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Committee tables bill to recognize "Gracias, New Mexico" as winter song
Summary
The committee tabled Senate Bill 379, a measure to formally adopt a winter‑themed song titled "Gracias, New Mexico." Supporters and several members praised the song, but some senators said it is not sufficiently widely known to make official; the committee voted to table the bill.
The Senate Indian Rural Cultural Affairs Committee on Wednesday tabled Senate Bill 379, a proposal to recognize a wintertime song titled "Gracias, New Mexico." Supporters described the song as a tribute to New Mexico's mixed cultural heritage; others said the piece is not widely known statewide and suggested leaving adoption for another time.
Jay Garcia, a private citizen from Santa Ana Pueblo, spoke in support and said the song "does embody everything about New Mexico and especially during the winter holidays." The bill sponsor noted the recording and performance history in New Mexico and said the composer waived royalties if an official recognition were adopted.
Several senators questioned whether making the song an official item was appropriate. Senator Soles said a formal list of state recognitions should reflect items that are "very widely known and accepted" across the state. After a brief in‑room performance of part of the song, the committee debated the merits and potential downstream costs or implications. A motion to table the bill carried by committee vote; the clerk recorded a three‑yes result to table SB 379.
