Gov. Bill Richardson (D) delivered his Jan. 15 state-of-the-state address fresh off the campaign trail after dropping his presidential bid.
After disappointing finishes in the Iowa presidential caucuses and New Hampshire primary, Richardson returned to propose universal health care to the Democratic-controlled Legislature. His plan calls for all New Mexicans to have health insurance by 2010. The state has the second-highest rate of uninsured in the nation.
The governor also said he will revive a bill to give same-sex couples some of the legal benefits that married couples have. Nine other states allow gay partners to enter into civil unions or domestic partnerships, while Massachusetts is the only state that sanctions same-sex marriage.
Richardson said ethics and campaign-finance reform also would a priority during the 30-day lawmaking session.
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