Politics
Will our wishes come true this session? (Some already have!)
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Sometimes our follow-the-money wishes do come true – and we have high hopes for this legislative session.
New Mexico In Depth (https://nmindepth.com/series/transparency-project/page/2/)
NMID creates publically searchable databases that allow for greater scrutiny of the influence of private money on governance, and examines a range of related issues including campaign finance, lobbying, government transparency and accountability.
Sometimes our follow-the-money wishes do come true – and we have high hopes for this legislative session.
New Mexico cities, counties, colleges and other public entities spent nearly $7.2 million in 2014 and 2015 to lobby the state and federal government. Two-thirds went toward lobbying officials here in New Mexico.
Here’s how New Mexico In Depth collected and analyzed spending on lobbyists by public agencies in New Mexico.
One former candidate appears to have violated donation limits.
Search out data of campaign contributions delivered by lobbyists.
Explore contributions funneled by lobbyists by campaigns in an interactive graphic.
Lobbyists funneled $1.8 million to candidates and campaigns since 2013, often from clients’ checkbooks.
Sherrie Cline found herself caught in a cycle of debt thanks to a car title loan for less than $1,000. Cline’s situation isn’t unusual. About 70 percent of storefront lending customers use the money to pay for everyday living expenses like rent, utilities, credit card bills or food.
Democratic lawmakers felt the brunt of Gov. Susana Martinez’s 42 capital outlay project vetoes, with 27 of those projects sponsored solely by Democrats. But Martinez did veto some GOP projects, including three Albuquerque projects advocated by House Majority Leader Nate Gentry.
Some lawmakers want reform of New Mexico’s “pork barrel” capital projects process. But others doubt it will happen soon.