Violence looms over New Mexico Legislature as work begins

By MORGAN LEE
Associated Press

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is calling for new gun control laws and greater accountability for firearm manufacturers while denouncing recent drive-by shootings against politicians in Albuquerque and what she called a national scourge of violence. Her State of the State address Tuesday at the start of an annual legislative session called for increased spending on education amid a multibillion-dollar budget surplus. Democratic lawmakers want to expand preschool access, increase public salaries and provide at least $1 billion in tax relief. But concerns about politically motivated violence loomed after police arrested a failed Republican candidate in connection with a series of shootings targeting the homes of Democratic lawmakers in Albuquerque.