SANTA FE – New Mexico Senate Republican Leaders today released the following statement in response to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's call for a Special Session:

"Once again, the Governor is sacrificing the best interests of New Mexicans to accommodate the special interests of her big donors. While she waited months to call a Special Session to address the COVID crisis, she has now announced a Special Session on marijuana less than a week after the Legislature adjourned."

"Marijuana legalization does not constitute a public emergency and a Special Session is not a tool for a governor to extend a Legislative Session. With overwhelming Democratic majorities in both the Senate and House, the Governor had two months to pass her agenda. The fact that certain bills failed does not justify a $50,000 per day, taxpayer funded Special Session, with other added security costs."

"Adding further insult to injury, the Governor has scheduled the Special Session during Holy Week exactly one year after she shuttered churches on the eve of Easter Sunday. This snub against New Mexicans of faith, including many Legislators, is disrespectful and inexcusable."

Republican Leader, Senator Greg Baca (District 29-Bernalillo and Valencia)
Republican Whip, Senator Craig Brandt (District 40-Sandoval)
Republican Caucus Chair, Senator Mark Moores (District 21-Bernalillo)