SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Two New Mexico state representatives have been getting paid for the Legislator's 2014 session though they've been absent due to health problems. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that records obtained Tuesday indicate that Democratic Reps. Phillip Archuleta of Las Cruces and Ernest Chavez of Albuquerque each received more than $1,500 for the first 10 days of the session. Their absences have been excused because of their health problems.
A spokeswoman for House Speaker Kenny Martinez says Martinez believe the payments are appropriate because Archuleta and Chavez have been doing legislative work such as introducing legislation and submitting requests for capital projects.
New Mexico legislators don't receive salaries. Instead, they recent daily payments for attendance. They also receive mileage reimbursements.
