The Latest: New Mexico gov asks for bipartisan approach

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Latest on Gov. Susana Martinez's State of the State address (all times local): 2:10 p.m. Gov. Susana Martinez says New Mexico is weathering declines in the oil and natural gas sector much better than other states but she acknowledges there are major challenges that lawmakers face during the 60-day session. In her State of the State address Tuesday, she called for a bipartisan approach to fill a budget gap and asked the Legislature not to take the easy way out. She says there's a way forward without raising taxes, pointing to the elimination of tax loopholes, keeping government small and the sweeping of money from idle accounts. Martinez also pleaded with lawmakers not to gut economic incentive programs, saying new companies such as Facebook have chosen to move to New Mexico. ___ 2 p.m. New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez is delivering her seventh State of the State address in Santa Fe as lawmakers convene to resolve a budget crisis and consider other policy initiatives. Martinez wants lawmakers to tackle a budget deficit without raising taxes. Policy initiatives for public safety, education and economic development also are on the governor's wish-list for the 60-day legislative session. The second-term GOP governor and leading lawmakers agree that agency spending cuts enacted in October will need to be extended into the next fiscal year, while preserving funding for public safety agencies and the Children, Youth and Families Department. Political divisions already have emerged on Martinez's proposals to tap school district reserves and make pension contribution changes affecting teachers and state workers to shore up the general fund.