New Mexicans traditionally don't have much sympathy for legislators who complain about not getting a salary even as it has now blossomed into study sessions over having a full-time paid legislature. While salaries are unlikely to ever win voter approval, it's not as though the lawmakers are forced to panhandle in the medians of Santa Fe. 

The 112 solons attending the 30 day legislative session starting January 20 will, according to the legislature, receive $202 per day (per diem) for their trouble plus a reimbursement of .725 cents for each mile they drive to get there. For an ABQ legislator making a 120 mile round trip their mileage check would amount to $87 a day.

The legislature follows the mileage rate set by the IRS for fuel and other expenses for a business vehicle. 

With gas prices hovering around $2.60 a gallon, a car averaging 20 miles per gallon for the 60 mile trip would cost about $7.80 a day, leaving $1,050 a month for other vehicle expenses such as repairs and insurance.

That 30 day per diem of $202.00 amounts to $6,060 for the month and there are deals to be had to stretch that. For example, this from the sister property of the La Fonda Hotel: 

Take advantage of Piñon Court’s prime location one block from the Roundhouse during this year’s legislative session. We invite you to enjoy our special rate of $122/night that includes complimentary breakfast and parking. Experience beautifully renovated guest rooms and indulge in our new Bistro & Lounge. 

With taxes, that Piñon Court room totals about $140 per night, leaving $62 of per diem for other expenses including meals (other than that free breakfast.) That's enough for a good lunch and/or dinner (Tomasita's is about $25) but still leaves room for capitol lobbyists to treat legislators with more expensive tastes--like Johnny Walker Blue. 

While some in the political class may feel deprived the working classes who support them think things are just fine the way they are. 

FENTANYL VACCINE?

The NM Coalition to End Homelessness is estimating that 3,000 people are living on the streets of ABQ, a number that has been steadily increasing. This item then has special meaning:

A vaccine that blocks the effects of fentanyl--including overdose--will enter human trials in the coming months, perhaps leading the way to the first-ever proactive treatment for opioid use disorder. The initial trials will focus on assessing the safety of the vaccine, which was initially developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense.

DUKE DOINGS 

There's been several additions to the GOP gubernatorial field Since Duke Rodriguez announced but former NM Republican Governor Gary Johnson ('95-01) tells radio talk master TJ Trout that Rodriguez, who he appointed as Secretary of the Human Services Department, remains his choice but adds that he "likes all" the candidates running.

Rodriguez drops this column that asks "Who Destroyed New Mexico's Healthcare System? His answer: 

If Gov. Susana Martinez is expected to wear the scarlet letter for decisions made years ago, then fairness demands the same scrutiny be applied to the sitting governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, and the policies enacted under her leadership.

Martinez has not yet endorsed any of the GOP Guv hopefuls running in the June 2 primary. 

Is that a great cartoon of Duke trying to balance his Arizona and New Mexico residences, or what? Thanks  to veteran newsman (and political cartoonist) Peter St. Cyr.  

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.