Legislative Compensation Update
SANTA FE, NM — This November, New Mexicans will decide whether to change the state constitution to provide state legislators with an annual salary. House Joint Resolution 5 (HJR 5) officially places the issue of legislative compensation in the hands of the voters.
Comparison of Regional Benefits & Proposed Salary
The Proposal: What is HJR 5?
If approved, New Mexico legislators would receive an annual salary of $67,800. This amount is tied to New Mexico’s median household income.
Current Compensation (No Base Salary):
- • Per Diem: $247 per day (Highest in region)
- • Mileage: Standard reimbursement for travel.
- • Pension: State retirement system (2nd highest in region)
Under HJR 5, the new salary would be added on top of these existing benefits.
Regional Perspective
The $67,800 salary exceeds what many NM teachers earn.
NM would have the highest legislative salary among neighbors.
How the Legislature Voted
Opposition: All Republicans voted NO (except Sen. Joshua Sanchez).
Support: All Democrats voted YES (except Rep. Lente and Sens. Campos, Cervantes, Muñoz, and Pinto).
Election Date
Because this is a constitutional amendment,
the final decision rests with YOU this November.