House Appropriations & Finance Committee opens session with staff introductions and member orientation

The House Appropriations & Finance Committee opened its meeting with committee leadership and staff introducing themselves and outlining orientation resources and schedule, emphasizing support for members as they prepare for the upcoming budget work.

The committee chair (name not specified), presiding, told members the panel would hear brief remarks from HAFC staff and emphasized that committee work will be intense during the session. Amanda Breiding, chief of staff for the House Appropriations & Finance Committee, introduced HAFC staff, described how members should use their binders and urged members to consult Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) staff when they need help. "We are here to help. We're here to get you on the right page in your binder. Please use us as a resource," Breiding said.

The committee was briefed on staff roles and new personnel. Breiding introduced lead analyst Michael Mulligan, who she said has served the committee six years; new analyst Jessica Seeley, who will track legislation including House Bill 2; Garrett Mosley, described as a student regent from New Mexico State University who will assist on environmental and other agency matters; and other committee assistants and staff. Breiding said committee binders will "fill up really, really fast" and that members should rely on staff to navigate budget volumes.

Members were given logistical guidance for the committee schedule. The chair noted the committee will meet on multiple Saturdays early in the session—"we sort of get 4 Saturdays before the bill is before the beginning"—and that the bulk of work is expected during the 60-day legislative session. Staff said LFC will provide an orientation series beginning with a "Medicaid 101" session, and Kelly Klunt of LFC will walk members through reading committee materials during a training session the following day. Breiding encouraged attendance, saying the orientation sessions are held in the committee room and include breakfast.

While no formal actions or votes were taken during the remarks, staff and leadership stressed expectations for member conduct and question strategy during hearings. The chair told members to bring curiosity to budget hearings and to ask focused questions at the witness table. Breiding added, "That is the one thing I can promise," referring to staff availability. The chair closed by reminding members that there is "no wrong question. No wrong door." The committee adjourned to resume hearings the following day.

The remarks combined introductions, schedule and procedural guidance intended to help members navigate budget volumes, training, and staff resources as the committee moves into substantive budget hearings and consideration of bills including House Bill 1 and House Bill 2, which were referenced as forthcoming agenda items.