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Senate committee tables bill to designate 'Gracias New Mexico' as state winter song
Summary
The committee voted to table Senate Bill 379, which would have designated 'Gracias New Mexico' (formerly 'Christmas in New Mexico') as a state winter song, after questions about its statewide familiarity and potential effects; supporters emphasized cultural representation and said the composer would not seek royalties.
The Senate Indian, Rural and Cultural Affairs Committee voted to table Senate Bill 379, which would have designated "Gracias New Mexico" as the state's official winter holiday song.
Sponsor materials said the song—recorded in New Mexico and performed by longtime local entertainer Freddie Chavez—celebrates Hispanic, Native American and Anglo traditions in the state. Jay Garcia, a Santa Ana Pueblo resident who testified in support, said the song "embody[es] everything about New Mexico" and could be used in hospitality and tourism marketing.
Several committee members questioned whether the song is widely known statewide. "Most things that we do that are the official New Mexico...I don't think it's widely known around the state," said a committee member who opposed immediate designation, arguing official symbols should be broadly recognized. The committee also heard from a sponsor's representative who said the composer would not expect royalties if the song were adopted.
After brief testimony and a short demonstration of the song in the committee room, a senator moved to table the bill. The motion to table passed in committee by a recorded margin; the clerk reported three votes in favor of tabling the measure. Committee members said they appreciate the song but questioned whether official designation is appropriate for a piece not broadly familiar to New Mexicans.
Action: Motion to table Senate Bill 379 carried; the bill was set aside by committee action.
