Political Science Professor Proposes Constitutional Amendment for Lawmaker Compensation in New Mexico
A political science professor has suggested that enacting a constitutional amendment to provide compensation for New Mexico lawmakers would mark a historic development.
Albuquerque Santa Fe, NM, November 2, 2026 — A political science professor has put forth a suggestion that could lead to a significant shift in New Mexico’s governance: the enactment of a constitutional amendment to provide compensation for the state’s lawmakers.
The professor, whose name was not provided, indicated that such a move would represent a historic development for the state. Currently, New Mexico legislators serve in a part-time capacity and do not receive a salary, although they are typically reimbursed for expenses incurred while performing their legislative duties. The details of the proposed amendment, including potential salary amounts, frequency of compensation, or specific criteria, were not elaborated upon in the summary provided.
The absence of a salary for New Mexico lawmakers is a characteristic shared by only a few other states in the United States, where legislators often hold other full-time employment or rely on other sources of income to support themselves and their families. This structure has historically been debated in terms of its impact on who can afford to serve in the legislature and the time commitment required for legislative duties.
If enacted, a constitutional amendment to provide compensation would require a formal legislative process, likely involving proposals through the state legislature and potentially a vote by the state’s electorate, depending on the amendment’s nature and the state’s constitutional framework. The political science professor’s suggestion frames this potential change as a
Story summarized from the original created by Jeanette DeDios on www.kunm.org, see more information here.
Media gallery
