Legislative leaders work toward capital outlay compromise

More than a month after the Legislature ended with outbursts of partisan finger-pointing over the failure to pass a $264 million capital outlay bill, legislative leaders and staff hope to come up with a compromise in time for a special session, a move urged by major business organizations around the state.

Both Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen, and House Speaker Don Tripp, R-Socorro, told The New Mexican on Tuesday that they have spoken with each other and that staff from the Legislative Finance Committee is working on several proposals for a bill.

If that can be accomplished in the near future, they will take it to Gov. Susana Martinez, who then could call a special session.