New Mexico Governor Might Call Special Legislative Session To Discuss Health Coverage Expansion, Spokesperson Says
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) might call a special session of the state Legislature in May, but Senate leaders say they need more time to reach an agreement on health care proposals, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports. During the legislative session that ended in February, lawmakers rejected Richardson's plan to cover 400,000 uninsured state residents. Many lawmakers cited costs as a reason for not supporting the measure.
Richardson has met with Senate leaders since the end of the session to discuss elements of a potential agreement. He also has requested greater accountability and efficiencies in the state health care system. Richardson spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos in an e-mail said, "The governor has tried to work with Senate leaders to move this issue forward and forge an agreement on health care before a special session," adding, "But Senate leaders have only met once, and there has been no progress whatsoever. The governor will now meet with House leaders, and he is inclined to hold a special session in May."
Senate President Pro Tempore Tim Jennings (D) and Majority Leader Michael Sanchez (D) said questions remain about Richardson's proposal and fall is a more realistic time to further discuss the matter. Jennings in a statement said, "Every New Mexican deserves to be able to get good, affordable health care when they need it," adding, "We are committed to making sure that happens," but "reforms necessary to achieve that goal are quite complex and need to be worked out over time." According to Sanchez, "We're making progress, and I'm hopeful that in a few more months we can hold a productive special session that will get us closer to our goal" (Nash, Santa Fe New Mexican, 4/11).
