Amendment 4 would further APS double-dipping (like Sheryl Williams Stapleton)

When former Rep. (and Albuquerque Public Schools) employee Sheryl Williams Stapleton was convicted, we noted that she had ALREADY broken District rules regarding paying legislators out of the District budget for time served in the Legislature. As a result of her receiving pay from the District contrary to District policy, the policy was changed to give APS employees paid time off for their time served in the Legislature. 

“Board member Barbara Petersen told the Albuquerque Journal the new policy could inspire more Albuquerque district employees to become lawmakers, which would serve as a benefit to school districts.” So, far from being embarrassed by this clear policy that created dual loyalties, the District doubled-down (and Stapleton was later convicted on a different fraudulent use of taxpayer dollars).

Now, New Mexico voters will be asked to vote on Amendment 4 which would result in legislator pay of nearly $68,000 annually (on top of per diem AND a generous pension). There has been no indication that APS plans to change its policy on paying legislators their District salaries for time spent in the Roundhouse, so unless something happens, APS employees will soon (if voters approve Amendment 4) be able to receive 1) Full pay from the District, 2) Legislative pay of $68,000 annually, 3) $247 per day plus mileage for per-diem, 4) a generous pension.