Candidate Profile: Linda Lopez

Since first being elected to the New Mexico Senate in 1996, Senator Lopez has served Senate District 11 in Southwest Albuquerque, with passion and an uncompromised work ethic. It is rare for her to face opposition, however this election cycle she has an opponent, Republican Marylinda Price. Ms. Lopez has a strong presence in the Senate. She chairs the Rules Committee and serves on the Judiciary Committee. It is imperative that Senator Lopez retain her seat. She appreciates the work of the Westside Dems. Over the next few weeks we need to continue working on Senator Lopez’s behalf and support her campaign.

Following are Senator Lopez’s position on key issues. Which come from her work in the legislature and previous interviews.

Ms. Lopez does not want to see drastic cuts in the programs which supply our most vulnerable citizens a safety net. Understanding that there will be less money in the state coffers means the legislature and executive must look for new sources of revenue. Adjusting the tax breaks for higher incomes will be looked at.

One new source of income is the legalization of marijuana. Senator Lopez has supported medical marijuana laws and is open to supporting legalization if proper structures and oversights are in place.

The senator has always been a strong supporter of education, especially in the areas of special education and early childhood services. She feels it is time to take a look at a constitutional amendment to use revenue from the Permanent Land Grant Fund to support early childhood services. Increasing bandwidth will provide for more educational opportunities throughout the state.

Senator Lopez sponsored legislation to remove the anti-abortion law which has been the law in New Mexico since 1969. The law has not been enforceable since Roe v. Wade. However Roe v. Wade might be in jeopardy with the changes to the Supreme Court.  It is important that the 1969 law be overturned in the next legislative session.

With oil and gas revenues decreasing Senator Lopez sees this as an opportunity to look for new sources of revenue and increase revenue from other sectors. She supports a moratorium on fracking because of the impact it has on our water, especially in the current drought conditions which is affecting our entire state. New Mexico must continue to support renewable energy mandates.

Crime and public safety are at the forefront in Albuquerque and New Mexico. Senator Lopez sees a need to look at our current laws to find ways to fix the crime issue. Along with policing we must consider investing in community and mental health, education and families.  It is also important that we work with those leaving prison to make sure they do not return to criminal activities.

Senator Lopez supported the current emergency powers act and likes the job our governor has done to limit the impact on our citizens from the coronavirus.  New Mexico’s numbers have low in comparison to other states.