The Second Session of the 57th Legislature

January 2-16, 2026: Legislation may be prefiled
January 20: Opening day (noon)
February 4: Deadline for introduction
February 19: Session ends (noon)
March 11: Legislation not acted upon by governor is pocket vetoed
May 20: Effective date of legislation not a general appropriation bill or a bill carrying an emergency clause or other specified date

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Statement from Senate Majority Leader Michael S. Sanchez; Disappointed Native American Leaders Not Given Opportunity to Speak During Joint Session

Senate News & Op-Eds

Contact: Erika Martinez
(505) 986-4263
Erika.Martinez@nmlegis.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2015

Statement from Senate Majority Leader Michael S. Sanchez
Disappointed Native American Leaders Not Given Opportunity to Speak During Joint Session

 

Santa Fe, NM – Senate Majority Leader Michael S. Sanchez (D-29-Bernalillo & Valencia) issued the following statement regarding the Joint Session of the Legislature for American Indian Day held earlier today:

“I was disappointed that Native American leaders from sovereign nations were not given an opportunity to speak during today’s joint session. That has long been the practice on American Indian Day. Many believe the departure from that to be disrespectful and unprecedented. In my years in the Legislature, this is the first time I can remember that these leaders were not allowed to speak or take an active role in the celebration. After all, this day was established to honor them and their culture. I will be extending an invitation to Native American leaders to join the Senate in recognition of their contributions to our state.”

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