Gov. Bill Richardson told a press conference this afternoon that a special session would be a “waste” of taxpayer’s money,  but he would call one if lawmakers don’t reach an agreement on the budget by Thursday.

Richardson says he supports reform of the scandal magnet that is the State Investment Council.

“There was one report that said I had too much control over it. that was here before I became governor,” Richardson said. “But I do welcome appointments by the Legislature, by the legislative council.”

At a press conference on economic development this morning, Gov. Bill Richardson shamelessly dodged a question about a proposed junk food tax, which seeks to calm food tax critics by targeting soda pop and exempting staple foods.

What’s a staple? This bill defines it as “meat, poultry, fish, bread, cereal, vegetables, fruits or dairy products,” which leaves some wiggle room.

SFR asked Richardson if he would veto any bill that did not declare green chile a staple food.

Richardson laughed and, “Is that what’s coming?”—as though green chile was some kind of joke.

What do you think, New Mexico: Is green chile a joke?

More importantly, is it a “vegetable”? Where you at, scientists?

Welcome to opening day at the New Mexico State Legislature!

This picture is purely metaphorical.

More after the cut.
Continue reading »

Here are Gov. Bill Richardson’s prepared remarks for the opening of the Jan. 19 session of the New Mexico Legislature, from which I’m sure he will vary at least a little here and there:

Before we begin, let me say that the thoughts and prayers of every New Mexican are with the people of Haiti during this terrible disaster.
What we don’t hold in riches, we have in generosity and I would like to encourage our citizens to do all they can to help those in such great need.
Lt. Governor Diane Denish, Speaker Ben Lujan, Senate Pro-Tem Tim Jennings, distinguished members of the New Mexico Legislature, and the State Supreme Court, members of our Congressional Delegation, honored guests, including New Mexico’s First Lady Barbara Richardson and my fellow New Mexicans.
I’m sure you will agree that this year – more than any other – represents a defining moment for us all.
How we respond to tough times like these is a test of who we are as a people. Continue reading »

Rep. Luciano "Lucky" Varela, D-Santa Fe, chair of the Legislative Finance Committee

Minutes ago, Trip Jennings at the New Mexico Independent reported that New Mexico legislators, fed up with the Governor’s line-item vetoes, are contemplating a lawsuit in order to, as Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Hidalgo, told SFR yesterday, “draw a line in the sand and let the executive know [he's] not supposed to cross over that line.”

The problem, Smith explains, is that Governor Richardson may be using his line-item veto power in questionable ways—like indirectly altering where state money goes. If true, such a practice is tantamount to challenging the legislature’s constitutional authority to appropriate funds.

That’s not new, Smith says. “With this Governor, it seems like it’s a continuous effort,” he says. “He’s interpreting regulation, I believe, without the reinforcement of law behind him. This Governor is pretty bold.” Continue reading »