US Edition
Nation’s only unsalaried legislature in New Mexico asks voters to reconsider volunteer status
- On Tuesday, the New Mexico Senate narrowly endorsed a constitutional amendment to remove the state's prohibition on legislative pay, asking voters to decide.
- A group of young female legislators promoted the measure, citing work‑family strain as a key reason for the push, according to Angel Charley, Democratic state Sen. of Acoma.
- Advocates say unpaid service narrows representation and discourages young, working-class candidates while New Mexico taxpayers already cover lawmakers' travel expenses and many have public pension benefits.
- New Mexico voters will decide in November on an amendment to tie legislative salaries to the median income in New Mexico, about $67,000.
- New Mexico's long‑prized 'citizen legislature' of volunteer politicians has been a source of civic pride, contrasting with New York and California where salaries exceed $100,000 and New Hampshire pays $100 annually.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Voters May Make Change to State's 'Citizen Legislature'
Members of the nation's only unsalaried legislature are asking voters to reconsider their volunteer status, which has endured since New Mexico achieved statehood. The state Senate on Tuesday night narrowly endorsed a constitutional amendment that would do away with the state's prohibition on legislative direct compensation. That allows voters to...
Associated Press News
Nation's only unsalaried legislature in New Mexico asks voters to reconsider volunteer status
Members of the nation’s only unsalaried legislature are asking voters to reconsider their volunteer status that has endured since statehood in New Mexico.
NM Legislature approves resolution for lawmaker pay, sending question to voters on November ballot
New Mexico Sen. Angel Charley (D-Acoma) is one of five sponsors of House Joint Resolution 5, which seeks to give salaries to state lawmakers The New Mexico Senate on Feb. 17, 2026, approved the resolution. Next, voters will have to approve the measure via a ballot question during the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. (File photo)The New Mexico Senate late Tuesday approved a resolution that would allow state lawmakers to receive a roughly $68,000 s…
9NEWS Denver
Nation's only unsalaried legislature asks voters to reconsider volunteer status as women urge change
Members of the nation’s only unsalaried legislature are asking voters to reconsider their volunteer status that has endured since statehood in New Mexico. The...
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