As most years, the 2016 Legislative session began with pomp and circumstance. Arguably one of the most crowded days at the capitol building, New Mexico lawmakers and politicos packed the House chambers to hear Gov. Martinez’ State of the State address.
Andy Lyman
Gov. Susana Martinez during her State of the State Address in 2016. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
While Republican lawmakers mostly applauded Martinez’ legislative goals, Democratic leaders were busy taking notes.
House Minority Leader Brian Egolf takes notes during the 2016 State of the State Address. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Senate majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen, taking notes during the 2016 State of the State Address. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
When Martinez wrapped up her speech, many lawmakers made their way through the chambers, meeting with the many guests, including Congressional delegates.
Rep. Conrad James, R-Albuquerque, after the 2016 State of the State Address.
U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., looks at Rep. Sheryl William Stapleton’s hat after the State of the State. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Before the State of the State Address, Representatives and Senators introduced their respective special guests.
Rep. Bob Wooley, R-Roswell, before the 2016 State of the State Address. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Rep. Paul Pacheco, R-Albuquerque, waiting for the State of the State Address. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Gov. Susana Martinez during the 2016 State of the State Address. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Martinez also announced some of her special guests, who included Michelle Webster and Julie Benner, both widows of law enforcement officers who were recently killed in the line of duty.
Widows of two police officers who were killed in the line of duty while receiving a standing ovation. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Gov. Susana Martinez during the 2016 Legislative Session. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Some Democratic Senators were reportedly wearing socks depicting slices of pizza, in reference to a recent incident involving Martinez at a Santa Fe hotel where police were called regarding a noise complaint. Martinez told police she and a few guests were eating pizza and drinking soft drinks.
Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez wearing socks with pizza and cokes on them, a reference to the incident with Martinez at the Eldorado Hotel in December. Photo Credit: Andy Lyman.
Sanchez later criticized Martinez for her speech as well as intimidating some members of the press into not printing negative stories about her.
Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen, giving his response to the State of the State flanked by Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque, (l) and Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, (r). Photo Credit: Andy Lyman
