KOB 4 News (Albuquerque, NM) reports that the special session of the New Mexico Legislature called by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to debate and pass several bills addressing rampant crime in New Mexico was adjourned today (7/18/2024) with no public safety bills debated – let alone passed.
Ironically, Republican legislators came prepared with submitted public safety bills and were ready to begin debate, but Democratic legislators put forth no bills and were unwilling to begin debate – citing concern that a special session was not the appropriate venue to assure that debate regarding the proposed legislation would not be rushed.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, following adjournment of the special session, released the following statement:
“This legislature just demonstrated that it has no interest in making New Mexico safer. Not one public safety measure was considered. Not one, despite the bills having the backing of police chiefs, public safety unions, mayors, prosecutors, businesses, tribal leaders, crime victims and others who have seen firsthand the erosion of public safety that has deeply damaged the quality of life in our state.
Today I visited a neighborhood that is being ravaged by dangerous activity and everyday petty crime. Families can’t walk in the park, employees are scared to go to work, and businesses are shuttering. For the legislature to ignore these stark realities is nothing less than a dereliction of duty.
The legislature as a body walked away from their most important responsibility: keeping New Mexicans safe. But it is noteworthy that a majority of Republicans would have passed many or all of these bills — they were blocked.
The legislature should be embarrassed at their inability to summon even an ounce of courage to adopt common-sense legislation to make New Mexicans safer. For those of you who go home to the sound of gunshots, who see hypodermic needles in your parks, and the families desperate to get a loved one living on the street the help they deserve, I’m sorry that most of our elected officials didn’t even try.
This was one of the most disappointing days of my career, and the public should be outraged. My promise to you is that I will not stop fighting to protect you and your families.”
The KOB 4 News article may be read in full HERE.
My brothers and sisters, legislators of Governor Lujan Grisham’s own political party failed to put forth proposed legislation and refused to even debate legislation already put forth by the Republican party.
Sadly, it seems that the Majority Party is unwilling or unable to tackle to-the-point and hard-hitting bills addressing the scourge of crime in New Mexico. When Governor Lujan Grisham states that “[t]he legislature should be embarrassed at [its] inability to summon even an ounce of courage to adopt common-sense legislation…”, something very dramatic is happening, even if it is happening behind the scenes.
Notably, this special session happened on the last day of this year’s Republican National Convention – only days following an attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump, and following weeks of increasing calls for President Joe Biden to voluntarily step aside and allow another Democrat to run for the presidency this November.
It’s impossible to know exactly what internal party politics came into play today at the Roundhouse, but it’s undeniable that the Democratic Party is in a state of disarray or has conflicting priorities.
Regardless of our individual political views, it’s always the right thing to seek the Lord in prayer for all of our elected (and appointed) governmental leaders (see 1 Timothy 2:1-3 and James 5:16). Let’s pray that God’s will is done. The Answer is always Jesus! Let’s trust that no matter the political outcome, God is able to turn that which is negative or intended to bring us harm for our good and His glory (see Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20).
Here are the above-referenced scriptures:
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior…”.
James 5:16 (NKJV)
“…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
Romans 8:28 (NLT)
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to [H]is purpose for them.”
Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)
What the Evil One Meant for Our Harm, God Turns for Our Good
“But as for you [Joseph’s brothers], you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!