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Cliff R. Pirtle — Republican State Senator for New Mexico District 32 (official headshot)

Cliff R. Pirtle Voting Record & Scorecard | National Democrat Platform

NM Senator

District: 32 • Republican

2024 DEM Alignment:

57.14%

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Voting Alignment with DEM Platform – by Chapter

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Sen. Cliff R. Pirtle (R-NM-32) earned a 57% National Democrat Platform score for 2024, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Cliff R. Pirtle voted on 28 of the 31 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2024. Cliff R. Pirtle represents the 32nd District in the New Mexico State Senate.

Title

Lawmaker Position

HB 1Senate 20241x

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through Over $41 Million in Legislative Funding.

Against DEMs
This bill, known as the "feed bill," appropriates over $41 million for the legislature. According to the bill''s fiscal note, this includes $30.4 million in recurring spending (5.8% increase over FY 2024). The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
HB 129Senate 20241x

Infringing Second Amendment Rights by Establishing a Minimum 7-Day Waiting Period for Firearm Purchases and Transfers.

With DEMs
This bill imposes a 7-day waiting period on all firearm purchases and transfers. If a background check is not completed within that timeframe, the waiting period may be up to 20 days. James Madison and our nation''s other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure helps reduce unnecessary barriers for lawful individuals wishing to exercise their Second Amendment rights, barriers which do nothing to deter criminals from engaging in unlawful behavior. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
HB 165Senate 20241x

Growing Government Regulatory Power within the Pharmaceutical Industry by Imposing New Prescription Reimbursement Controls on Managed Care Organizations.

Against DEMs
This bill establishes a new mandate on managed care organizations that contract with the Health Care Authority under Medicaid. Under the bill, they must require community-based Medicaid-participating pharmacies be reimbursed "for the ingredient cost of a drug at a value that is at least equal to the national average drug acquisition cost . . . or if data for the national average drug acquisition is unavailable, the wholesale acquisition cost of the drug" plus "a professional dispensing fee." Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
HB 195Senate 20241x

Expanding Cronyism Through Taxpayer-Funded Loans to Subsidize Affordable Housing Development.

With DEMs
This bill expands the "Opportunity Enterprise Act" to the "Opportunity Enterprise and Housing Development Act" and authorizes the New Mexico Finance Authority to provide loans to "housing development partners" for affordable and workforce housing projects. Under the bill, a "housing development partner" includes private businesses, nonprofits, public benefit corporations, and others. Instead of growing government and central planning, lawmakers should empower the free market to make housing truly "affordable" by reducing stringent zoning regulations which significantly drive-up housing costs. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
HB 232Senate 20241x

Expanding Government Bureaucracy by Creating the Infrastructure Planning and Development Division.

Against DEMs
This bill creates the Infrastructure Planning and Development Division within the Department of Finance and Administration to, in part, assist local governments "in identifying and accessing funding for infrastructure development" and "coordinate with the federal grants bureau to leverage state dollars for federal infrastructure grants and to identify federal funding opportunities for state and local projects." Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
HB 252Senate 20241x

Expanding Cronyism Through an Omnibus Tax Bill Containing "Clean Car" Tax Credits.

With DEMs
This bill, an omnibus tax bill, includes 22 separate bills. Among the many provisions, the bill creates a "clean car income tax credit" for the purchase or lease of an electric vehicle, creates a "clean car charging unit income tax credit" for installation of an electric vehicle charger, raises the flat corporate tax rate to 5.9% for businesses with less than $500,000 in income (previously 4.8% if income was less than $500,000 and 5.9% if over $500,000), creates a tax deduction for sales of energy storage equipment to governments for installation of an energy storage facility. While the bill does contain positive provisions modifying the personal income tax brackets, these are outweighed by the inclusion of multiple new crony tax credits and deductions. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
HB 2 (Senate Version)Senate 20241x

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $28.9 Billion Appropriations Bill Chock-Full of Wasteful Programs Outside the Proper Scope of Government.

Against DEMs
This bill, the "General Appropriation Act of 2024," appropriates over $28.9 billion in recurring spending, including over $14.4 billion for Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, over $12 billion for the Health Care Authority Department, over $4.9 billion for Public School Support, over $784.8 million for the Early Childhood Education and Care Department, and over $30.2 million for the Tourism Department. The bill also includes over $19.9 million for "universal free school meals" and $10 million "For trail and outdoor infrastructure grants." Taxpayers should not be forced to fund wasteful and unnecessary initiatives which do not pertain to the core functions of government. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
HB 302Senate 20241x

Reducing Costs and Barriers for Childcare by Exempting Childcare Providers Certified by the Department of Defense or Coast Guard from State Licensing Requirements.

With DEMs
This bill exempts programs and facilities "certified as a family child care provider by a branch of the United States department of defense or by the United States coast guard" from the state''s "child care facility licensure requirements." However, this does not include "family child care providers who also provide child care services to children not affiliated with a branch of the United States department of defense or the United States coast guard." The bill also adds military status to the list of protected classes for discrimination. While the provision involving protected classes increases the risk of frivolous litigation, the bill helps provide more affordable childcare options by protecting against regulatory overreach. Support is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
HB 303Senate 20241x

Growing Government Dependency and Central Planning Through a New Workforce Training Program with Monthly Stipends of up to $1,000.

With DEMs
This bill creates the New Mexico Workforce Training Economic Support Pilot Program for workforce programs in certain areas, such as health care, early childhood education, renewable energy, and film and television. The program is designed, in part, to "demonstrate that the state can measurably increase access to living wage jobs" and will provide monthly stipends of up to $1,000 per month for 12 months. Additionally, the program is open to illegal immigrants residing in the state. This measure further grows the size of government and central planning. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
HB 308Senate 20241x

Further Indebting Taxpayers Through Over $290.6 Million in Bonds.

Against DEMs
This bill, the "2024 Capital Projects General Obligation Bond Act," authorizes over $290.6 million in general obligation bonds (debt). This includes over $230.2 million for "higher education, special schools and tribal schools capital improvement and acquisition bonds," over $30.7 million for "senior citizen facility improvement, construction and equipment acquisition bonds," over $19.3 million for "library acquisition bonds," and over $10.2 million for "public safety radio system improvement bonds." The bond authorization must be approved by voters. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
HB 33Senate 20241x

Imposing New Government Mandates Requiring Prescription Drug Manufacturers to Report Certain Cost Increases.

Against DEMs
This bill, the "Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act," requires drug manufacturers to report price increases, manufacturing and marketing costs, revenue, and other information for certain prescription medications. The bill also imposes various reporting requirements on Pharmacy Services Administrative Organizations, health insurers, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The nation witnessed first-hand the disastrous consequences and cost of growing government regulatory power in healthcare (i.e. Obamacare). Instead of doubling down and further growing government, lawmakers should work to promote a freer market through regulatory reduction. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
HB 41Senate 20241x

Placing Enormous New Costs on Businesses and Consumers by Mandating a 20% Reduction in "Carbon Intensity of Transportation Fuels" by 2030 and 30% by 2040.

With DEMs
This bill requires the Environmental Improvement Board to develop a "clean transportation fuel standard program" by July 1, 2026 "to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels used in the state." The standard is required to reduce the "carbon intensity" by at least 20% of 2018 levels by 2030 and 30% by 2040." Additionally, the bill requires development of a "transportation fuel credit market." This stringent mandate will have dire consequences on economic and business growth, which will ultimately be felt by consumers nationwide through higher product prices. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
HB 5Senate 20241x

Forcing Taxpayers to Fund Corporate Welfare Through a New Crony Workforce Fund to Incentivize Employers to Support Apprenticeships.

With DEMs
This bill creates the Workforce Development and Apprenticeship Trust Fund and requires transfers of $2.5 million in 2024 and 2025, and $1.5 million annually after, to both the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund and the Workforce Solutions Department. Additionally, certain public works projects are required to have an employer that "agrees to make contributions to approved apprentice and training programs in New Mexico in which the employer is a participant or to the public works apprentice and training fund." Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
HB 7 (Senate Version)Senate 20241x

Growing Government Dependency by Increasing the Disbursement of the Health Insurance Premium Surtax to the Health Care Affordability Fund.

With DEMs
Beginning September 1, 2025, this bill increases the disbursement of the health insurance premium surtax to the Health Care Affordability Fund from 30% to 55%. Under existing law, the amount was set to decrease from 55% to 30% beginning July 1, 2024. According to the bill''s fiscal note, the Health Care Affordability Fund "is intended to subsidize the cost of health insurance premiums for people who obtain coverage through the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange, commonly known as BeWellNM, and for small businesses." Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position as this bill further grows government dependency. Rather than increase health insurance subsidies for others, lawmakers should make health insurance more affordable by reducing - or ideally, eliminating - unnecessary taxes and regulations.
HB 91Senate 20241x

Expanding Cronyism and Wasteful Spending through the Creation of a "Geothermal Projects Development Fund" to Dole out Grants for Government-Favored Energy Projects.

Against DEMs
This bill creates the Geothermal Projects Development Fund to provide grants of up to $250,000 for "studying the costs and benefits of a proposed geothermal development project as approved by the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources." The bill also creates the Geothermal Projects Revolving Loan Fund to provide loans "for financing a geothermal development project approved by the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources." Notably, these loans are required to have the "lowest legally permissible interest rates." Taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize energy projects. Further, it is not the role of government to engage in financial lending for private business endeavors. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
SB 135Senate 20241x

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Expanding Prohibitions on Prior Authorization or Step Therapy Requirements.

Against DEMs
This bill expands a health insurance mandate that prohibits health insurers from requiring prior authorization or step therapy for prescriptions for autoimmune disorders and cancer (previously, only substance use disorders). The bill does allow an exception if "a biosimilar, interchangeable biologic or generic version is available" (previously, only if "a generic version is available").
SB 145Senate 20241x

Weakening National Security by Prohibiting Civil Immigration Detention Agreements.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits the state and local governments "from entering into agreements to detain individuals for federal civil immigration violations" or using any public funds for a facility that does so. Under the bill, any existing agreements must be terminated. The promotion of an open-border immigration system places an immense strain on U.S. infrastructure and taxpayer resources, ranging from welfare to the education system, while also creating serious national security and human trafficking issues. Lawmakers should focus on growing the U.S. economy through reforms to the immigration system that both increase the number of skilled individuals who may enter and work in our country and reduce human trafficking across our borders. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
SB 146 (Senate Version)Senate 20241x

Increasing Healthcare Costs Through New Mandates Requiring Hospitals Provide an "Affordable Payment Plan" for Certain Patients.

With DEMs
This bill expands the Hospital Funding Act to require county and contracting hospitals to "provide a patient with immediate treatment and an affordable payment plan if the county hospital or contracting hospital is the only provider of care in the county where the patient resides for a life-threatening condition, including cancer, that places the patient''s health in serious jeopardy, causes serious impairment to bodily function or causes serious dysfunction of any bodily organ" if the hospital does not accept the patient''s insurance, the patient is uninsured, or the patient is not eligible for county indigent programs or the state medical insurance pool. The nation witnessed first-hand the disastrous consequences and cost of growing government regulatory power in healthcare (i.e. Obamacare). Instead of doubling down and further growing government, lawmakers should work to promote a freer market through regulatory reduction. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
SB 15Senate 20241x

Growing Government Regulation in the Healthcare Industry by Requiring State Approval for Changes in Hospital Ownership or Control.

With DEMs
This bill, the "Health Care Consolidation Oversight Act," requires approval from the Office of Superintendent of Insurance for the transfer of hospital ownership or control. Under the bill, the office may consider factors such as "the health care market share of a party" and "the potential for the proposed transaction to affect health outcomes for New Mexico residents." In addition to approving or denying a transaction, the office may impose conditions on an approval. The nation witnessed first-hand the disastrous consequences and cost of growing government regulatory power in healthcare (i.e. Obamacare). Instead of doubling down and further growing government, lawmakers should work to promote a freer market through regulatory reduction. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
SB 153Senate 20241x

Providing an Additional $100 Million Annually for Early Childhood Education and Care Programs Outside the Proper Role of Government.

With DEMs
This bill increases the annual distribution from the Early Childhood Education and Care Fund to the Early Childhood Education and Care Program Fund from at least $150 million to at least $250 million. According to the bill''s fiscal note, this will provide increased funding "for childcare assistance, child and maternal health, doula and lactation support home visiting, quality support for prekindergarten, and department administrative oversight." Taxpayers should not be forced to fund wasteful and unnecessary initiatives which do not pertain to the core functions of government. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
SB 159 (Senate Version)Senate 20241x

Raiding the State''s Rainy-Day Fund to Provide $959 Million for College Scholarships.

Against DEMs
This bill creates the Higher Education Program Fund "to provide money for scholarships for tuition and fees at public post-secondary educational institutions" and transfers $959 million from the Tax Stabilization Reserve to the Higher Education Trust Fund. The bill also requires an annual distribution from the Higher Education Trust Fund to the Higher Education Program Fund of "five percent of the average of the yearend market values of the trust fund for the immediately preceding three calendar years." The Senate version provides that for 2024, the distribution is $47.95 million. It is a necessary role for government to provide quality K-12 education - ideally through school choice. College and university-level education should be funded through user fees (i.e., tuition) by those who wish to pursue their selected career path. These enormous costs should not be imposed on individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education, such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
SB 165 (Senate Version)Senate 20241x

Hiking Taxpayer Costs Through an Unnecessary Increase in Pensions Provided to State Legislators.

Against DEMs
This bill increases pension payment calculations for legislators retiring after May 15, 2024. According the bill''s fiscal note, this is estimated to cost an additional $1.5 million annually. State legislators serve in part-time rolls and are elected officials. This is an unnecessary cost for taxpayers considering there is no shortage of individuals who are willing to serve in these rolls - hence why elections are held due to the multitude of candidates. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
SB 17Senate 20241x

Growing Medicaid Spending Under Obamacare Through a New Hospital Assessment to Extract Additional Federal Funds.

Against DEMs
This bill, the "Health Care Delivery and Access Act," creates the Health Care Delivery and Access Medicaid-Directed Payment Program, and is designed to increase federal Medicaid funds by imposing an assessment on most hospitals. Under the bill, at least 90% of the funds are required to be used "for the non-federal share of the medicaid-directed payment program." According to the Governor''s press release, "By leveraging hospital assessments, the program will generate $1.3 billion in federal funds for hospitals in the state." This bill further grows out of control Medicaid spending and places the state at even greater dependency on federal funds - a significant liability if federal funding is cut. The state and federal government must work to shrink the Medicaid system. The out-of-control spending, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in existing federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
SB 176Senate 20241x

Extending the Unnecessary New Mexico Athletic Commission and Increasing Licensing Fees on Promoters, Judges, and Fighters.

With DEMs
This bill extends the New Mexico Athletic Commission for an additional 6 years, until July 1, 2029. Additionally, the bill increases annual licensing fees for promoters, judges, professional boxers, professional kickboxers, and others. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
SB 271Senate 20241x

Strengthening Law and Order by Requiring Judges to Review Bond Conditions for Individuals Arrested for Felonies While on Pretrial Release for Another Felony.

With DEMs
This bill requires that if a person who is out on bond for a felony is arrested for another felony, the person may not be released until the judges on each of the previous felony cases "or another judge assigned for that purpose" decides whether to modify or revoke the person''s release conditions. Protecting property rights and ensuring public safety serve as essential components of government. Support is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
SB 275Senate 20241x

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending and Further Indebting Taxpayers Through $1.5 Billion in Spending and Over $359.3 Million in Bonds.

Against DEMs
This bill appropriates over $1.5 billion and authorizes over $359.3 million in severance tax bonds (debt). This includes $45.35 million to the Administrative Office of the Courts, $16.1 million for state parks, $15 million for electric vehicle infrastructure, over $14.6 million for the Cultural Affairs Department, $10 million for "improvements to downtown mainstreet and arts and cultural districts," and $8 million to the State Fair Commission. Taxpayers should not be forced to fund wasteful and unnecessary initiatives which do not pertain to the core functions of government. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
SB 3Senate 20241x

Expanding the Size and Role of Government Through a New State-Run Paid Leave Program.

With DEMs
This bill, the "Paid Family and Medical Leave Act," establishes a state-run paid family and medical leave program that provides 100% pay for minimum wage employees and 67% pay above the minimum wage for up to 12 weeks every 12 months. This can be used for events such as the birth or adoption of a child or a "serious health condition." It is the role of the private sector - not government - to offer and manage paid leave programs. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
SB 5 (Senate Version)Senate 20241x

Weakening Self-Defense and Second Amendment Rights by Making it Illegal to Possess a Firearm at a Polling Place.

With DEMs
This bill creates the crime of "Unlawful possession of a firearm at a polling place". Under the bill, it is a crime to possess a firearm within 100 feet of an entrance to a polling location or within 50 feet of an absentee ballot drop box beginning 28 days before an election. The bill contains an exception for individuals whose business is within those distances. Violations are classified as petty misdemeanors, which are punishable by up to 6-months imprisonment and/or up to a $500 fine. This bill reduces individual liberties and the ability of individuals to defend themselves. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
HB 236Senate 20241x

Allowing Certain Retired Public Employees to Game the Pension System by Returning to Work and Continuing to Receive Pension Payments for Up to 3 Years.

Neutral
This bill allows retired public employees to return to work in certain positions (police, firefighter, EMT, etc.) and continue to receive pension payments for up to 36 months, subject to certain restrictions (such as requiring the position to have a vacancy rate of at least 10%). This allows public sector retirees to game the pension system by continuing to work while also receiving pension payments for up to 3 years. Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
SB 161 (Senate Version)Senate 20241x

Forcing Taxpayers to Pay $50 Million in Subsidies for Specific Healthcare Facilities

Neutral
This bill appropriates $50 million to the Health Care Authority Department "to provide quarterly subsidies" for 12 specific healthcare recipients "to cover revenue losses incurred due to: (1) providing emergency medical services; (2) providing inpatient services related to maternal, child and family health; (3) paying year-on-year cost increases for medical malpractice premiums; (4) medicare sequestration; (5) paying year-on-year cost increases for property insurance; or (6) providing in-patient unit acute care." Oppose is Americans For Prosperity''s position.
SJR 16Senate 20241x

Strengthening Government Integrity Through a Constitutional Amendment Restricting County Officer Compensation.

Neutral
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment providing, in part, that county officers may not "receive any fees or emoluments other than an annual salary, as established by the board of county commissioners." Additionally, the amendment provides that "All fees collected by a county official shall be paid into the treasury of the county." Support is Americans For Prosperity''s position.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sen. Cliff R. Pirtle's voting record?

Sen. Cliff R. Pirtle (R-NM-32) earned a 57% National Democrat Platform score for 2024, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Cliff R. Pirtle voted on 28 of the 31 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2024. Cliff R. Pirtle represents the 32nd District in the New Mexico State Senate.

How aligned is Cliff R. Pirtle with Democratic Party Platform principles?

Cliff R. Pirtle earned a 57% National Democrat Platform score in 2024, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles.

What is Cliff R. Pirtle's Dem Platform score?

Cliff R. Pirtle has a 57% Dem Platform score for 2024.

Where does Cliff R. Pirtle serve?

Sen. Cliff R. Pirtle (R-NM-32) represents the 32nd District in the New Mexico State Senate as a Republican.

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