DALLAS - New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez called for $180 million for highway projects over the next three years, tax cuts for businesses and more spending on education in her second State of the state address on Jan. 20.
The Republican governor did not mention the impact falling oil prices could have on the state's economy but did take a jab at her predecessor, Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson.
"Corrupt contractors aren't allowed to do business with the state any longer, judges can now take away the pensions of corrupt officials, and we have recovered over $29 million in taxpayer money that was squandered in the Richardson-era pay-to-play scandals," Martinez said.
"Those convicted of public corruption should be immediately removed from office, not be allowed to stay on the job and collect a paycheck," she added. "And, as we have done with appointees in my administration, legislators should not be able to serve in government one day, then lobby that same government the next."?
Richardson faced "possible legal issues" in 2008 and 2009 while a federal grand jury investigated "pay-to-play" allegations involving Richardson's political action committee "Moving America Forward."
Financial advisory firm CDR Financial Products Inc. was alleged to have funneled more than $100,000 in donations to Richardson's PAC in exchange for state construction projects. Although CDR founder David Rubin was later convicted of unrelated bid-rigging charges, Richardson faced no criminal charges.
Martinez was elected in 2010 after a campaign that was focused largely on the record of Richardson's eight years in office.
Launching her second term, Martinez said the state's "greatest challenge is making New Mexico more competitive economically, and less reliant on federal spending."
After cutting business taxes 22% in her first term, Martinez called for "targeted tax relief for small business owners to reduce the personal income tax burden on small business owners during the early stages."
She also proposed a $50 million closing fund for economic development projects.?
"We should also provide specific incentives to attract companies to move their headquarters to New Mexico," she said.
The governor also proposed raising teacher salaries by $2,000 per year and providing each teacher with a $100 debit card for school supplies.
Major transportation projects would benefit from $180 million of bond funds over three years, Martinez said.
"We must turn our attention to our aging highway infrastructure," she said, "to roads that are unsafe, failing, and impeding economic growth."
