Lawmakers: Crime, immigration on agenda

Crime, immigration and economic development are all likely high priorities for lawmakers when the 57th Legislature opens a 60-day run on Jan. 21.

All five legislators who represent the region on Tuesday attended the Clovis-Curry County Economic Development's Legislative Breakfast at the Chamber of Commerce offices.

Clovis' Raymond Mondragon, with the Eastern Plains Council of Governments, opened the event reviewing some changes in the Legislature this year.

• Last year's election resulted in a 38% turnover in the state Senate. Mondragon noted 16 of the 42 senators are new.

• Of 70 representative seats, 13 are held by new legislators.

• Women hold 54% of the seats in the Legislature.

• Mondragon reminded those in attendance to moderate their drive for Capital Outlay funds.

"Ask for the ham, not the whole pig," Mondragon advised.

Cassidy Self, the chamber's vice president of government affairs, emceed the breakfast.

Rep. Andrea Reeb, R-Clovis, addressed the estimated 70 people in attendance, saying she will be sponsoring 15 crime bills and co-sponsoring many others.

"They deal with fentanyl, violent juveniles, truancy and more, including protecting women's spaces in sports," Reeb said.

Martin Zamora, R-Clovis, said he believes the Legislature will see a return of bills that were killed last year.

"There are some bills that hurt our businesses like the Paid Family Medical Leave bill," Zamora said.

"Sometimes we stop a bad bill, sometimes we make a bill a little better," Zamora said.

Rep. Jack Chatfield, R-Mosquero, also talked about the criminal bills coming up.

"I think everybody deserves a second chance, but I believe they have to earn that second chance," Chatfield said.

Chatfield talked about his car being burglarized in Santa Fe last year. He also talked about the homeless in Albuquerque. "Most of them are good old American drug addicts," he said.

Chatfield wants to the see the U.S./Mexico border shut down to cut the flow of fentanyl and crime into the U.S.

Sen. Pat Boone, R-Elida, is a freshman lawmaker, succeeding Portales' Stuart Ingle who retired last year. He told the assembly "The law is near and dear to my heart. My father was a lawyer and a judge.

"I do believe in legal immigration, but the first thing we need to do is shut down the border to stop illegal immigration," Boone said.

Sen. Pat Woods, R-Broadview, lambasted New Mexico Democrats for what he termed their lack of understanding how business works. For evidence he cited recent bills they've passed and tried to pass.

"The job of New Mexico is not to take you out of business," Woods said.

Woods is concerned Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham wants a 10% increase in the state budget. Woods believes the increase should be held at 2%.

"It's easy to spend money that's not yours," Woods said.

One thing Woods will be working on is reforming civil tort laws.

"Tort claims are so huge we are losing industry. You can't bankrupt everybody and expect them to stay in the state," Woods said.

Woods told the audience to expect several gun legislation bills in the Legislature.

Several of those in attendance asked lawmakers for help.

Ben Salazar, representative for U.S. Rep. Teresa Ledger Fernandez, D-N.M., urged more funding for outreach to people with disabilities.

Clovis Mayor Mike Morris asked for $500,000 for funding improvements to the Clovis Animal Shelter, $400,000 for a design for expanding East Llano Estacado Boulevard eastward, $250,000 for improvements to the Clovis Police Department building and $200,000 for street lighting.

Morris noted a request has been made to the governor for $36.5 million in funding for the Ute Water Pipeline.

He also noted the importance of funding for child care assistance.

Morris told the audience he will be attending the inauguration of Donald Trump on Jan. 20.

Paul Tankersly of Clovis MainStreet thanked the legislators for $1.4 million in funding in the last session.

Curry County Manager Lance Pyle requested funds for county road improvements, renovations for the Commercial Building at the County Fairgrounds and for purchasing a digital sign for the County Events Center.

Pyle also expressed hope for funds from the governor for fairgrounds parking lot improvements and improvements to the Mounted Patrol Arena.

Clovis Economic Development Executive Director Tina Dziuk told the legislators and the audience she believes manufacturers are returning from China and the Clovis Industrial Park is ready for more occupants.

Clovis Community College President Jonathan Fuentes hopes for legislative funding for projects and salaries.

"We want to build on careers and technical education," Fuentes said.

Melrose Mayor Meadow Forget hopes for legislative funding for bathroom improvements and creation of a "law enforcement room" in Melrose City Hall.

In her wrap up comments, Chamber Executive Director Ernie Kos said the Chamber is bringing back its business incubator service.