The New Mexico Capitol, completed in 1966, has a men’s bathroom next to the House lounge. A women’s bathroom will be added as part of a $2.5 million upgrade. (Albuquerque Journal File)

            By Deborah Baker / Journal Staff Writer PUBLISHED: Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at 12:05 am

There’s some sprucing-up planned at the state Capitol: Pesky popcorn ceilings will be smoothed out, carpeting installed, voting systems replaced, and – at long last – female House members will get a bathroom.

The upgrades were announced Monday at a meeting of the Legislative Council.

“Let’s see if it happens; I’ve been waiting 20 years,” said Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton, D-Albuquerque, of the long-sought bathroom.

Men in the House have a bathroom right off the House members’ lounge, just a few feet from the House floor.