RGF looks at the 2024 statewide ballot measures (and a few local issues)

There are a number of ballot measures both bonds and mill levies as well as constitutional amendments on the ballot this fall. Here are some details. The first group are on ballots statewide:

Bond Question 1 authorizing the state to issue $30,758,100 in bonds to fund senior citizens’ facilities.

Bond Question 2 $19,305,000 in bonds to fund public libraries.

Bond Question 3 $230,258,400 in bonds to fund public higher education institutions (this is one we take issue with as New Mexico’s higher education system is bloated). 

Bond Question 4 $10,297,100 in bonds to modernize public safety radio communications systems.

Constitutional Amendment 1

Extends a property tax exemption, currently only allowed for one hundred percent disabled veterans and their widows and widowers, to veterans with less than a one hundred percent disability and their widows and widowers and basing the amount of the exemption on a veteran’s federal disability rating.

Constitutional Amendment 2

Increase property tax exemption for veterans from $4,000 to $10,000 and index it to inflation

Constitutional Amendment 3

Authorizes the dean of the UNM Law School to designate the chair of the judicial nominating commission (rather than serving themselves). The designee will be an associate dean, faculty member, retired faculty member, or a former dean.

Constitutional Amendment 4

Authorizes county commissioners to set salaries for county officers (commissioners); this is currently set by the Legislature based on county size (This is one that taxpayers and voters should focus on. Allowing county commissioners to set their own salaries certainly raises concerns).

Local issues of concern

Las Cruces voters are deciding on a big increase to their gross receipts tax.

In Bernalillo County voters will decide whether to renew a 6.4 mill for UNM Hospital for 8 years: Local taxpayers subsidize the rest of the state through their support of UNM Hospital. There SHOULD be reforms made to share this burden, but that will ONLY happen if local voters demand it.

Bernalillo County voters will be asked to decide whether to keep Judge Cindy Leos on the bench in one of several retention elections. The judge will need to achieve 57% of the vote in order to remain on the bench. We have shared our concerns about her track record as a judge.

If you have a ballot issue on YOUR local ballot that we failed to discuss here, please send us an email: info@riograndefoundation to let us know where you’re from and what the issue is. We’d like to have a comprehensive list by the start of early voting.