Richardson calls for Aug. 15 special session

SANTA FE – Like a bad penny, they’re coming back.

Gov. Bill Richardson announced Monday he will call a special session of the state Legislature next month to deal with health-care reform, tax relief and road funding.

The session, which will start Aug. 15, is 10 days before the Democratic National Convention in Denver; Republicans will have their national convention the following week in Minneapolis.

Richardson is calling on legislators to approve his universal health care plan, a $211 million tax rebate package and $200 million for road projects.

“New Mexicans need relief now,” Richardson said in a statement released Monday afternoon. “I am working with legislators to move forward with a special session so we can address health care and put money in people’s pockets before the holiday season.”

The governor had previously said that health care would be the only issue he would ask legislators to address in a special session. That plan of action was widely criticized by Senate Republicans, who had threatened to convene and immediately adjourn without taking any action.

Legislative Finance Committee Chairman John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, also had publicly called for the road and tax issues to be added to the special session.

It was not immediately clear if Republicans will stay and consider all three items on the governor’s agenda. Four or five top Republican senators, including Steve Komadina of Sandoval County, are being targeted by the Democrats in the November election and can’t afford to spend too much time in Santa Fe during the campaign season.

Despite adding two more issues to the special session, Richardson said his health care plan was still a priority.

“We are ready to move forward with health care reform and cover more New Mexicans,” Richardson said. “There is adequate room in the budget to get this done now. We can’t afford not to act.”

Higher income from oil and gas have improved the state’s financial picture in recent months, but many legislators believe the windfall is not a revenue stream he state should count on in future budgets and shouldn’t be committed on health care reform. He governor believes the state can afford all of the proposals he is putting on his call for the special session.