Common Cause New Mexico Outlines Priorities For 2025 Session

Once again, modernizing the state’s legislative by establishing an Independent Salary Commission for legislators is the top priority for Common Cause during the upcoming session.

Organization Press Release – From Common Cause of New Mexico

Independent Salary Commission – Constitutional Amendment

“Our legislators are facing far more intricate challenges now than when our state was founded in 1912,” said Mason Graham, Common Cause policy director.

“Allowing legislators to receive a salary would empower more New Mexicans to run for the legislature and serve the communities they love. These pivotal seats shouldn’t be limited by the need to support a family, hold a full time job, or financial freedom.”

This year’s measure to establish an Independent Salary Commission would require a constitutional amendment and will ultimately be placed on the ballot.

The Senate Joint Resolution is being carried by Sen. Natalie Figueroa and Rep. Angelica Rubio.

Common Cause New Mexico will be working alongside supportive coalition partners to ensure that voters get to have their say on whether the legislature should receive a salary.

“This amendment, paired with the recent addition of permanent staffing for our elected officials all adds up to better public service,” says Graham.

In 2024, a poll of likely voters was conducted found that over 70% of voters support paying our
legislators.

“It’s time to pass this measure and let the people decide,” says Graham.

Common Cause is planning a Modernization Day of Action with partners at the Roundhouse on February 11th, “we’re hoping to have genuine conversations between constituents and their elected officials about how impactful this change will be for communities,” according to Graham.

Semi-Open Primaries

Common Cause is also supporting a measure sponsored by Senators Wirth & Figueroa alongside Reps. Cates, Parajon, & Rubio allowing decline-to-state voters and Independent voters to request either a Republican or Democratic ballot and vote in primary elections without updating their voter registration.

“This really builds upon the NM Voting Rights Act that passed in 2023,” says Graham, “we want to make sure that with the VRA’s automatic voter registration, we’re welcoming new voters into a system that wants to hear their voice – regardless of party registration.”

Strengthening Campaign Finance

Common Cause New Mexico will be monitoring and supporting legislation that will strengthen the state’s Campaign Reporting Act (CRA), passed in 2019. Proposed changes to the CRA include limiting the ability of candidates to loan their campaigns money on interest and how campaign funds can be used and donated to community-based organizations.

“We’ve always prioritized transparency in government and elections. People have a right to
understand where money in politics is coming from and how it impacts our elected officials’
decisions,” said Graham.

This legislative session, Common Cause will be partnering with Senator Peter Wirth, who introduced legislation in 2023 to fight against dark money in our democracy.

Dignity & Democracy Protection Act

Following the lead of Millions for Prisoners, Common Cause will be advocating for changes and
investments in restorative solutions for individuals who are presently or have previously been
incarcerated.

This proposed legislation package directly looks to end legalized slavery, protect democratic
participation for all, and ensure access to education, restorative resources, and democratic
engagement across schools, prisons, and community institutions.

Common Cause is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard as equals in the political process.