Capital Outlay: Two Proposals in NM

Two Proposals for Reform

Many people complain that big public works projects aren’t getting done in New Mexico because the system we use to fund them is dominated by politics. But that could change as two proposed reforms of the capital outlay system gain momentum this legislative session.

One, promoted by Think New Mexico (HB 307), would take the planning power from politicians and give it to an appointed commission. Another (SB 48), sponsored by Albuquerque Republican Senator Sander Rue, would make public how much lawmakers are spending on specific projects in their districts. Listen here about how these reforms are gaining momentum.

Auditor Tim Keller Reflects on his Capital Outlay Experience

From our Restoring Public Trust event:

You can watch more of the event here.

Transportation & Capital Outlay Reform

The issue of transportation and capital outlay reform has been “front and center” during this year’s 30-day legislative session in Santa Fe. Many say New Mexico’s capital outlay process is broken.

But as Paul Gessing of the Rio Grande Foundation says, it’s not just that. If New Mexicans are going to get the most ‘bang’ for their infrastructure buck, he says we must reform the way workers are paid on public works projects.

Listen here to Gessing’s piece for KUNM. You can read Gessing’s full length op-ed published by New Mexico In Depth here.

Crunch Time!

With less than two weeks left in the legislative session, reporter Gwyneth Doland sat down with KUNM to discuss the current happenings at the Roundhouse. Listen here.

Focusing on Issues of Poverty, Injustice and Inequality

New Mexico’s 30-day legislative session is nearly at the half-way point. It’s a budget session where lawmakers focus on funding state government. Javier Benavidez of the Southwest Organizing Project says they’d like to see lawmakers take a laser focus to issues of poverty, injustice and inequality this year.

Listen to Benavidez’s commentary here. You can read Benavidez’s full length op-ed published by New Mexico In Depth here.