State legislature convenes today

Gov. Martinez

Gov. Susana Martinez will outline her legislative priorities to lawmakers on the opening day of the Legislature's 30-day session. 

Lawmakers convene at noon today, and the governor will deliver her State of the State address to a joint session of the House and Senate. 

Martinez already has unveiled parts of her legislative agenda, including merit pay for teachers and budget increases for programs to help train more health care professionals.

 A Democratic legislator is sponsoring a constitutional amendment to legalize the possession and use of marijuana by people 21 and older. 

Democratic Party officials are urging the Legislature to raise the minimum wage to at least $10 an hour, up from $7.50. The session is limited to budget, taxes and proposals placed on the agenda by the governor.

State legislature convenes today