U.S. Senators Luján, Hawley, Heinrich, Schmitt, Reintroduce RECA To Give Nuclear Radiation Victims Compensation
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), along with Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) reintroduced the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act to compensate Americans exposed to radiation by government nuclear programs.
Despite the Senate passing this bill, the House of Representatives failed to pass the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) reauthorization before its expiration deadline in the 118th Congress.
“In New Mexico Read More
Scenes From 2025 Legislative Session At Roundhouse
Jianna Le Noir, center, alongside the other members of the Advanced Strings Program at The Montessori Elementary and Middle School practice on their violins before their performance in the New Mexico State Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. The group of students, with ages ranging from 8 to 12, have been practicing every week with their teacher Megan Holland for their yearly performance at the state Capitol. Photo by Gabriela Campos/The New Mexican
State Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, left, D-Albuquerque, and Sens. Angel Charley, D-Acoma, Elizabeth Stefanics, D- Cerrillos, Read More
New Mexico State Ethics Commission Outlines Priorities For 2025 Legislative Session Aiming To Increase Public Trust
State Ethics Commission News:
ALBUQUERQUE – The State Ethics Commission is supporting two bills that aim to increase public trust in officials by shining additional light on the process of lawmaking and elections.
“The Ethics Commission enforces New Mexico’s ethics laws, including those requiring lobbyists to disclose their activities, as well as holding campaigns and officials accountable for violating election laws,” Commission Executive Director Jeremy Farris said. “In doing this we’ve discovered loopholes, which allow lobbyists and PACs to operate in semi-darkness. This year, Read More
Republican Party Of Los Alamos Elects Officers And Central Committee Members At 2025 Biennial County Convention
During its 2025 Biennial County Convention of the Republican Party of Los Alamos County held Jan. 18 at Fuller Lodge, officers were elected including Lisa Shin, Chair; Heather Muck, 1st Vice Chair; Mike Wyman, 2nd Vice Chair, Gary Stradling, Secretary and Ken Shelley, Treasurer. Courtesy/RPLA
New Central Committee members were elected during the 2025 Biennial County Convention of the Republican Party of Los Alamos County held Jan. 18 at Fuller Lodge. Courtesy/RPLA Read More
Legislative Roundup: 58 Days Remain In 2025 Session
Music students from Highlands University perform in the Rotunda at the New Mexico State Capitol Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Courtesy/Michael G. Seamans/The New Mexican
Music students from Highlands University perform in the Rotunda at the New Mexico State Capitol Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Courtesy/Michael G. Seamans/The New Mexican
Legislative Roundup
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Clean Horizons Act: A bill that seeks to meet Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is off the ground.
Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, on Thursday announced Read More
Secretary Toulouse Oliver Grants Two New Mexicans The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award
Lila Quezada (left) stands with Secretary Toulouse Oliver at the ceremony in Santa Fe Jan. 6. Courtesy photo
Thanh Nguyen (left) stands with Secretary Toulouse Oliver at the ceremony in Santa Fe Jan. 6. Courtesy photo
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Earlier this month at a ceremony in Santa Fe, New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver presented the 2024 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award to two exceptional New Mexico youth leaders.
The 2024 recipients of the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award are Lila Quezada and Thanh Nguyen.
“I am thrilled to congratulate Lila Quezada and Thanh Nguyen Read More
Senate Finance Chair Pushes Back On Air Quality Permit Delays And Budget Increase
By ALAINA MENCINGER
The Santa Fe New Mexican
The chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee is firing back at the New Mexico Environment Department over a request for more funds, claiming its appeal to increase the Air Quality Bureau’s budget may violate state law.
On Tuesday, the New Mexico Environment Department announced it would delay pending air quality permits due to a lack of funds and would potentially take emergency action to fully suspend deadlines for air quality permits. The department had requested a $4.9 million, or 31%, midyear increase for the Environmental Read More
Lawmakers Praise Administrative Office Of The Courts For Progress On Assisted Outpatient Treatment
State Supreme Court Chief Justice David Thomson
By DANIEL J. CHACÓN
The Santa Fe New Mexican
The Administrative Office of the Courts drew praise from lawmakers Thursday for the progress it has made in implementing pilot projects designed to expand the availability of involuntary mental health treatment.
During last year’s special session, the Legislature ignored much of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s legislative agenda, which included changes to the state’s criminal competency and civil commitment statutes.
But lawmakers did appropriate $3 million for the courts to implement so-called Read More
NM Governor Delivers 2025 State Of The State Address
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham at the podium, right of center, delivers her seventh annual State of the State Address Tuesday at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham at the podium, center, delivers her seventh annual State of the State Address Tuesday at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Those on the House floor and in the balcony react as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham begins to deliver her seventh annual State of the State Address Tuesday at the Roundhouse. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
By CAROL Read More
County Ponders Shade Structure For Ice Rink
Los Alamos County Ice Rink is undergoing improvements including a new chiller, flooring and possibly a shade structure. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
The original ice rink during the Los Alamos Ranch School days. Courtesy/Los Alamos Historical Society
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos’ open air ice rink has a 100 plus year history; it existed before the Manhattan Project and was a recreational hot spot for Los Alamos Ranch School boys who played hockey on it. A photograph captured the original rink, which appears more like a patch of ice surrounded Read More
Scenes From Opening Day Of 2025 Legislative Session
Dist. 43 Rep. Christine Chandler, left, and New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard take a moment to chat during the opening of the 2025 Legislative Session Tuesday in House Chambers at the Roundhouse. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Dist. 5 Sen. Leo Jaramillo-D, Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Sandoval and Santa Fe greets colleagues as he enters House Chambers for the opening of the 2025 Legislative Session Tuesday at the Roundhouse. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Former United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland at the opening of the 2025 Legislative Read More
New Mexico Medical Society Praises Governor Lujan Grisham’s Proposed Solution To Healthcare Crisis
NMMS News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Medical Society (NMMS) applauds Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for highlighting the pressing challenges of New Mexico’s healthcare system during her State of the State address. By recognizing and directly confronting the systemic issues that hinder access to quality care, the Governor has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of all New Mexicans.
“Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s commitment to healthcare, as expressed in today’s State of the State address, demonstrates her deep understanding of the urgent challenges facing Read More
Leger Fernández Announces Key Roles And Appointments For The 119th Congress
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) was appointed to multiple powerful committees and leadership roles in the 119th Congress, reflecting her continued commitment to serve New Mexico and the nation with distinction.
Leger Fernández will serve as a Member of the influential House Natural Resources Committee, where she will serve as Ranking Member of the Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee. These positions allow her to champion critical issues affecting New Mexico’s abundant natural resources, Tribal Nations, and public lands, continuing Read More
Luján Calls Out OMB Director Nominee On Proposing Cuts To Health Care, Education, And Public Safety
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of Senate Committee on the Budget, issued the following statement on the nomination hearing for Russell Vought, the nominee to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB):
“Mr. Vought – a chief architect of Project 2025 – has a long and clear record of proposing drastic cuts to vital programs for pregnant mothers, babies, and early childhood education. The Budget Office is among the most powerful offices in the federal government, and today’s hearing failed to alleviate the concerns that I have with his nomination Read More
Haaland Versus Heinrich Now Looks Unlikely
New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe. Courtesy photo
By MILAN SIMONICH
The Santa Fe New Mexican
What might have been a battle between two Democratic heavyweights for governor of New Mexico is shaping up as no contest at all.
Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland looked almost gubernatorial Tuesday as she attended opening-day ceremonies of the New Mexico Legislature. She was perhaps the most recognizable face at the Capitol after her four years in the Biden administration.
If Haaland is going to run for governor, she will make her move in a few months. The Democratic primary is in June 2026. Read More
Child Welfare, Public Safety Figure Big In State Of The State
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham enters the House Chamber to deliver her annual State of the State address Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. Photo by Michael G. Seamans/The New Mexican
By DANIEL J. CHACÓN and CORMAC DODD
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Initiatives to help children, from increased education funding to making oversight changes to the state Children, Youth and Families Department, were a major theme of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s State of the State address Tuesday.
“Let’s double down on our achievements, and let’s expand their reach,” Lujan Grisham challenged Read More
State Seeks Additional Authority For Cannabis Regulation
NMRLD News:
SANTA FE — A bill that would establish an enforcement bureau within the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD) and expand the Cannabis Control Division’s regulatory authority was introduced in the New Mexico Legislature Jan. 22.
House Bill 10, sponsored by Rep. Doreen Gallegos, and co-sponsored by Speaker Javier Martinez, Minority Floor Leader Gail Armstrong, Rep. Art De La Cruz, and Rep. Marian Matthews, would give the department in-house, certified peace officers to investigate and pursue criminal charges against individuals who violate licensing requirements Read More
Lawmakers Get To Work On Public Safety Agenda With Competency, Treatment Bill
Rep. Christine Chandler, D-Los Alamos, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, meets with committee members for their first meeting of the 2025 legislative session at the state Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. Chandler is the sponsor of House Bill 4, which would change involuntary commitment policies. Gabriela Campos/The New Mexican
By MARGARET O’HARA
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Democratic lawmakers are bringing forth a revamped proposal on the involuntary commitment of criminal defendants who are deemed incompetent to stand trial, after a bill seeking a similar objective died on the Read More
Governor Proposes Making Child Drug Care Plans Mandatory, Breaking With Old CYFD Stance
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham delivers her State of the State address at the state Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, the first day of the 2025 legislative session. She called for changes New Mexico’s law governing how to treat babies born with drugs in their system amid low uptake with care plans prescribed to families. Gabriela Campos/The New MexicanBy ESTEBAN CANDELARIA
The Santa Fe New Mexican
In the past, the state Children, Youth and Families Department has opposed changes to New Mexico’s law governing how to treat children born with drugs in their system, arguing it was the best agency Read More
Jemez Pueblo Awarded $5.7M Federal Digital Equity Grant
New Mexico Connect:
ALBUQUERQUE — The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has announced that New Mexico’s Pueblo of Jemez has been awarded $5.7 million as part of the federal government’s $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program.
The funding from the program is designed to promote digital equity to support inclusion projects and digital skills.
“As a rural tribal community, these funds will ensure that the Pueblo and its people continue to remain successful and ahead of the digital divide,” said George Shendo, Jr., governor of Jemez Pueblo. Read More
