New Mexico Legislature facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The State Legislature of New MexicoLegislatura de Nuevo México |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Type | |
| Type | |
| Houses | Senate House of Representatives |
|
Term limits
|
None |
| History | |
|
New session started
|
January 1, 2019 |
| Leadership | |
|
President of the Senate
(Lt. Governor) |
Howie Morales (D)
Since January 1, 2019 |
|
Mary Papen (D)
Since January 15, 2013 |
|
|
Brian Egolf (D)
Since January 17, 2017 |
|
| Structure | |
| Seats | 112 |
 |
|
|
Senate political groups
|
|
 |
|
|
House political groups
|
|
|
Length of term
|
Senate: 4 years House: 2 years |
| Salary | $0/year + per diem |
|
Senators
|
42 |
|
State Representatives
|
70 |
| Elections | |
|
Senate voting system
|
First-past-the-post |
| First-past-the-post | |
|
Senate last election
|
November 3, 2020 |
|
House last election
|
November 3, 2020 |
|
Senate next election
|
November 8, 2022 |
|
House next election
|
November 8, 2022 |
| Redistricting | Legislative control |
| Motto | |
| Crescit eundo | |
| Meeting place | |
 |
|
| State Capitol, Santa Fe | |
| Constitution | |
| Constitution of New Mexico | |
The New Mexico Legislature (which is Legislatura de Nuevo México in Spanish) is the group of elected people who make laws for the state of New Mexico. It's like the state's main law-making team! This important part of the state government has two main sections: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Having two parts like this is called bicameral, which just means "two chambers." Both parts of the Legislature are currently led by the Democratic Party.
Contents
What is the Legislature?
The New Mexico Legislature is where new laws are created, discussed, and voted on for the state. These laws affect everyone living in New Mexico, from schools and roads to healthcare and taxes. The people who work here are chosen by citizens through elections.
The New Mexico Senate
The New Mexico Senate is often called the "upper house" of the Legislature. It has 42 members, who are called senators. Each senator serves a four-year term. This means they are elected every four years.
- Currently, the Senate has 26 Democrats and 16 Republicans.
- The leader of the Senate is the President of the Senate, who is also the Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico.
- There is also a President pro tempore who leads when the Lieutenant Governor is not there.
The New Mexico House of Representatives
The New Mexico House of Representatives is known as the "lower house." It has 70 members, who are called state representatives. Each representative serves a two-year term. This means they are elected every two years.
- Currently, the House has 46 Democrats and 24 Republicans.
- The leader of the House is called the Speaker of the House.
How the Legislature Works
The New Mexico Legislature meets at the State Capitol building in Santa Fe. This is where all the important discussions and votes happen.
- Members of the Legislature do not get a yearly salary for their work. Instead, they receive a daily payment (called a "per diem") to cover their expenses when they are working during sessions.
- The main job of the Legislature is to create and pass laws that help the people of New Mexico. They also approve the state's budget, which decides how state money will be spent.
A Bit of History
The New Mexico Legislature has been making laws for the state since 1912. Over the years, the number of members in both the House and the Senate has changed. The balance between the Democratic and Republican parties has also shifted many times throughout history. This shows how the people of New Mexico have voted differently over the decades.
See also
In Spanish: Legislatura de Nuevo México para niños
