By the #s: NM’s beleaguered emergency fund source of growing tension between governor, Legislature

By the #s: NM’s beleaguered emergency fund source of growing tension between governor, Legislature

A pile of sandbags sits on a sidewalk in Ruidoso after post-fire flooding wreaked havoc in 2025. The Ruidoso fires and floods constituted a major cause of millions of dollars in emergency spending. Some lawmakers believe the way the governor is paying for emergency response is illegal. (Photo courtesy NMDHSEM)Wildfires, floods and National Guard deployments over the last several years have depleted a key disaster fund in New Mexico. Gov. Michell…