New Mexico governor's social spending to get greater scrutiny
SANTA FE – A previously unaudited account used by New Mexico’s governors to pay for social obligations will be more tightly monitored as a Democratic governor takes office in the new year.
A law signed by outgoing Gov. Susana Martinez earlier this year increases oversight of the so-called contingency fund that has been used for decades by governors to pay for dinners, gifts for protocol meetings, or spending on gestures of congratulations or condolences.
The changes are among a few laws that take effect Jan. 1 as Democratic Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham takes office with promises to provide greater transparency and accountability in state government.
Martinez has provided quarterly summaries of social spending by category without itemized receipts, steadfastly declining requests for more details.
Read more: https://www.abqjournal.com/1261612/new-mexico-governors-social-spending-gets-greater-scrutiny.html