New Mexico governor used fund to buy groceries, dry cleaning

by: The Associated Press

Posted: Feb 20, 2021 / 12:40 PM CST / Updated: Feb 20, 2021 / 12:40 PM CST

FILE – IN this Thursday, July 23, 2020 file photo, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham gives her weekly update on COVID-19 and the state’s effort to contain it during a virtual news conference from the state Capitol in Santa Fe, N.M. Grisham was an early adopter of aggressive pandemic restrictions that included a mask mandate, self-quarantine orders for travelers and a ban on public gatherings — now capped at five people. And the state previously joined federal pilot project on testing and contact tracing. (Eddie Moore/The Albuquerque Journal via AP)

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says she regrets discretionary spending of taxpayer money that included $6,500 on groceries and alcohol.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that the Democratic governor over a six-month period in 2020 spent almost $13,500 from a taxpayer-funded expense account.

The account is for spending on functions, events or other items that promote the state.

Lujan Grisham’s spokesperson said some of groceries were used to feed the governor’s cabinet and staff at long meetings.

Lujan Grisham said Friday she didn’t want New Mexicans to feel she didn’t take their hardship seriously.