OPINION: New Mexico must evolve past an unpaid Legislature

A newly passed resolution proposes to begin paying state senators and representatives a salary. If approved by voters in November, legislators would start receiving pay similar to other state employees. At first glance this changes little, but over time is where this modest investment can pay the people back dividends.

Here’s what voters should know about the state of the last unpaid Legislature in the country.

Currently, many legislators hold full- or part-time jobs in addition to their legislative duties. Constituent meetings, policy research, town halls and interim committees all take place in the little time left between work and family life. A 2023 poll of legislators found that an average of 20 hours per week is spent on the people’s work year-round. Lawmakers manage, but it’s not a fair trade and limits what can realistically be accomplished.

Beyond fiscal impact, this measure has built-in transparency. If approved, legislators' salaries would be capped at the median household income for New Mexico. Roughly $7.5 million would be budgeted to pay the salaries of 112 lawmakers. With a state budget of $11 billion, that's a pittance.

By comparison, the proposed amount barely registers half of 1%. At least 10 other states pay legislators around their respective median household income — a predictable and realistic figure. This keeps legislators from influencing their own pay and ties any raises or cuts to statewide economic growth. The pay cycle wouldn’t begin until 2029, and legislators may also choose to opt out entirely.

Claims that salaries would create career politicians are misguided. The longest-serving state senator, Stuart Ingle, retired after 39 years in 2023. Not far behind are Sens. Pete Campos, Mimi Stewart and Bobby Gonzales, who each have more than 30 years of service. Sen. William Sharer has enjoyed 25 comfortable years in office, while Sen. Joseph Cervantes just broke 20. There’s no secret to their longevity — the truth is that competition is middling, their seats are highly partisan and all maintain the coveted incumbency protection that comes with decades in office.

The new pay structure would actually encourage competition. The opportunity to earn a living while fighting for the issues that define our future is not insignificant. Harvard University polled young people aged 18 to 29 and found the majority feel the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction, and they have limited financial security and severely lack confidence in national leadership.

The most impactful reforms are often brought by people who have direct experience with the issues. This measure is critical for new and young leaders to have a realistic way to bring solutions to the table without worrying how to put food on their own.

We deserve dedicated lawmakers who are equipped to do a highly demanding and heavily scrutinized job. Voting “yes” means we maintain transparency, expand opportunity and invest in a Legislature that can get more done.

Mason Graham has been the policy director for Common Cause New Mexico since October 2022.