On a Wednesday afternoon press conference, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham confirmed that the state plans to hold a special legislative session on June 18th barring any future COVID-19 related issues. The Governor stated the central focus of the upcoming session will be to address the nearly $2.4 billion budget shortfall expected for state revenue as a result of the economic devastation wrought by the pandemic and subsequent shutdown of large parts of the state. The state budget is facing tremendous pressure because of economic disruptions related to the collapse in oil prices and nearly two month closure of many businesses across the state.

Also in the press conference, Governor Lujan Grisham touched on the possibility of allowing more businesses to begin operations as soon as June 1st. Salons, dine-in eateries, gyms and movie theaters are currently closed by the Governor’s statewide order but could resume operations in a limited capacity. She was not clear on what conditions had to be met for the June 1st opening date for those businesses, or under what restrictions those businesses could operate. read more HERE.