Enchantment State News

The financial officials for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham released data on Sept. 30 which outlined higher-than-expected budget revenues, despite the fact that unemployment rates have risen considerably in the past several months due to COVID-19.

Unemployment rates for New Mexico have risen from 4.8% one year ago to the current level of 11.8%, according to the New Mexico House GOP website. This new figure now places the state at the sixth highest unemployment rate in the nation. However, the most recent budget revenue figures were better than first predicted, which is partially a result of federal unemployment supporting families during the economic shutdown of COVID-19.  

The new financial information has led to a mixed reaction from legislators, heading into the final weeks of the election. House Republican Leader Jim Townsend (Artesia) criticized the financial outlook of the state, saying “the governor increased government spending by 20% over her first two years in office. The temporary, federally funded, backstop is not enough.”  

House Republican Whip Rod Montoya (Farmington) also voiced his criticism of Grisham stating that “the governor is proudly touting that her government has cash in the bank, when many New Mexicans are struggling and stressing about unemployment.” 

The people of New Mexico will have the opportunity to voice their opinions with their votes in the coming weeks leading up to Election Day.