House District 33: Micaela Lara Cadena (D)*
Candidate Q&A
Name: Micaela Lara Cadena
Political Party: Democratic
Age: 43
Education: Masters, Community and Regional Planning
Occupation: Policy Researcher and youth soccer referee!
City of Residence:Mesilla
Campaign Website:
What steps do you believe should be taken to improve New Mexico's economic competitiveness?
Stop looking outside, stop following false promises. Invest in our people and our communities.
New Mexico is the only state that does not pay its legislators a salary, though lawmakers do receive per diem payments and can qualify for a legislative pension. Do you support or oppose the proposed constitutional amendment calling for a new legislative salary tied to the median family income level?
I strongly support the proposed constitutional amendment. Should voters approve this measure, we will be opening pathways for more people to run for a seat in the New Mexico legislature. Together we can ensure that our legislature reflects the expansiveness of our communities and potential of our state.
With New Mexico now the nation鈥檚 second-highest oil producing state, would you support or oppose changes to the state鈥檚 gross receipts tax and personal income tax structures? Please explain.
I am the Vice-Chair of the House Tax committee. Working alongside Chair Lente, we cut the state gross receipts tax for the first time in 40 years. We have made several changes to the personal income tax structures to get more money back to the families that need it most.
Would you support or oppose imposing water use limits on data centers? In addition, would you generally support or oppose banning data centers in New Mexico?
I am working with colleagues to introduce a data center moratorium. Our state and local governments need to assess if/when data centers make sense with appropriate protections in our communities. When we can do so lawfully (like with municipal water), I would support limits on water usage for data centers.
Amid a recent string of high-profile criminal cases involving juvenile defendants, do you support or oppose imposing stricter sentences for adolescents convicted of certain violent crimes?
I know we must respond to this crisis, I do not believe higher penalties are the best way forward.
Would you support or oppose a ban on selling certain types of firearms, including semiautomatic firearms and machine guns?
Support.
Do you support or oppose using New Mexico鈥檚 National Guard to assist local law enforcement with issues related to public safety?
Oppose.
What changes would you propose to improve New Mexico鈥檚 Children, Youth and Families Department?
We need an independent agency that does not fall under the governor or follow political headwinds. Instead, we should center the expertise of those who know these issues best-- building a statewide response to meet families where they are, and offer stability and safety to those who need it.
What steps should be taken to bring New Mexico into compliance with the 2018 court ruling that found New Mexico is failing to provide a sufficient education to all students?
Trust the Tribes. Trust educators. Trust families.
New Mexico has seen a string of devastating wildfires and floods in recent years. What policy steps, if any, should the state take to address these natural disasters?
Follow the science, follow the foresters, follow the water managers.
Would you support or oppose a paid family and medical leave program that would require most employees and employers to pay into a state-run fund?
Support.
Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
No.
Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain.
No.
Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
No.