SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) 鈥� Members of the nation鈥檚 only unsalaried legislature are asking voters to reconsider their volunteer status that has endured for 114 years since statehood in New Mexico.
The state Senate on Tuesday night narrowly endorsed a constitutional amendment that would do away with the state鈥檚 prohibition on legislative direct compensation. That allows voters to decide in November whether to tie legislative salaries to the median income level in New Mexico 鈥� about $67,000 currently.
After stalling for years, the initiative was promoted successfully this time by a group of young female legislators who have talked about the challenges of balancing work, family and legislative duties.
鈥淐an working parents juggle child care, a mortgage and legislative service? Some of us do, but it’s not sustainable,鈥� said Democratic state Sen. Angel Charley of Acoma, a sponsor of the measure. 鈥淲hen service requires personal wealth or extraordinary sacrifice, representation narrows. … Democracy shrinks.鈥�
New Mexico taxpayers already foot the bill for travel expenses, and an allowance for meals and lodging, when the Legislature is in session. Many lawmakers also have access to public pension benefits.
New Mexico鈥檚 鈥渃itizen legislature鈥� of volunteer politicians has long been a source of civic pride in the state. But advocates for professionalizing the New Mexico Legislature say the current system discourages young, working class candidates from serving and can inhibit progress on complex policy issues as legislators juggle separate paid and political careers.
In New York and California, legislative salaries exceed $100,000, while New Hampshire opts for a nominal $100 annually per lawmaker.
Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
