Energy Explained: New Mexico Governor Spends Lavishly on the Backs of Energy Workers
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham continues her lavish spending with questionable accountability through her “contingency fund.” According to an investigative report, utilizing documents uncovered by Power The Future, Governor Lujan Grisham spent over $96,000 on items such as fine dining, alcohol, and to pay Santa Fe’s reusable shopping bag fee.
“Among the governor’s expenses were $6,400 for a Zozobra-themed party, more than $4,000 on catering at upscale restaurant Sazón for one event, and purchases at a Santa Fe wine shop. The fund also covered purchases from online coffee shops, party decorations, and even Miller Lite and Tootsie Rolls. Records also show the governor’s office purchased badminton sets and paid Santa Fe’s 10-cent bag fee—a measure Lujan Grisham has publicly supported as part of broader environmental efforts.”
This spending occurred after her contingency fund was placed in the state budget using the title of “other” to hide it.
“It’s disheartening, but not surprising to see Governor Lujan Grisham again using taxpayer dollars to fund lavish parties and personal purchases,” said Larry Behrens, Communications Director for Power The Future. “What makes it worse is the hypocrisy, as much of the money for her shopping spree comes from the state’s energy industry which she routinely demonizes in order to please her green agenda friends. Now that she’s been caught again, let’s hope she’ll start footing the bill for her shopping bags and booze.”
Even though Governor Lujan Grisham currently serves as co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance, receipts show her staff routinely uses taxpayer dollars to pay Santa Fe’s single-use bag fee instead of utilizing reusable bags.
In December, we saw how New Mexico’s state revenue grew because of the oil and gas industry. Yet Governor Lujan Grisham has no problem tearing down the industry or spending the tax dollars that come in because of the hard work of energy workers across the state.
This is not the first time Governor Lujan Grisham has been caught questionably using funds. In February 2021, she was first caught using the contingency fund to spend taxpayer funds on booze and personal dry cleaning.
May 5, 2025