House Democrats AWOL from Committee Meeting, Stall Legislation
Santa Fe, NM – This morning every Democrat on the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee was AWOL, effectively stalling the legislative process.
“The people who elected us expect us to show up for work and get our business done,” said Rep. Jim Smith, Chair of the committee. “We have eight days left in this session, and we shouldn’t waste precious time on silly political games. This childish ploy to obstruct legislative action is irresponsible and inexcusable.”
The committee was scheduled to consider a bipartisan measure to reform the capital outlay process and a bill that would require political candidates and appointed officials to supply information on consulting work on their financial disclosure statements.
Legislators absent from this morning’s meeting included Reps. Eliseo Alcon, Doreen Gallegos, James Roger Madalena, Antonio “Moe” Maestas, Ken Martinez and Debbie Rodella. After waiting for the absentee legislators for about 45 minutes, the meeting was postponed due to the lack of a quorum.
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