Learn to D.R².I.V.E. Series Promotes Civic Understanding: Debut Webinar Engages Experts to Empower the People

by Samantha Anne Carrillo

In addition to federal and tribal law and policy, life in New Mexico is largely informed by legislation that gets passed on the state level. Yet the process by which a need and a solution are identified and a bill gets drafted, presented, voted on and potentially becomes a governor-signed law remains a mystery to many—if not the majority—of those governed and theoretically served by state government.

New Mexico Black Leadership Council hosted and simulcast on Facebook Live and YouTube the first in a series of educational events, D.R².I.V.E. Demystifying Roundhouse Rules: Introduce • Vote • Enact, on April 11. Organized and moderated by NMBLC Founder Cathryn McGill and featuring a panel of elected officials—Rep. Janelle Anyanonu, Rep. Pamelya Herndon and Senator Harold Pope, Jr.—and guests like Adrián Avila of the State Senate Majority Office among others, the goal was to begin to demystify the process by which legislation is introduced and passed in New Mexico, including the annual state operating budget a.k.a. HB 2 and to make more transparent the annual timeline for capital outlay expenditures a.k.a. distribution of funding.

“We’re starting a conversation about not just learning about but also actively engaging and understanding the very fabric of our government—our legislative process. Just as a driver knows the rules of the road, each of us needs to grasp how our government functions, recognizing that it’s supposed to be of the people, by the people and for the people. All of the people,” said McGill. This session is designed to foster a nonpartisan, nonpolitical dialogue that goes beyond any single issue. Tonight's conversation is about the overarching processes that guide how all these issues are addressed in our community. It’s about empowering each of us to understand these processes and participate in them actively.”

Topics covered in the initial D.R².I.V.E. event’s first segment, “The Foundations of New Mexico’s Legislative Process,” by the panel of elected officials and Avila include: key differences between New Mexico’s 30- and 60-day sessions as well as special sessions; what the governor’s call for legislature means; the constitution and structure of interim committees; the legislature’s appropriating power and timeline; the annual capital outlay process and timeline for HB 2; how the state’s new GRO funding works; and New Mexicos’ anti-donation clause and its relevant amendments.

The second segment, “From Ideas to Action: Getting Your Voice Heard,” featured guest speakers with expertise in this area: Marilyn Pettes Hill, a former state Deputy Treasurer; Alexandria Taylor, executive director of New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs; Stephanie Maez, an activist and former state legislator; and Monet Silva, executive director of New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness. This segment covered: how individuals and communities can influence legislation and legislative agendas; strategies for navigating and engaging legislators and committees; and how to work with state departments and agencies.

Stream the first D.R².I.V.E. Demystifying Roundhouse Rules: Introduce • Vote • Enact event via YouTube below.