GOP lawmakers send protest letter to NM governor

Two dozen Republican lawmakers on Tuesday sent a letter to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham alleging she is “trampling” residents’ “civil rights and livelihoods.”

The letter tells the governor there is “growing restlessness in communities throughout New Mexico and ever louder demands that we come to a commonsense balance between protecting people’s health and preserving their civil and economic rights.”

Local GOP Representatives. Randy Crowder, Martin Zamora, Jack Chatfield and Phelps Anderson are among those who signed the letter.

Lujan Grisham’s office did not immediately respond to the letter.

The governor has come under increasing criticism for public health orders in effect until May 15 aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.

The state on Tuesday had reported 104 deaths caused by COVID-19. The lawmakers suggested forced closures of many small businesses were leading to more serious problems.

“Domestic violence is on the rise. Snowballing suicide, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse will increasingly manifest themselves,” the letter reads.

Lawmakers also warned, “More and more New Mexicans are getting increasingly restless and are going to begin taking matters into their own hands, which could cause the virus to get out of control despite all of our best intentions.”

The letter states “everyone agrees that efforts to reopen our state’s economy must be undertaken with the greatest of care and full observance of all (health officials’) guidelines. It points out that some city and county commissions around the state are asking for businesses to reopen as soon as this week.