By MICHAEL ALTHERR
Los Alamos

Going through my mail after returning from a trip to visit the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, I read a letter sent by Mr. Jaramillo’s office (NM State Senator District 5) to his constituents touting his legislative accomplishments for the recent 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session. Dealing first hand with the difficulties of adequate medical care in New Mexico, I was particularly interested in his votes on several of the important bills directed at the moribund medical situation in New Mexico. 

What I saw in his letter was an embarrassment that I am surprised Mr. Jaramillo would want to publish and send to his constituents! You should be aware, if you have not received a copy, that among Mr. Jaramillo’s claimed legislative accomplishments were bills SB327 and SB 159 to ‘create a Lowrider Capital License Plate’ and to ‘allow Independent Theater Beer and Wine Licenses.’  I do credit Mr. Jaramillo with sending out a letter highlighting his perceived accomplishments. Although the idea that this record should earn him a salary for his efforts —or even praise —feels out of touch with the needs of New Mexicans. I would be interested in where my other State Representative, Ms. Chandler (House District 43), stood on those pieces of legislation? While it is not too difficult to find out how an individual legislator voted on a piece of legislation that reached the Governor’s desk, it is much more of a challenge to see what actions were taken by individuals as those bills worked their way through the process. Unfortunately, I do not have the time to hound-dog that as I am preparing for a return trip to the Mayo Clinic. So, thank you Mr. Jaramillo for making your priorities so clear; but let me also make it clear that you would do well by never approaching me again for a contribution to support your agenda in the future, lest we both be embarrassed by my uproarious laughter.  

While my wife and I may have the good fortune to pursue medical tourism beyond the borders of New Mexico, not all the citizens in our state have those resources. Many of our fellow citizens are stuck with a medical system that favors trial lawyers (as opposed to medical professionals), and leads the nation in medical litigation but lags significantly in the way of medical treatment and care. 

So let’s get serious, Senator Jaramillo and Representative Chandler. Colorful license plates and expanded liquor sales may have their place, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of meaningful progress on health care. New Mexicans deserve better. It’s time to bring our state’s medical system into the 21st century.