Hi everyone--The lobby team has had a number of good conversations--some surprisingly good--with key House and Senate committee leaders, including a few conservative Democrats.  With only a handful of exceptions, Republicans have stood firm in opposition to any new revenues, no matter how much cuts hurt New Mexicans, so we're left with mostly Dems as our hope to preserve key state services.

The good news is that almost all Dems, including some who usually oppose revenue measures, know we can't make up the entire $600 million FY '11 deficit with cuts alone.  The biggest challenge is that the House and Senate are each saying that the other body is taking too many things off the table or is pushing for revenues that their chamber can't support.  That kind of positioning is fairly common early in any session.  We are encouraging cooperation and compromise between the houses to get some real revenue passed.

TAKE ACTION!

We'll have some legislators for you to call soon--revenue bills are just getting scheduled in committees.  For the next few days, while the administration continues its behind-the-scenes discussions with leadership in the House and Senate, please get as many calls as possible into Governor Richardson's office asking him to support a personal income surtax on high-income filers.  His number is 505-476-2200.  Remember, get family members, co-workers, friends, and neighbors to call, too--your job and the services you provide may depend on whether we get sufficient revenue this session.

EVENT NOTICE--RALLY FOR REVENUE AT THE ROUNDHOUSE!

We have an event this week where you can personally meet with legislators and tell them how important it is that they raise sufficient revenue this year.  

This Saturday, January 30, is our big Rally for Revenue at the Roundhouse.  It starts with lunch at 1:00 p.m. on the west side of the Roundhouse, followed at 2:00 p.m. with a rally including members and legislators.  Then at 4:00 we'll have a reception for members and legislators at the Inn at Loretto at Alameda and Old Santa Fe Trail.  

Please plan to attend the rally and bring your family and friends so legislators know how important it is that we take a balanced approach to solving our deficit, focusing on revenues instead of even more cuts.  Gracias, and hope to see you Saturday!  --Carter