Ski New Mexico, an organization representing nearly all of New Mexico's ski areas, gave more than $31,000 worth of V.I.P. ski passes to state legislators, the governor, the lieutenant governor and members of the governor's staff.

According to a lobbyist expense report filed in the Secretary of State's office this week by Ski New Mexico executive director George Brooks, the purpose of the giveaway was to "get them acquainted with our industry."

Ski New Mexico's was the biggest-dollar gift listed on the lobbyist expense reports submitted so far during the current legislative session. While lawmakers are in session, lobbyists are required by law to report expenditures larger than $500 within 48 hours of the spending.

The passes, given to all legislators in addition to the executive branch officials, allow the holder to ski two days at each of the industry trade group's ski areas — which include all in the state except Ski Apache. The passes are transferable, which means legislators can give their passes to family members, friends or staff members.

The passes are valued at $250 each — which is the limit that one person or organization can give a lawmaker under the Gift Act, which was signed into law last year.

Lobbyist Tom Horan, whose list of clients includes Ski New Mexico, said the organization has given the ski passes to lawmakers and other officials every year for several years. "It's just good will," Horan explained, saying the only legislation this year that directly affects the ski industry is the state Tourism Department's advertising budget.

"I don't know how many legislators actually use them," Horan said.

One lawmaker who won't be using his pass is Rep. Tom Anderson, R-Albuquerque. The passes, Anderson said, show the ineffectiveness of the Gift Act. "I proposed that we rename the Gift Act 'The Gift Authorization Act,' " Anderson said.

However, before the Gift Act, there was no limit on the amount of gifts a lobbyist could give a legislator.

Last week, Anderson introduced a bill that would reduce the limit on gifts to $25. He admitted House Bill 160 doesn't have much chance of passing. "I'm not on any crusade," he said, "but I don't think legislators should be getting any gift of value."

And even if he wasn't philosophically opposed, Anderson said, he is a cross-country skier rather than a downhill skier.

In addition to parties, gifts and meals, the state also requires lobbyists to report spending on advertising related to legislation. Steven Allen, executive director of New Mexico Common Cause, reported spending $14,421 on radio spots.

The ads urge listeners to call Gov. Bill Richardson, House Speaker Ben Luján, D-Nambé, and Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen, in support of legislation to expand the state's public financing of political campaigns.

Rep. Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque, is expected to introduce a public-financing bill next week.

Other lobbyist reports revealed:

• Horan — on behalf of one of his clients, Presbyterian Healthcare Services — spent $6,150 on a legislative dinner at La Posada de Santa Fe on Jan. 16. Horan, also on behalf of Presbyterian, spent $1,260 on the Governor's Prayer Breakfast at Eldorado Hotel on Jan. 17.

• Conservation Voters New Mexico spent $4,000 on a cocktail reception for legislators at Gerald Peters Gallery on Monday.

• Timothy Ty Trujillo, lobbying for New Mexico Association for Community Colleges, spent $1,483 on a reception Tuesday at The Bull Ring.

• Robert Clay Doyle, lobbyist for El Paso Electric Co., spent $1,035 for a dinner Sunday for Southern New Mexico legislators. Thirteen lawmakers, who were not named, and other guests attended.
  

Contact Steve Terrell at 986-3037 or sterrell@sfnewmexican.com.