After more than 100 years of a citizen legislature, New Mexico voters decided on Nov. 3 to give state senators and representatives an annual salary.
Constitutional Amendment Four passed with 66% of the vote after polling at 39% in Sep. according to an ABQ Journal poll.
The amendment will allow lawmakers to spell out the details of how the salary will work, but the amount will be tied to the median household income in New Mexico, which is about $70,000.
Adrian Vulvera, a college student at the University of New Mexico, said he voted in favor of the amendment.
“I don’t necessarily want just wealthy, rich people to be able to run for office,” Vulvera said. “I want them to be able to be there and stand up for what’s right in our state.”
Some voters who supported the amendment said the lack of salary restricted who could run for office to the wealthy, retirees, or those with independent financial support. Supporters also argued paying lawmakers would ease financial struggles and make them less dependent on lobbyists or other outside benefits.
New Mexico was the only state that did not pay legislators a base salary. Instead, lawmakers were paid per diem, this covers costs while they are working during the session or participating in committee meetings. With mileage compensation, lawmakers who serve long enough can also receive a pension.
Voters who opposed the amendment argued that the proposed salary was too high compared to neighboring states, would cost taxpayers more money and was unnecessary because legislators were already being paid.
Elizabeth Chain, who identified as a Democrat, said she voted against the proposal. “They already get paid to be in the Roundhouse, correct?” she said, referring to the per diem and mileage compensation.
“Some of them waste time and are not out there talking to the constituents who put them there,” Chain said.
The Legislative Finance Committee estimated that paying all 112 lawmakers would cost the state about 7.6 million each year. This estimate is based on a yearly income of $67,800 for each state legislator.
State legislators will start receiving a salary equal to New Mexico’s median household income in 2029, while continuing to get their current per diem and mileage reimbursements.
