Gov. Lujan Grisham heads to Washington D.C. to attend national governors meeting

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is headed to Washington D.C. for 5 days of political conferences and hobnobbing with fellow governors and prime federal officers.

The Democratic governor, who began her second time period final month, left New Mexico on Tuesday to attend the Nationwide Governors Affiliation’s winter assembly, based on the Governor’s Workplace.

Whereas within the nation’s capital, Lujan Grisham can even attend a Western Governors Affiliation assembly with Cupboard secretaries in President Joe Biden’s administration, together with a dialogue on youth psychological well being points with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and U.S. Surgeon Basic Vivek Murthy.

The NGA’s three-day assembly will wrap up with a White Home reception hosted by Biden and his spouse, First Girl Jill Biden. The governor will then return to New Mexico on Sunday, a spokeswoman mentioned.

Lujan Grisham was additionally in Washington D.C. final month to endure a knee substitute surgical procedure. Nevertheless, she returned to New Mexico to ship the annual State of the State Handle on the opening day of this yr’s 60-day legislative session.

As for the fee related to the governor’s newest journey, Lujan Grisham spokeswoman Nora Meyers Sackett mentioned the bills could be paid by taxpayer {dollars} for the reason that journey is a part of Lujan Grisham’s official duties.

Per the state Structure, Lt. Gov. Howie Morales will function appearing governor whereas Lujan Grisham is touring out of state.