Campaign reform, keeping capital outlay money in their districts and clamping the lid down on taxes are just some of the many accomplishments local lawmakers cite during the grueling 60-day marathon otherwise known as the 2009 New Mexico Legislature.

The legislative session isn’t exactly history yet — Gov. Bill Richardson is promising a special session later this year — but there was plenty of reform and some disappointment.

Here is a brief summary of the session by lawmakers from across eastern New Mexico:

Rep. Dennis Roch, R-Tucumcari

District 67 (Curry, Harding, Quay, Roosevelt, San Miguel, Union)

Your view of the session?

“It was nothing like I’d ever seen before. There was important work, and I found on some issues, party didn’t matter. It was refreshing. It felt like everybody I came into contact with cared about New Mexico., cared about public policy and the citizens they represented.”

What was the best accomplishment local legislators made?

It’s hard for me because my local area isn’t local. It’s six counties, so that’s a little tricky. I would say one of the big pieces was the passage of Senate Bill 38, i allows our school districts to use House Bill 33 money to purchase school activity vehicles. Sen. Harden and I worked on that one.

l Roch also mentioned House Bill 622, with sets up training programs at institutions of higher education for green jobs industries and provides financial incentives for those who set up green jobs. Roch credits cross-party work with Ben Lujan on the bill.

What was something where you wanted to do more?

“I was disappointed the funding formula for public schools did not make it out of the Senate. It became a little politicized, which was unfortunate. (Roch was one of two Republicans to vote for the bill in the House, and said it came down to a “tax increase versus spending cut” argument).

“I was disappointed that because of the politicization of that and because of some other spending priorities, education got the short shrift again.”

l Roch was also happy a measure failed to increase legislator pension. He felt it was wrong to seek more money after asking other state employees to make sacrifices on retirement pay.

Anything that made this session different from others?

“This was my rookie session. From what I’ve heard, everybody in the previous sessions are up there asking for money. They want more of the pie. it’s crucial they keep their funding. This time there was no capital outlay at all. The most critical needs were addressed.

“It made for an easier session, from what I’ve heard, because there weren’t people waiting at your door for state government money.”

Sen. Clint Harden, R-Clovis

District 7 (Colfax, Curry, Harding, Quay, San Miguel, Taos, Union)

Your view of the session?

“Bittersweet. We got a budget, we were able to do some things and we didn’t have to furlough any employees. By the same token, we didn’t make the kind of cuts we needed to make. I’m disappointed. I don’t think we dealt with the funding formula, so the small rural schools are going to have to be looking for emergency funding.”

What was the best accomplishment local legislators made?

“I am pleased we made progress with autism legislation (Senate Bill 39, which increases insurance coverage).” He was disappointed an additional measure to study school system training in dealing with autistic children didn’t get to the floor of the House.

What was something where you wanted to do more?

l In the financial aspect, Harden felt too much funding went to the Rio Grande area, with little between Carlsbad and Raton.

Anything that made this session different from others?

“Obviously, the budget. I think the unintended consequences were the committee work. Committee work this time was significant, (since) there weren’t money issues to address. They were more detailed in their process than in the past.”

— Compiled by Freedom New Mexico writer Kevin Wilson