As a citizen legislator, the last three weeks have been filled with frustration, disappointment and now some relief. I publicly opposed the governor’s veto of SB48, known as the “Junior Bill.”
The decision was difficult, but one that I stand behind.
I am deeply troubled by the characterization of “junior money” being referred to as pork, or that dark money clouded the funding of these projects– neither is true and diminishes my colleagues and my intent to serve the dire needs across all 33 New Mexico counties. The projects I funded were selected after my team and I crisscrossed 6,000 square miles to meet with community leaders in every corner of New Mexico District 40.
We identified projects where funds would have immediate impact for economic development, food insecurity, educational mentorship, and to support rural youth. All of the projects are listed on my website, spelled out in my recent letter to constituents, and reflect my intent to address critical issues in District 40. The amount of funds is small, but in the hands of the amazing community leaders that will implement them, I know they will get results.
I am more inspired and committed than ever to serve but being a citizen legislator is not easy nor glamorous. We are the only state that does not pay our legislators nor provide staff.
I pay for gas, meals, hotel bills, a chief of staff, and new tires on my truck out of my own pocket to make sure the needs within my district are understood and addressed. I am not rich. As a working artist, every minute I devote to representing my district takes away time I need to paint and care for my home and family.
But as an elected leader, I will ensure policy meets the people.
At a time of unimaginable funding opportunities from our federal delegation, record revenue from oil and gas, and an even brighter forecast moving forward, it is essential that legislators and our governor make our work 100 percent transparent, accountable and equitable.
On May 12 and 13 my team and I will host the first statewide Rural Summit at the Roundhouse. The event will bring together rural leaders from across the state to develop policy recommendations for critical infrastructure, education, healthcare, public safety, traditional agricultural and acequia needs, economic development, and energy for our rural communities. We are undertaking this vital work on our own because we know it will bring equity to rural New Mexico.
As a representative, I must at times speak up and respectfully challenge leadership, regardless of party, when I believe a voice for our rural, frontier and tribal communities is needed.
If I must be the squeaky wheel that helps bring equity to our rural communities, I wear that title with a badge of honor. My votes and actions always reflect the needs of my diverse, rural district.
I am encouraged by the governor’s decision to convene a special session, first to address SB48 and then to give New Mexicans needed gasoline relief, after a few colleagues and I courageously spoke out. Effective leadership brings solutions to resolve challenging issues–for this I am grateful.
I look forward to the special session on April 5 to vote for the improved SB48 so that funds get to the people who work every day to make a difference in our rural communities. I do this work for them and the people they support.
Roger Montoya
State representative
District 40
(Editor’s note: a gentle reminder: Rep. Montoya did not spend his money, he spent our (taxpayers’) money. Rep. Susan Herrera, Dist. 41, made the same claim in her letter last week.)