New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez last week called the Legislature to a special session beginning Sept. 6 to resolve a capital improvement effort that stalled in this year's regular session, and deal with redistricting and other issues.
Martinez said she hopes lawmakers can pass the $240 million capital outlay package and find a solution for refilling the state's depleted unemployment insurance trust fund.
Most of New Mexico's capital outlay is funded through state general obligation debt and bonds supported by severance taxes on oil and natural gas.
The capital outlay bill contained funding for projects across the state, including $100 million of highway improvements and money for public school facilities and new buildings at colleges and universities.
The governor vetoed a regular session bill that raised the employment tax on businesses to replenish the unemployment trust fund.
The veto was challenged by Democratic legislators in a suit filed with the New Mexico Supreme Court. The court has suspended the lawsuit until after the special session in hopes the issue will be resolved.
Martinez spokesman Scott Darnell said the governor is meeting with lawmakers in an attempt to reach a consensus on most issues before the session begins.
"She is hopeful that she will be able to work together with legislators to draw fair and competitive electoral districts and pass legislation that will help to create jobs, keep New Mexicans safe and provide for those most in need," Darnell said.
Martinez is a Republican and the Legislature is controlled by Democrats.
