L:R- NMC Government Relations Brian Moore, Senator Mary Kay Papen, and Senator Stuart IngleClovis, NM – At the 83rd Annual Conference, the New Mexico Counties (NMC) presented State Senator Mary Kay Papen and Stuart Ingle with the prestigious 2019 Legislative Excellence Award for showing outstanding leadership and dedication to New Mexico Counties and their communities. Representative Jason Harper will receive his recognition at the January 2020 NMC Legislative Conference in Santa Fe. Each year, NMC honors a state senator and representative that devoted their expertise and commitment to county initiatives.

Senator Papen was recognized for her outstanding sponsorship and advocacy for behavioral health issues and her unrelenting approach to finding solutions. Senator Ingle was recognized with a special award for his outstanding advocacy and support on local government issues especially for rural communities and getting counties a seat at the table regarding a fix for the fire fund distributions.

“The Legislative Excellence Award is a way for New Mexico Counties to honor and thank legislators who are especially committed to good government and to helping their counties in the legislative arena,” said Steve Kopelman, NMC Executive Director.

The New Mexico Counties is a non-profit, nonpartisan association representing New Mexico’s 33 counties since 1936. Its mission is to strengthen New Mexico counties’ ability to govern their own affairs and to improve the well-being and quality of life of their constituents. NM Counties provides numerous services to counties including legislative advocacy, self-insurance administration, legal assistance, and professional development. For more information, please visit www.nmcounties.org.