GUEST COLUMN: From Lea County to all 33: A bill that delivers

In Santa Fe, it’s easy to say no. It’s harder to roll up your sleeves, stand your ground, and get something done for the people who sent you there. That’s exactly what I’ve committed to doing — especially when it comes to making sure your tax dollars come back home.

During the 2025 legislative session, I introduced legislation to create the All Cities and Counties Fund, which would transfer a portion of Gross Receipts Tax revenue back to where it belongs — your local community. The concept is simple and one that has been championed by fellow legislators and local officials in this district for years: cities and counties are the backbone of New Mexico. They need the resources to repair roads, support police departments, invest in water infrastructure and serve the real, day-to-day needs of working families. Right now, too much of that money gets swallowed up in Santa Fe, far from the people who earned it.

While my bill received two hearings in committee, it was unfortunately tabled. But I didn’t walk away. I didn’t throw up my hands and blame the majority. I did what leaders are supposed to do — I went to work. I had conversations. I built relationships. I made the case repeatedly, because I believe that when you’re fighting for what’s right, you don’t quit after the first hurdle. And now, after months of persistence, I’m proud to say that the Speaker of the House has committed to supporting the bill when I reintroduce it in the 2026 regular session. Not only is the speaker co-sponsoring this bill with me, I also hosted him in Hobbs where he could see, firsthand, the community and industry that keeps New Mexico alive and funded — and why local communities like ours deserve to use the tax revenue that is generated by us.

Let me be clear: I’m a Republican, and we’re in the minority. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. It means we work harder, speak louder, and find ways to build bridges without sacrificing our values. That’s what this bill accomplishes. It’s not about party — it’s about fairness, accountability and local control. It’s about getting results for the people who don’t have interests in partisan games — they just want their streets fixed and their kids safe.

For Lea County and the city of Hobbs, this legislation would mean millions of dollars flowing back to our community every year. That’s not political theory — that’s real money that can be used to build and repair roads, upgrade critical infrastructure and ensure our police officers have the resources they need to keep us safe. Our community shouldn’t have to wait for the state to trickle-down funds when we already paid our share.

And it’s not just us. All 33 of New Mexico’s counties stand to benefit. From rural towns like Jal and Lovington to fast-growing areas in the north and west, this bill gives local municipalities and counties the ability to invest in themselves. It restores the trust that has been lost between state government and the communities that make this state work and keep it moving.

When local leaders have the flexibility and authority to use tax dollars where they’re needed most, we get better results. Less bureaucracy. More accountability. Stronger communities. That’s what Republican leadership looks like — returning power to the people, not hoarding it in the hands of a few.

This fight is just getting started. When the Legislature returns in January, I’ll reintroduce the All Cities and Counties Fund, and I’ll fight every day to get it passed. I invite my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand with me — not for political points, but for the good of every town and county we represent.

I didn’t run for office to sit quietly in the corner. I ran to bring common sense back into the Capitol — and to make sure the hardworking people of Lea County have a voice.

Let’s bring our tax dollars home. Let’s put them to work where they’re needed most. And let’s do it together.