Representatives has been called to order as part of a special session ordered by Gov. Susana Martinez to resolve a partisan fight over $295 million capital projects.
House Speaker Don Tripp began the special session for the GOP-controlled body on Monday as state lawmakers try to adopt an agreement over capital spending and a bundle of tax incentives. Sixty-three House members are on hand and seven are absence.
The Democrat-led Senate is expected to come together later Monday.
Lawmakers and staff were delayed in the morning after Public Service Co. of New Mexico says a large bird damaged transmission equipment and caused a temporary power outage in Santa Fe.
Earlier post:
New Mexico lawmakers are heading back to Santa Fe in an effort to resolve partisan bickering over a $295 million capital projects package.
The GOP-controlled House and the Democratic-led Senate are scheduled to begin a special session at noon Monday following an agreement over capital spending. Despite calls from business leaders to pass a capital spending bill for roads and water projects, the quibbling chambers failed to reach a compromise before the regular legislative session ended in March.
The new agreement between Gov. Susana Martinez, a Republican, and Democratic leaders, calls for passing a capital spending plan and tackling "a limited number of key issues" on infrastructure and public safety.
It also calls or a package of tax breaks, and funding for two state agencies facing shortfalls.
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