Last week rush for legislative session

SANTA FE (KRQE) - There is less than a week left for state lawmakers working the 30-day session at the Roundhouse.

Legislators aren't taking the weekend off and neither are lobbying groups who spent Saturday in and out of the Capitol trying hard to be heard.

Hundreds walking and even traveling on two wheels into the Capitol Building.

"I rode up here from Albuquerque... the entire way to Santa Fe," said Jennifer Buntz, the President of the cyclist group, Duke City Wheelmen Foundation.

Bicyclists and motorcycle bikers joined together to get a bill passed on stiffer penalties for careless driving.

"The guy pulled out and hit him; claims he never saw him. The fine was $63. Is that what a human life is worth?" asked Annette Torrez, a biker with the New Mexico Motorcycle Rights Organization.

Bills are going through the system, but the 30-day session is geared towards budget issues first and foremost.

"Where it sets the priorities that we make sure we are putting our kids first and that we are setting up an environment where we can create jobs and entrepreneurs and small businesses can keep going and keep growing here in New Mexico," Governor Susana Martinez said.

Governor Martinez has bills of her own she'd like to see passed.

Including one that passed the House Saturday, giving  $1,000 tax credits to New Mexico businesses that hire new veterans.

"We need to make sure that they have a job when they get back and we give a tax credit to that employer who gives that job to that veteran," Martinez said.

She says there is always room for a newcomer to ride in and get a bill passed into a law.

"I encourage a great deal for people to lobby," said Governor Martinez.

Others agree.

"If it doesn't happen this year, we'll be back. We really, really feel strongly about this," said Buntz.