New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson may call lawmakers back to Santa Fe in May for a special session on health care rather than wait until later in the year.
Richardson tried to get a universal health care plan through the Legislature at a 30-day special session that ended in mid-February. The House approved a weaker version than the one proposed by the governor, but it was not considered by the Senate.
Gilbert Gallegos, Richardson’s press secretary, said the governor is determined to provide health care to 400,000 New Mexicans without health insurance.
“The governor remains frustrated by the Senate leadership’s cavalier attitude toward coming up with an agreement on universal health care. The governor is inclined to hold a special session in May, not in the fall,” he said.
All 112 legislators are up for election in the fall, with the primary set for June 4.
Senate President pro tempore Tim Jennings, D-Roswell, said lawmakers will consider a health care plan after receiving a revenue update in June.
“Every New Mexican deserves to be able to get good, affordable health care when they need it. We are committed to making sure that happens. The reforms necessary to achieve that goal are quite complex and need to be worked out over time,” Jennings said in a statement.
