SENATE MEMORIAL 7

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

Leo Jaramillo

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 11, 2025 "LOWRIDER DAY" IN THE SENATE AND REQUESTING THAT THE LEGISLATURE CONSIDER LEGISLATION ADOPTING THE LOWRIDER AS THE NEW MEXICO OFFICIAL STATE CAR.

 

     WHEREAS, lowriding is deeply ingrained in the culture of the American southwest and woven into the cultural fabric and heritage of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, lowriding serves as a catalyst for embracing and valuing the cultural diversity and history of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, lowriders deserve recognition as a unique mode of transportation as well as beautiful works of art and self-expression; and

     WHEREAS, lowriders are recognized as part of Hispanic and Chicano cultural traditions and cultural heirlooms of long lines of Hispanic and Chicano families; and

     WHEREAS, communities located along historic United States route 66, including the cities of Albuquerque, Espanola and Santa Fe, have a rich lowrider history, and the city of Espanola is nationally recognized as the lowrider capital of the world; and

     WHEREAS, lowriders have served the city of Albuquerque as a bridge between the local lowrider community and youth, law enforcement and the community at large; and

     WHEREAS, the lowrider is a symbol of and sets an example for slow, safe and responsible driving; and

     WHEREAS, the lowrider can serve New Mexico as a literal and figurative vehicle for positive change; and

     WHEREAS, the cities of Albuquerque and Espanola have passed legislative measures to embrace lowrider culture and activate economic development opportunities that would have otherwise not been fully realized; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has also embraced lowrider culture for its contribution to the state's tourism industry; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico does not have an official car; and

     WHEREAS, the Albuquerque city council passed a legislative measure urging that the state legislature consider the designation of the lowrider as New Mexico's official state car; and

     WHEREAS, legislation has been introduced that would designate the lowrider as New Mexico's official state car;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 11, 2025 be declared "Lowrider Day" in the senate in recognition of the lowrider's cultural significance and importance to New Mexico culture and tradition; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that legislation be considered for the designation of the lowrider as New Mexico's official state car; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the secretary of tourism and the members of the Albuquerque, Espanola and Santa Fe city councils.

- 3 -