New Mexico
NM Lawmakers try again to give judges a raise – Source New Mexico
This year marks the New Mexico Legislature’s third attempt to raise the salaries of their coequal branch of government in the judiciary. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has vetoed raises for state Supreme Court justices and most lower court judges two years in a row. But a change to this year’s bill may gain the governor’s support.
Last year, the governor said she vetoed judicial raises in part because the bill tied the salaries to those of federal judges, which she said could prove “problematic” in the future. The year before that, she didn’t give a reason for pocket vetoing the bill.
Senate Bill 70 sponsor Democratic Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces) told his colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee Thursday that, against his better judgment, he took that provision out of this year’s version.
“The earlier way was superior,” he said. “And I’ll just tell you we’re trying to get the governor satisfied.”
The raises would amount to a 21% bump, according to the Administrative Office of the Courts. New Mexico Supreme Court justices’ pay would become equal to federal district court judges at $232,600.
“We’re kind of taking just about the lowest level of the federal system and making that essentially equivalent to the highest level of our state,” he explained.
The concern about not indexing the amount to the federal rate is that state lawmakers will have to come back to the table to bump the pay again in the future.
Lower court judges other than magistrates would also get a raise since they make a percentage of what the justices do.
Cervantes said the raises could help the New Mexico judiciary better compete for talent.
“We’re trying to get more experienced judges on the bench,” he said. “Right now, if you’re a public defender or district attorney, you’d see a pretty significant salary increase. But if you’re in private practice, we’re not attracting people with experience.”
Sen. George Muñoz (D-Gallup) took issue with the bill not tying judicial pay to performance, which he said is lacking.
“We’ve got a big problem with crime and performance for judges is going to be top of my list,” he said. “Maybe I’ll put it somewhere in another statute or bill that will come across, but performance needs to happen.”
Cervantes warned against painting New Mexico judges with a broad brush, offering to work with Muñoz to take up the issue of performance in the interim session when there is more time.
Meanwhile, Sen. Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces) pointed out after the vote what he called “the disconnect” of lawmakers not being paid a salary at all.
“This branch of government continues to be given the short shrift,” he said of the Legislature. “And I would ask the question, do we have a hard time getting good people?”
A bill to create an independent commission to set legislative salaries for the only unpaid Legislature in the country is being heard this session.
The judicial raises proposal passed unanimously out of committee and now goes to the full Senate for consideration. If approved, it will start the process over again on the House side, where a similar bill is already working its way through. Another that would tie the raises to inflation has yet to be heard.
New Mexico
Playoff-Race closing: New Mexico United takes on Colorado Springs Switchbacks – New Mexico United
New Mexico United travels to Colorado Springs this Wednesday for a Western Conference showdown in the USL Championship playoff race.
The Black & Yellow currently sit fifth in the USL Championship, fighting for the postseason and will look to keep building momentum as the regular season winds down. With a few matches remaining, every point matters, and United will aim to deliver a strong midweek performance on the road.
Wednesday’s contest will be the third meeting between United and the Switchbacks FC this year. In their previous two encounters, United secured a home victory in June during the Jagermeister cup, and drew in the first encounter in June. This clash gives United a chance to claim the season series and strengthen their hold on a playoff spot.
Standout Performers: Archimède and Keller
Forward Luther Archimède continues to be a spark for United’s attack, bringing energy, pace, and aerial ability. His late equalizing goal against Monterey Bay highlighted his gift for delivering in clutch moments. The sixth man has contributed two goals in six games off the bench, proving his talent.
Defender Kipp Keller has been a rock at the back for United since arriving, with his calm composure, strength, and sharp defensive instincts. His leadership on the backline and ability to read the game have been crucial in keeping opponents on their toes. His presence will be needed to keep Colorado’s attackers in check.
Milestones in Sight: Tambakis
Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis is on the verge of making USL Championship history, needing just one more clean sheet to become the league’s all-time leader. After recording his 58th career shutout recently—tying the current record held by Evan Newton—Tambakis will have the opportunity to stand alone at the top when United takes the field Wednesday night in Colorado.
About Colorado Springs
The Switchbacks have fought their way into playoff contention with their mix of grit and attacking ability. On the Attacking side Marco Micaletto has been getting it done, leading the team in goals with six. On the back line, Matthew Mahoney provides a physical and clinical presence, leading the Switchbacks in almost every defensive category this season.
Looking Ahead
Following Wednesday’s trip to Colorado, New Mexico United return home hosting Lexington SC on Sunday at 4 PM MT. With the postseason right around the corner, the Black & Yellow remain focused on collecting crucial points and carrying the momentum into October.
Get tickets HERE
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