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OPINION: Vetoed lobbyist transparency legislation was essential for transparency
Requiring more transparency from lobbyists is an essential step toward more deliberative and open lawmaking. Improving our process is necessary to enacting the thoughtful legislation we need to improve the lives of New Mexicans.
That’s why House Bill 143 was so important. The governor’s decision to veto it will have real consequences for New Mexicans, especially on issues where lobbyists are exerting so much influence — like doctors leaving our state, people being unable to secure affordable housing, and the ongoing challenges we are wrestling with related to our young people and public safety.
Our federal government is pushing more of its work into the dark, like decisions to fire our workers and limit support for veterans and children with disabilities. The Trump administration is embracing the influence of people with extreme wealth. At such a time, our state government needs to respond by becoming more transparent, and improving its processes and its effectiveness in serving our people. Voters are demanding that.
It’s ironic that HB143 would have given us information about who lobbied the governor to veto this bill — and without it, we have no way to know. In other words, her veto demonstrates the need for the very legislation she killed.
While this is an unfortunate setback, the work to bring transparency to the lobbying process doesn’t end today. I will keep fighting to help New Mexicans better understand why legislation that impacts your lives passes or fails and to improve the lawmaking process so that your government better serves you.
