FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 23, 2021 Contact: Joaquin Romero joaquin.romero@nmlegis.gov (505) 506-5798
Senate Republican Leaders Issue Statement on Public Barring from Capitol for Upcoming Legislative Sessions
SANTA FE — Today the Legislative Council Service announced that individuals who do not provide evidence of full vaccination will not be allowed into the Capitol complex during the upcoming legislative sessions.
Senate Republican Leader, Senator Greg Baca (District 29-Bernalillo and Valencia), and Senate Republican Whip, Senator Craig Brandt (District 40-Sandoval), issued the following statement in responce to the announced policy:
“This policy set forth by the Legislative Council Service, at the directive of the Democrat leaders of the legislature, is another overt attempt to operate without accountability from the public.
We strongly oppose this decision as one that is antithetical to our transparent legislative process. Just one year after the Capitol was surrounded by a fence, barring the people from their house, the leaders of the legislature are yet again erecting a barrier to New Mexican’s access to their government.
This is not a COVID driven policy. If it was, the clear evidence of vaccinated individual’s ability to spread the virus would negate the reasoning for the rule. Instead, COVID has proven to be an effective means by which the political elites can justify their power grabs and limit public access and participation.
Following the Governor’s loss in the Supreme Court, we are tasked with appropriating an additional $1 billion. There has never been a more important time to ensure the public is present and heard, as their money is spent.
Shame on those behind this decision. The people of New Mexico will not be fooled by your theatrics, and we call on you to immediately rescind this arbitrary and discriminatory policy.”
###