Santa Fe New Mexican Staff Report:
Another win for Padilla: A proposal to enshrine the Early Childhood Education and Care Trust Fund in the New Mexico Constitution got another thumbs up Monday when it was endorsed by Senate Education Committee.
But voters will have the ultimate say if Senate Joint Resolution 6 clears both chambers because it would amend the constitution.
Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque, the bill’s sponsor, celebrated Monday’s milestone by posting photos with supporters on X, formerly Twitter.
“The landmark decision we made to create the early childhood trust fund might be the best financial decision the state of New Mexico has made since the creation of the Land Grant Permanent Fund over 100 years ago,” Padilla wrote in a text message.
If approved by voters, SJR 6 also would double annual distributions from the fund, to $500 million or 5% of the three-year average market value of the fund, whichever is higher.
‘Clear Horizons’ back on the horizon: Despite dozens of people packing into a Senate Finance Committee meeting, lawmakers tabled a measure to set targets putting New Mexico on the path of net-zero emissions Monday.
Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Sen. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, was narrowly voted down by the panel on a 6-5 vote. The bill has faced concerns it would hinder the growth of industries including oil and gas, agriculture and other businesses.
The bill, dubbed the “Clear Horizons Act,” would require the state to meet a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, a 75% reduction by 2040 and a 100% reduction by 2050.
“The cost of inaction on climate is devastating,” Stewart said in a statement. “New Mexico’s communities are already reeling from wildfires, drought, and extreme weather, with billions spent in recovery while we fail to invest in prevention and opportunity for our communities.”
Federal dollars for foster kids: Lawmakers unanimously OK’d a bill to put more federal funds in the hands of children in state custody Monday.
House Bill 364, sponsored by Rep. Marianna Anaya, D-Albuquerque, would prevent the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department from using federal dollars to care for children, and require the agency to establish accounts to store benefits when the dollars do go to the state.
“We have children in CYFD custody who may not be getting the federal benefits that they should be afforded,” Anaya told lawmakers of the House Health and Human Services Committee.
During public comment, Native American Disability Law Center Executive Director Therese Yanan said those benefits are important to enhance children’s opportunities that CYFD or foster parents cannot otherwise support.
“These benefits are so important to these children, especially as they age out,” she said.
Quote of the day: “I think we should have had in the budget two hens for every family to address the egg shortage issue.” —Rep. Stefani Lord, R-Sandia Park, during discussion on the House floor of the state of the New Mexico’s proposed $10.8 billion budget.
