New Mexico Governor, Lawmakers No Closer To Special Session

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic New Mexico lawmakers are complaining that Gov. Susana Martinez hasn't offered a plan to fill the state's budget hole. The Republican governor says she's already asked the agencies under her control to cut back and has promised to call a special legislative session once lawmakers have concrete proposals for shoring up the state's finances. But there's no indication either side is closer to an agreement as New Mexico faces a $458 million shortfall that's tied to weak tax revenues and New Mexico's dependence on oil and natural gas development. Lawmakers must also address a nearly quarter-billion-dollar deficit from last fiscal year. Martinez spokesman Mike Lonergan accused Senate Democrats of playing politics in an election year. Sen. John Arthur Smith dismissed that claim, saying Thursday that everything needs to be on the table regardless of campaign promises.