Several New Mexicans learned about the process behind budgeting the revenue earned by the State of New Mexico and whether modernizing the Legislature would improve transparency at a Town Hall hosted on June 18, 2024, in Las Cruces by the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government.
Jon Courtney, Ph.D., deputy director of the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee, pointed to the current work being done in preparation of presenting a 2025 budget to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Legislature while breaking down the steps of the LFC’s budgeting process. To view Courtney’s detailed presentation, click here.
.Following his presentation, Sen. Jeff Steinborn, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Rep. Nathan Small, chair of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee, and Rep. Joanne Ferrary participated in a question and answer session.
“The FOG town hall was important as it allowed the public to voice their concerns and comments and suggestions about the budget process, and if. It’s always positive anytime the public has an opportunity to participate in conversations with their government officials,” said Melanie Majors, executive director of FOG.
FOG’s goal for the town hall was simple; FOG intends to provide information on the current budget process; gather information about public perception; offer valuable insights; supply valuable information for future use and allow people from diverse backgrounds a chance to express their views about the key issues.
The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government is hosting the event to acquaint the public with the budget-making process for the New Mexico Legislature. The Thornburg Foundation sponsored the event.
Last fall, FOG conducted a survey of legislators that showed the majority of respondents would support “reform of the budgeting process” in New Mexico. When asked about their support for reform, panelists said the modernization of the Legislature ― longer legislative sessions, paid staff and pay for legislators ― would help improve the current process to the benefit of New Mexicans.
FOG is planning another Town Hall in late summer in Santa Fe.