February 15— On today's conclusion of the Second Session of the 56th Legislature, Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman and former congressman Steve Pearce, gave the following statement:

"This legislative session has underscored the Democrat one-party-rule engrossing our state that favors far-left special interests over the needs and wants of the people of New Mexico.

The purpose of this session was to discuss the budget. With a multi-billion-dollar surplus from oil and gas, Republicans tried to reduce taxes and put more money into the pockets of New Mexicans. In contrast, Democrats sought to increase government spending and impose new taxes.

Republicans proposed a 1% flat rate for personal income tax, which was killed by Democrats. This would have returned $1.75 billion to taxpayers offering much-need relief from inflation.

Republicans in the House were successful in their efforts to stop the 'Paid Family Leave Act' which would have been the largest tax increase on NM businesses in state history.

Democrats continued their assault on struggling New Mexicans by passing California-style legislation expected to raise the price of gasoline by $.50-.$ 70 a gallon.

Democrats notably killed Republican efforts to fix the major dysfunctions within CYFD leaving our state's children vulnerable.

Bills to implement much-needed legislative oversight into the governor's executive orders and the rules implemented by unelected boards were also killed by Democrats.

The number one issue New Mexicans want addressed is crime. Republicans proposed numerous pieces of legislation that would stop the revolving door and keep dangerous offenders behind bars, but Democrats chose to kill those bills.

Additionally, Democrats chose to use this short 30-day session to focus most of their time trying to disarm good, law-abiding New Mexicans while doing nothing to get violent criminals off of the streets. Republicans, though being a minority in both chambers, worked incredibly hard to stop multiple bills targeting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.

This year, it was abundantly clear who was truly standing by and representing the side of the people, and that was Republicans," Pearce continued.

"Overall, this session was an uphill battle. Legislation aimed at crime, fentanyl, border security, financial relief, CYFD reform, and government oversight would have passed with more Republican representation in the state House and Senate. All 112 seats will be up for election in November. It is more crucial than ever that we elect Republicans up and down the ballot and get our state back on the right track.

We sincerely thank the thousands of New Mexicans who got involved this year. RPNM was dedicated to providing New Mexicans with bill updates, committee contacts, Zoom links, and calls to action. Your participation was instrumental and had a significant impact.

We express our complete gratitude to our Republican legislators who endured long nights and early mornings advocating on behalf of the great citizens of New Mexico. Their selfless work is truly an invaluable service to our state."

The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) advances the ideals of individual liberties for the advancement of its citizens and the greater prosperity of our communities throughout New Mexico. Led by an Executive Board and its Chairman, former NM Congressman Steve Pearce, RPNM serves all New Mexicans via its headquarters in Albuquerque and can be contacted at (505) 298-3662.