Contact: Erika Martinez
(505)986-4819
Erika.Martinez@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2014
Senate Majority Leader Michael S. Sanchez Disputes Governor Martinez’s Campaign Ad
Santa Fe, NM – One of the revelations from the most recent article in Mother Jones profiling Governor Susana Martinez was her utter lack of understanding of public policy on important issues ranging from agencies designed to promote equality for women, WIPP, and pay schedules for educators. Additionally, she had to be reminded what the DREAM Act was about, despite her rallying cry against undocumented immigrants.
So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Gov. Martinez’s campaign ad taking credit for eliminating the “largest deficit in history” demonstrates not only her lack of understanding of New Mexico’s finances, but also her failure to grasp our state’s constitutional requirements. The fact is that the state has never operated in a deficit, even during the most recent national recession, because it is prohibited by New Mexico’s constitution. In fiscal years 2008 through 2010, before Governor Martinez took office, the state lost 20 percent of its revenue because of the country’s economic collapse. Yet, the democratic-controlled legislature, working with a democratic governor, still managed to balance the budget.
According to Senate Majority Leader Michael S. Sanchez (D-29-Bernalillo & Valencia), her ad is another product of her spin doctors who rewrite facts and ignore reality. “How can Governor Martinez be so out of touch with New Mexico? Unfortunately, the Governor relies on individuals who are more concerned with politics instead of policy. They help her convey inaccurate and misleading information to the public. It is a disservice to all New Mexicans,” he said.
“The disrespect she shows for teachers and women is as offensive as her failure to rebuke her staff’s insensitivity towards the developmentally disabled and those who speak with Spanish accents,” he added.
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