How could the proposed legislative pay amendment affect members of the New Mexico House of Representatives?
Legislator pay amendment could shift House compensation to a fixed salary If Constitutional Amendment 4 passes, members of the New Mexico House of Representatives could transition from receiving a per diem and pension benefits to a fixed salary of roughly $68,000. Currently, lawmakers receive a per diem of around $247 for each day of attendance during the session. The amendment, which passed the Legislature largely along party lines, would tie legislative pay to the median state household income, with the change set to take effect in 2029.
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How it reaches Member of the New Mexico House of Representatives
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A resolution was passed by the New Mexico Legislature to place Constitutional Amendment 4 on the ballot. This amendment would allow New Mexico legislators to receive a salary equivalent to median state household income, which is approximately $68,000 based on recent census data. New Mexico currently operates the only unsalaried Legislature in the country.
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The amendment would allow New Mexico legislators to be paid a salary equivalent to median state household income, which is roughly $68,000 based on the latest census data. This would replace the current system where lawmakers receive a per diem and qualify for pension benefits.
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- santafenewmexican.com Wednesday
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The facts so far
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- The amendment would allow New Mexico legislators to be paid a salary equivalent to median state household income, or roughly $68,000.santafenewmexican.com
- New Mexico has the only unsalaried Legislature in the country.santafenewmexican.com
- Lawmakers currently receive a per diem of around $247 for each day of attendance during the session.santafenewmexican.com
- If the amendment passes, the salaries would go into effect beginning in 2029.santafenewmexican.com
Why it matters
For members of the New Mexico House of Representatives, the amendment represents a fundamental shift in how they are compensated. While supporters argue that a fixed salary would allow the Legislature to include working parents and teachers, opponents view the proposed $68,000 package as an excessive increase, especially given the existing pension benefits.
This debate is situated within a broader national context regarding legislative compensation. The proposed salary of $68,000 would place New Mexico above neighboring states like Colorado and Oklahoma, but still significantly below states like New York, which had the highest-paid legislators as of 2025.
What we don't know yet
- Will the Constitutional Amendment 4 pass the ballot?
- What specific changes would the Legislature make to pension structures if the salary is implemented?
What would change this answer
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- santafenewmexican.comWednesday
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