Santa Fe, NM - Tonight the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 1, legislation to sweep money from various state funds to the general fund and public school capital outlay fund. The bill includes a provision to sweep $71 million from the state fund earmarked for use on legislative pet pork projects.

During the regular session, Rep. Jason Harper (R-Sandoval) proposed suspending pet pork projects for one year to help the state meet its funding needs for this upcoming fiscal year. His proposal was roundly rejected by House Democrats at that time.

This time, Senate Bill 1 passed unanimously with all 64 representatives present voting in favor of the measure.

"I suppose this is a case of better late than never," said Harper. "Perhaps if there had been more of an effort by my Democrat colleagues in the majority to collaborate on ideas like this one during the regular session, we could have avoided the need for a special session altogether."

Senate Bill 1 will now be sent to Governor Susana Martinez for her action.