Senator Jacob Candelaria (D-26 Bernalillo) to introduce legislation allowing public to provide online testimony to Legislative Committee meetings
For Immediate Release: October 25, 2017
Contact: Chris Nordstrum (505) 986-4819 Chris.Nordstrum@nmlegis.gov
(Santa Fe, NM) Today Senator Jacob Candelaria announced that he will introduce legislation that would allow the public to submit online testimony to Legislative Committee meetings.
“In a large state like New Mexico, distance should not stop people from participating in the legislative process. The time and cost of traveling to Santa Fe is an obstacle preventing many New Mexicans from taking part in the discussion of important issues. Everyone should have an opportunity to engage,” stated Senator Candelaria.
“Consider someone in a rural community in the far south of the state who might be directly impacted by a pending piece of legislation. Taking an entire day or two off and traveling hundreds of miles in order to testify might not even be possible,” Senator Candelaria continued. “Providing remote access for people to submit testimony virtually would expand our ability to hear from and respond to every citizen, not just those with the time and ability to travel to committee meetings.”
“Technology is one cost-effective way we can bring the public and their elected officials together and ensure that everyone has a seat at the table,” concluded Senator Candelaria.
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