Health care promises to be the major issue in the session, with Sen. Steve Komadina, R-Sandoval, playing a key role as the only physician in the Legislature.

Look for the reactions to the speech from Komadina and other representatives from the county later today on The SCORE.

Click here for more of this story.Richardson pulled out of the race for the Democratic nomination for president last Thursday. At the time he said he would focus his efforts on universal health care.

Republicans say they expect the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives to pass Richardson's plan because they know the more conservative Senate will likely kill it.

And Richardson's hopes for any progress were no doubt hampered with the death of Senate Pro Tem Ben Altamirano, who was known for his ability to bridge the gap between his colleagues and Richardson.

Now that the Senate is expected to name Richardson critic Tim Jennings, D-Chaves, as Altimarno's replacement, any movement on health care reform appears to be that much more difficult.

School districts, city governments and county governments will each be battling for a piece of the state's financial pie, which is expected to be smaller this year than in the recent past.

The city of Rio Rancho lists only three legislative requets this year. A $12.8 million request for drilling and equipping the S-24 water well site, part of the North Central Economic Development Area Water System, would serve the area around he proposed University of New Mexico/Central New Mexico Community College building. The city is also seeking $14.5 for the second phase of Unser Boulevard widening and construction from Farol Road to Progress Boulevards.

In November, the city council also agreed to support House Memorial 35 which requires the state transportation department to look at alternative ways to fund road construction.

Sandoval County passed several Legislative priorities in October. Click here to read more about the county's goals.