As is often the case, the first day of the 2017 legislative session began with lawmakers, lobbyists and reporters catching up and getting their bearings straight. The first day began with lawmakers settling into their new seating assignments and making new leadership official.
Rep. Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, was elected Speaker of the House, while Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton, D-Albuquerque, was elected by the Democratic caucus to serve as the Majority Floor Leader.
Republicans elected Rep. Nate Gentry, R-Albuquerque, to serve as Minority Floor Leader.
Before Gov. Susana Martinez gave her State of the State Address, lawmakers signed their oaths of office.
Being sworn in can also elicit some emotional responses.
As always, political figures from around the state showed up to hear Gov. Martinez’s speech.
Besides gearing up for the sixty-day session, much of the day was spent arranging committee assignments, meeting new lawmakers and acknowledging how long their beards have grown.
