A Look Inside the Workings of New Mexico State Legislature, from one Who Knows

New Mexico State Senator Dede Feldman

Dede Feldman is a former New Mexico state senator who focused on healthcare and democracy reforms. Before serving 16 years in the legislature, she was a freelance journalist, and a teacher and owned a small public relations company. Feldman will join us at the Placitas Community Library on January 4 at 2 pm. Always an inspiring speaker, Senator Feldman will talk about the upcoming session of the New Mexico legislature including the issues it will tackle and the process it will follow to pass bills and a budget. The talk will draw upon her book, Inside the New Mexico Senate: Boots Suits and Citizens, which is now regarded as a classic. The book is a legislative history with a human face where maverick leaders, shameless special interests, and earnest advocates clash in the unique arena that is the New Mexico Roundhouse. Here the NM Senate comes alive, with stories of grit and grace, honor and disgrace.  For students of government, advocates of change, and lovers of politics, this book is invaluable.

Feldman will review issues likely to come up in the 2025 session in the context of how the legislature works to kill or pass bills. She will give us an insider’s look at how to effectively engage with our Legislators and the legislative process.

Feldman is the author of several books. Her memoir, Ten More Doors: Politics and the Path to Change was the subject of a previous talk at Placitas Community Library. Feldman emphasizes the role of individual advocates and ordinary citizens in effecting change at the legislative, as well as all levels of government.

Feldman’s journey – as a journalist, a candidate, a teacher and activist–includes lessons in perseverance, tolerance, humility, and humor. “During these challenging times, it’s hard to find the inspiration and hope we need to keep making phone calls, to keep knocking on doors and working for change in whatever way we can, with the resources we have, starting from our own kitchen table,” she said.

“I’m hoping to help.”

Dede’s presentation will be on January 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Placitas Community Library, 453 NM Highway 165 in Placitas. Signed copies of her books will be available for sale.