Roundhouse Recap – Week 1 at the New Mexico Legislature

January 22

STATE OF THE STATE

Last Tuesday, the 2019 Legislative Session kicked off with the State of the State Address from newly elected Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham. During her address before a Joint Session of the House of Representatives and Senate, the Governor outlined several of her priorities regarding education, gun control, criminal justice reform, and economic development. She also addressed the state’s abortion statute, stating, “The old criminal abortion law of this state…must go. Bring me that bill. I will sign it.” The Governor was referring to House Bill 51 which would completely repeal one of New Mexico’s only abortion laws which, among other things, requires a licensed physician to perform abortions and protects faith-based hospitals and medical professionals from being forced to participate in abortions against their conscience.

SANCTITY OF LIFE AWARENESS AND UNITY DAY

On Wednesday, Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico was proud to partner with New Mexico Prays, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, New Mexico Alliance for Life, Right to Life of New Mexico, Care Net, and Students for Life for the annual “Sanctity of Life Awareness and Unity Day” at the State Capitol. Altogether, more than 1,000 people gathered for the “Walk for Life” and a special rally in the Capitol Rotunda featuring Archbishop John Wester, other local bishops and pastors, legislators, and guest speakers. Thank you to all who participated and helped make this the largest pro-life gathering in the state.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I’m still a teenager and I still need my parents there for me. I can’t join the military. I can’t get tattoos. I can’t even take an aspirin at school without their permission. But I’m allowed to have an abortion in this state if I choose to. That is not right.” -Ariana Nava, President, Rio Rancho Students for Life

LEGISLATOR OF THE WEEK
State Representative David Gallegos (R-Lea)

As the State Representative for House District 61 (Lea County) since 2012, David Gallegos has been one of the most faithful and dependable voices for faith and biblical values in Santa Fe. In addition to founding and chairing the New Mexico Legislative Prayer Caucus, David has sponsored several bills to defend life, strengthen families, and protect religious freedom in our state. David’s impact in New Mexico goes well beyond his official position as a state legislator. He serves on the Eunice School Board and has also served as a member of his local housing authority, chamber of commerce, and economic development committee. David is active in his local church and previously spent 10 years on the Eunice Assembly of God Board of Deacons. In 2017, David attended our Family Policy Foundation Statesmen Academy, a summer conference for on-the-rise Christian legislators and aspiring policymakers.