Sens. Wirth and Sharer (PBS)

With the first half of the 2025 legislative session in the rear view mirror, let's look at the most significant developments.

--The signature piece of legislation this session will be a reboot of the state's inadequate behavioral healthcare system that has roadblocked progress in fighting crime and other social ills, keeping the state ranked at or near the bottom in national rankings. 

But be forewarned, the bills at the Capitol do not offer a quick fix.

In reviewing the legislation (SB 1,2 and 3) portions are exceedingly complicated and bureaucratic. For example, the judiciary will assume major responsibility for implementing the complex rebuild. They've never done that and it will take time for them to adjust. 

Even after the Governor signs the bills (expected soon) uncertainty will prevail over finding enough competent health care workers to service the need.

Another question lingers: whether we can dig deep enough to reach those afflicted, considering the extent of drug addiction ravaging the state and so often impervious to treatment.

But this is a good faith effort, aggressive and well-financed, albeit very late in coming. 

Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth has done yeoman's work pushing this vital need to the top of the agenda. Minority Leader Bill Sharer has ably led his caucus in support. The House under Speaker Javier Martinez has been first on the case. The Governor has pushed forward, assuaging concerns about that novel involvement of the judiciary. 

Everyone is finally pulling together for those left so far behind in an era of nearly unimaginable plenty. It is meaningful bipartisan teamwork only rarely seen at the Roundhouse and it comes in the aftermath of an election that made everyone more pragmatic about state politics. 

We are neither a progressive paradise or a conservative utopia. On matters such as the breakdown in mental health treatment we have to meet in the middle and, by golly, they are doing just that in Santa Fe.

CRIME

There's not much to say about the minor league crime package that is on the way to MLG's desk other than that it seems mostly a political gesture. But the Governor will take what she can get and declare victory. 

Longer sentences for pushing fentanyl will do little to stop the scourge, according to experts. Similar skepticism is heard over the tweaking of the competency laws for defendants. But the public demands something, anything.  

In lieu of the lightweight crime package (with the exception of juvenile code reforms that have stalled) the behavioral health package is the crime package.

TAXES

The Republican argument for permanent tax relief may be gaining ground on the Democrats as the oil gusher shows no signs of stopping and more billions pile up. Their call for the complete elimination of the state personal income tax proved to be a nonstarter but their contention that the bill started a conversation may hold water (or oil if you prefer.) 

Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, a conservative Dem who announced late last week that he is considering a run for the '26 Dem Guv nomination, is in favor of returning much of the state surplus to residents.  

The Roundhouse Dems are still talking tax credits --not cash. 

BOOZE TAX

When it comes to the proposed tax hike on booze you may have to go big or go home. That's the message in the fiscal impact report on this year's plan to raise the alcohol tax by 6 percent, including at retail outlets, bars and restaurants. The report says the expected impact on consumption is only a decline of about 1 percent.

The House sponsors are fighting the good fight, but hopes now rest more on the behavioral health remake to address the state's deadly booze addiction rather than a tax increase that could give false hope because of its miniaturized impact. 

OIL TAX

The plan to increase the royalty tax for drilling on oil rich state lands to 25 percent from 20 percent has passed the Senate and heads to the House.

That comes at a time when lawmakers can't fully figure out what to do with the stacks of cash already stuffed in the bulging mattresses. They have, however, gone mad for trust funds to trickle out the largess, 

If signed into law, the tax hike would be a feather in the cap of State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard who has led the charge for it and any future political ambitions she may hold (Lt. Gov.?).

That's the way we see it this February Monday. Thanks for tuning in.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.