State of the State Address Suggests Reckless Spending and Little Accountability

Albuquerque, January 21-- Gov. Lujan Grisham's State of the State Address today was a dream of ambitious programs and plans to fund new projects, but the governor remains shortsighted on how the state will pay for any of these. She just doesn't get it. Her Address was nothing more than a love fest, promoting so-called accomplishments and claiming great economic growth. Lujan Grisham hailed in her Address that the state is "dynamic" and that our economy is "booming." This, as New Mexico ranks among the worst states in the nation economically. Facts are facts, and Lujan Grisham has failed this past year. She has no real answers to the state's problems as little has changed.

Gov. Lujan Grishman didn't mention that she's pushing for an 8.5% spending increase, fattening New Mexico's budget by a whopping 20% in two years. Her out-of-control spending and progressive agenda doesn't consider revenue streams. Oil and gas money account for 40% of New Mexico's state revenue, but she seems to ignore the fact that this vital industry may slow down, something to truly be concerned about.

Today the governor called for free college tuition and a $320 Early Childhood Trust Fund, but where will these funds come from and what will we sacrifice to keep the governor on her spending spree? Lujan Grisham's irresponsible proposals come because of our multi-billion dollar oil and gas surplus, but she doesn't seem intent on paying down debt and saving these vital revenues for a rainy day. While we support teacher pay raises, the governor must understand that the education system needs to be fixed first and the funds accounted for. New Mexico remains at the bottom of the barrel nationally in education. Doesn't sound like education improved this past year.

Gov. Lujan Grisham's push for recreational marijuana today is nothing less than a smokescreen. Such a law raises serious questions about the problems of underage use, impaired driving, black markets and, oh yes, crime.

The Governor never offered hardened solutions to address New Mexico's poverty, homelessness, mental health, violence, or drugs. What's the state of the state on those problems?

"It's evident the governor doesn't understand that her progressive agenda this past year isn't getting results. Her answer to everything is to throw more money into government. This is not only irresponsible but dangerous for our state. We need to stop this ongoing spending binge, and put the brakes on this runaway train. We need wise, prudent solutions and to keep our fiscal house in check," said Anissa Tinnin, Executive Director of the Republican Party.