NEW MEXICO
Governor puts session focus on public safety
Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham tasked lawmakers to come up with public safety solutions amid a persistently high violent crime rate that is twice the national average and has left many communities on edge.
She delivered her State of the State address on Jan. 21, kicking off a 60-day legislative session in which curbing crime and boosting child wellbeing will be top priorities. It’s likely the last chance for her to tackle big legislative initiatives before she terms out of office in 2026.
In a speech that touched on everything from making child care affordable to addressing climate change, the governor kept going back to public safety. She noted that one third of New Mexicans say either they or a loved one has been the victim of a serious crime…