We’ve been hearing for years that El Paso could\/should leave Texas and join New Mexico. Now here’s another spin on a Tex – New Mex merger …<\/p>\n
The odds of this new plan happening are about as high as the chances that El Paso could become El Paso, New Mexico<\/a>. Be that as it may, there is a genuine push on right now for Texas to annex a couple of New Mexico counties.\u00a0At the heart of the matter is, not surprisingly, oil.<\/p>\n The idea of El Paso moving to New Mexico has been bounced around before and does have its pros and cons. For example: Pro – We’d be the 2nd biggest city in the state. Con – We’d pay a state income tax.<\/p>\n Why Does Texas Want 2 New Mexico Counties?<\/p>\n In a word, money. In 2, more descriptive words, oil money.\u00a0Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows said :<\/p>\n “Southeast New Mexico deserves a real voice in its own future, not one dictated by Santa Fe. This conversation is ultimately about culture, opportunity, and the right to choose a path that reflects the shared values of the Permian and Delaware basins. – koat<\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE: Why Is El Paso In Texas?<\/a><\/p>\n What Are The Odds Of Texas And New Mexico Swapping Counties?<\/p>\n Pretty low. At least 15% of local voters would have to sign a petition to even get things started. (This is where the idea probably dies.) Then, the New Mexico legislature has to agree. Insanely doubtful.<\/p>\n Then, the Texas legislature has to ok it. Very doubtful. Probably more likely then NM but, still, a longshot. Finally, it has to get past the U.S. Congress.\u00a0Bottom line; I wouldn’t worry about it<\/p>\n Would These New Mexico Counties Want To Be Texas?<\/p>\n Sounds crazy right? Lea County and Roosevelt County are the areas in question but, believe it or not,\u00a0some in Otero County are for it<\/a>. According to\u00a02nd Life Media<\/a>:<\/p>\n Eastern New Mexico counties, rich in oil and gas resources from the Permian Basin, have long voiced concerns over taxes, regulations, and policy differences with Santa Fe.<\/p>\n What Are The Odds Of Texas And New Mexico Swapping Counties?<\/p>\n Pretty low. At least 15% of local voters would have to sign a petition to even get things started. (This is where the idea probably dies.) Then, the New Mexico legislature has to agree. Insanely doubtful.<\/p>\n Then, the Texas legislature has to ok it. Very doubtful. Probably more likely then NM but, still, a longshot. Finally, it has to get past the U.S. Congress.\u00a0Bottom line; I wouldn’t worry about it.<\/p>\n How Would Texas Getting Otero County Affect El Paso?<\/p>\n If Otero county goes full Texan, most of Chaparral turns Texan. The other half is in Dona Ana county which Texas doesn’t seem interested in. If Texas did get it though; we’d also get Las Cruces, Santa Teresa, Hatch, Mesilla and others. Including Sunland Park …<\/p>\n What If Texas Gets Sunland Park?<\/p>\n No more dispensaries. Which is why this absolutely cannot happen. If Texas does try, everybody vote no. Pretty please!?<\/p>\n Worst Pickup Lines From West Texas Oilfield Workers<\/p>\n Gallery Credit: Ashley Nunez<\/p>\n See One Of The World’s Holiest Places – Sanutario De Chimayo In New Mexico<\/p>\n