FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: John Dyrcz 505-554-8679
February 18, 2026 Carter Bundy 505-463-8499


Santa Fe – Connie Derr, Executive Director of American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 18, Bethany Jarrell, President of National Education Association - New Mexico, Megan Green, President of Communications Workers of America Local 7076, and Whitney Holland, President of American Federation of Teachers New Mexico released the following joint statement:

We applaud the members of the House Taxation and Revenue Committee for adopting and passing an amendment to Senate Bill 151 that restores the previously budgeted 1% raise for state, educational, and higher education workers.

Today’s action reaffirms the House of Representatives’ strong commitment to support working families across New Mexico.

This is a huge win for public sector workers in New Mexico that represents more than the monetary value of a 1% raise – it is proof that when we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, workers can win. We know this is a difficult budget year but are optimistic that the Senate, with its many pro-worker allies, will readily concur with SB 151 as amended in the House Tax and Revenue Committee.

We owe special thanks to Speaker Javier Martinez, Taxation and Revenue Committee Chair Derrick Lente, and House Appropriations Chair Nathan Small for their willingness to find both the resources and legislative vehicle for restoring raises for hardworking New Mexicans.