In response to a Senate committee’s approval earlier this week of a campaign contribution limits bill that would sunset two years after it takes effect, Gov. Bill Richardson called today for the approval of permanent ethics reform.
“I’m pleased that this issue is moving forward, but we don’t need temporary ethics reform,” Richardson said in a news release. “I urge legislators get me a bill with a firm and permanent cap on campaign contributions.”
The bill, unanimously approved by members of the Senate Rules Committee, would limit contributions from individuals to $2,300, from political committees to $5,000 and from political parties to $10,000 per calendar year. It would take effect on Jan. 1, 2011 and includes a sunset clause of Jan. 1, 2013.
Sen. Linda Lopez, D-Albuquerque and the committee’s chairwoman, says that would give the state a chance to review the limits. But Richardson isn’t buying it. He called on lawmakers to remove the sunset clause and said he met with Lopez on Wednesday to push for the approval of additional ethics reform proposals.
“I am hopeful that Sen. Lopez and her colleagues will move forward with additional ethics reform legislation — most importantly, a bill that creates an independent ethics commission,” Richardson said.