SANTA FE, N.M. \u2014 Members of the country\u2019s only unsalaried legislature are asking voters to reconsider their volunteer status that has endured for 114 years since statehood in New Mexico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The state Senate on Tuesday night narrowly endorsed a constitutional amendment that would do away with the state\u2019s prohibition on legislative direct compensation. That allows voters to decide in November whether to tie legislative salaries to the median income level in New Mexico \u2014 about $67,000 currently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After stalling for years, the initiative was promoted successfully this time by a group of young female legislators who have talked about the challenges of balancing work, family and legislative duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan working parents juggle child care, a mortgage and legislative service? Some of us do, but it\u2019s not sustainable,\u201d said Democratic state Sen. Angel Charley of Acoma, a sponsor of the measure. \u201cWhen service requires personal wealth or extraordinary sacrifice, representation narrows. … Democracy shrinks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New Mexico taxpayers already foot the bill for travel expenses, and an allowance for meals and lodging, when the Legislature is in session. Many lawmakers also have access to public pension benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New Mexico\u2019s \u201ccitizen legislature\u201d of volunteer politicians has long been a source of civic pride in the state. But advocates for professionalizing the New Mexico Legislature say the current system discourages young, working-class candidates from serving and can inhibit progress on complex policy issues as legislators juggle separate paid and political careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In New York and California, legislative salaries exceed $100,000, while New Hampshire opts for a nominal $100 annually per lawmaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n