Yvette Herrell in NM legislative records

On Civil Rights: Oppose making state agencies address institutional racism

Analysis by BillTrack50: The Rio Grande Foundation, whose mission is to inform citizens of the importance of individual freedom & limited government, says, "SB269 wastes time and resources by requiring state agencies to develop and implement policies to decrease 'institutional racism'."

Veto Message: I cannot support a bill that would place such a tremendous burden on our state agencies without any assurance that the bill would actually identify or reduce institutional racism in the workplace.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 24-13-5, Roll Call #413 on Mar/10/17; Passed House 36-27-7, Roll Call #575 on Mar/18/17; State Rep. Yvette Herrell voted NO; Vetoed by Governor Susana Martinez on Mar/30/17.

On Crime: Opposed restricting use of solitary confinement on minors

Analysis by N.M. Political Report: HB175 restricted certain types of solitary confinement in jails. The bill would have prohibited confining pregnant women, teenagers or inmates with severe behavioral health issues. One opponent says the veto means "taxpayers will continue to pay millions in settlements for over utilizing an outdated and inhumane jail management tool."

Veto Message: HB 175 oversimplifies isolated confinement in such a way so as to eliminate flexibility and endanger the lives of inmates and staff alike. It is possible that a serious youthful offender poses a threat to, or actually engages in a pattern of harmful behavior toward other inmates or staff--HB 175 would prevent the correctional facility from utilizing restricted housing for this inmate.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 38-22-10 on Mar/11/17; State Rep. Yvette Herrell voted NO; Passed Senate 29-3-10 on Mar/17/17; Vetoed on Apr/6/17

On Government Reform: Don't consolidate state & local elections on same day

Santa Fe New Mexican analysis 2/10/18:House Bill 98 would largely do away with the practice of local governments holding elections at pretty much any time of year. The Secretary of State, League of Women Voters and county clerks have supported the measure, contending it would boost participation in elections on important topics such as educational policy and raising taxes. School districts oppose the bill, saying it might lead to less support for boards and bond issues.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 51-10-9 on Feb/10/18; State Rep. Yvette Herrell voted NO; Passed Senate 25-15-2 on Feb/14/18; Signed by Gov. Martinez on Mar/7/18

On Jobs: Oppose raising state minimum wage to $9/hour

Analysis by N.M. Political Report: Back in 2013, Martinez vetoed a bill to increase the minimum wage to $8.50 per hour. At the time, Martinez said she would have accepted a smaller minimum wage increase. In 2014, Martinez said she would have supported an increase to $8.00 per hour. The Legislature was unable to pass a minimum wage increase that year.

Veto Message: These minimum wages would have a disproportionate impact on our rural small businesses, without any corresponding protections for business owners. Our small businesses are the backbone of our state's economy, and those businesses, especially those in rural areas, cannot sustain the changes this bill puts forth.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 24-6-12 on Mar/1/17; Passed House 41-27-2, Roll Call #505 on Mar/16/17; State Rep. Yvette Herrell voted NO; Vetoed on Apr/6/17.