Mary Kay Papen seeks re-election to Senate

Mary Kay Papen seeks re-election to Senate

Sun-News report
LAS CRUCES — Mary Kay Papen, a Las Cruces Democrat, announced Friday she will seek re-election to the New Mexico State Senate.

Papen was first elected to the Senate in 2000. She represents District 38.

“I look forward to continuing the work I have started in improving mental health services, supporting agriculture and encouraging economic development in southern New Mexico,” Papen said. “I am pleased with the progress we have made, but there is still much to do.”

Papen serves on the Senate Finance Committee, the interim Legislative Finance Committee, the Water and Natural Resources committee, chairs the Behavioral Health Sub-committee and is vice chair of the New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee.

Papen has championed many important pieces of legislation including mental health insurance benefits, Katie's Law, affordable housing reform, and legislation dealing with water, economic development and education.

Papen said she is proud of the work she has done supporting the colonias initiative, by bringing state funds to help improve infrastructure in the colonias. She has also supported numerous quality of life initiatives in Las Cruces, such as carrying the downtown Tax Increment Development District legislation, supporting the Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center, and helping New Mexico State University fund projects the community can enjoy.

Papen has demonstrated her commitment to public service by serving in the Legislature, and by volunteering as a board member for the La Casa Domestic Violence Shelter, St. Luke’s Health Clinic, the First Step Clinic for Prenatal and Pediatric Care, the Las Cruces Symphony, and the Border Book Festival.

“My mother used to tell me we had to pay for our space in this world,” Papen said. “Volunteering my time serving District 38 has been the best way to give back to the community I love.”

The primary election is June 5, and the general election is Nov. 6.