Los Alamos County Council Recognizes Election Officials
Los Alamos County Councilor Keith Lepsch, center, holds a certificate recognizing election officials as the cornerstone of democracy and playing a vital role in ensuring a free and fair election in the County of Los Alamos. Honored for their service, County Clerk Naomi Maestas, left of Lepsh, her staff and local election workers. The recognition took place during Tuesday’s council meeting. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Council honored County election officials during its meeting Tuesday night.
Councilor Keith Lepsch read the recognition:
WHEREAS, election officials Read More
Los Alamos Local Business Coalition Launches Survey On East Downtown MRA And County Priorities
LALBC News:
The Los Alamos Local Business Coalition (LALBC) is inviting all Los Alamos business owners, residents and stakeholders to participate in a survey regarding the East Downtown Los Alamos Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) and County priorities.
This survey aims to gather a broader perspective to inform LALBC input to the County. Results will be put to use and reported promptly.
This survey seeks to understand:
- Perspectives on the East Downtown MRA Plan and Process.
- Community priorities for future development and investment in commercial areas, including the MRA.
- Priorities
Public Weighs In On N.M. 4 Crossing And Multi-Use Trail Improvement Project In White Rock
County seeks public input on its proposed N.M. 4 Crossing and Multi-use Trail Improvement Project. Courtesy/LAC
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos County Public Works Department staff attended the Dec. 5 Transportation Board meeting in hopes of gathering feedback on proposed plans to make N.M. 4 more pedestrian friendly, improve trail connectivity and conditions around Pinon Park.
The public’s feedback strongly supported a traffic light installed at the N.M. 4/Sherwood/Mirador intersection in White Rock and were skeptical about the proposal Read More
U.S. Senate Passes Luján-Collins Bill To Protect Native American Children Against Abuse And Neglect
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wednesday, the U.S. Senate passed the Native American Child Protection Act (NACPA), legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine).
The bill reauthorizes and reforms three programs that ensure Tribes have the tools needed to treat, prevent, investigate, and prosecute Native American child abuse and neglect. U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) introduced the House companion bill.
These programs were originally authorized in 1990 as part of the Indian Read More
Los Alamos County Council Directs Staff To Draft Ordinance Prohibiting The Feeding Of Wildlife In Town
A bear and cubs meander in August near the First Baptist Church. With incidences involving humans and wildlife continuing to occur, Los Alamos County Council voted for County staff to create an ordinance prohibiting feeding wildlife. Photo by Ben Martinez
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos has created a problem that needs fixing. According to New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) Officer Tyler Carter, the number of calls logged from either NMDGF or Los Alamos Police Department for wildlife incidents keep piling in.
During Carter’s presentation Read More
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich Named Ranking Member Of Senate Energy And Natural Resources Committee
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) has been named Ranking Member for the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee for the 119th Congress.
The ENR Committee plays a critical role in setting national energy policies and managing our nation’s public lands within the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service. The Committee also oversees the U.S. Department of Energy and has jurisdiction over U.S. territories and nuclear waste policy.
“I am honored to have been chosen by my colleagues to serve as Ranking Read More
Los Alamos Contractors Meeting Moved To January 2025
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County has rescheduled the Contractors Meeting originally set in November for 1-3 p.m. Jan. 17, 2025, in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave.
This meeting is open to contractors, architects, engineers and other professionals involved in building and construction.
The meeting, titled “Code Compliances Mastery: Tips & Tools for Contractors” will cover key topics such as a review of Los Alamos County’s codes, tips on how to pass inspections, when design professional stamps are required, in addition to insulation tips to meet code requirements. Read More
NMDWS To Mail Unemployment Insurance 1099s By Jan. 31
NMDWS News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) will mail out all IRS 1099-G forms by Jan. 31, 2025, to individuals who received Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits in 2024.
This tax form reports the total amount of benefits paid to recipients during the year. UI benefits are taxable income and must be included with 2024 tax filing.
The department urges claimants to view and verify their mailing address by logging into the UI Tax & Claims system (https://www.jobs.state.nm.us). From their claimant homepage they may select “View and Maintain Account Read More
Heinrich Secures Wins For New Mexico Military Installations And National Labs In FY2025 National Defense Bill
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
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- Final bill passed by the Senate and heading to President Biden’s desk also includes historic pay raise for junior enlisted service members
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) welcomed Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). The legislation includes major wins that Heinrich secured, including investments in New Mexico’s service members, military installations, national labs, and job-creating initiatives throughout the state.
The House of Representatives Read More
LANL Foundation Announces Legislative Priorities For 2025
LANL Foundation News:
ESPAÑOLA – The LANL Foundation is excited to announce its policy and funding priorities for the upcoming 2025 regular legislative session, with a focus on key issues impacting education in Northern New Mexico and statewide. These priorities center on systemic, evidence-based improvements to public education that address the findings of the Martinez/Yazzie lawsuit, amplify diverse community voices and contribute to a strong, inclusive New Mexico economy.
“The LANL Foundation is excited to lean into the upcoming 60-day session to advocate for meaningful legislation Read More
County Seeks Public Input To Help Shape East Downtown Los Alamos Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County is seeking community feedback through open comment available until Dec. 31, 2024, to help shape the East Downtown Los Alamos Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) Plan.
Residents can also watch the recording of the public forum held Dec. 16, 2024, in Council Chambers to learn more about the plan and the project’s next steps at lacnm.com/WatchMRAForumRecording.
The MRA Plan aims to address issues such as vacant properties, low commercial activity and deteriorating infrastructure. It will identify community-supported projects, programs and policies to Read More
State Hits Major Milestone In Broadband Deployment
STATE News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Dec. 17, the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) announced that the federal government has approved the results of the State’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Challenge Process, enabling OBAE to publish the map of areas where prospective applicants can bid for funding.
The state will be awarding $675 million in grants through BEAD, the state’s largest broadband funding program, to build and expand broadband infrastructure in New Mexico. The program will help connect more than 31,000 unserved locations.
The Challenge Process is a key Read More
County Environmental Sustainability Board To Meet Dec. 19
NMDOT Launches New Electronic Permitting System
NMDOT News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is pleased to announce the launch of a new electronic permitting system, NMDOT Permitting.
This system is designed to transform the permitting process, offering applicants a streamlined, user-friendly, and secure online experience. With this modern system, both applicants and NMDOT permit agents will have a single, convenient location to access and manage all application and permit information.
Get ready for a more efficient and consistent permitting process.
All applications for the following NMDOT permit Read More
LWV President’s Message: Our Work Continues
By FELICIA ORTH
President
League of Women Voters of Los Alamos
Even the lightest touch on the pulse of current public discourse reveals strong contention, anger, and fear. The League’s work and goals feel more important than ever: to register those who are eligible to vote, to educate them through voter guides and candidate forums, to help assure ease of voting and the integrity of the electoral process, to advocate for sensible decisions on matters of public policy, to combat disinformation, and to fight gerrymandering and maintain fair districting.
Over the next few months we will Read More
Councilor Ryti: Moving Forward
By RANDALL RYTI
Los Alamos County Councilor
In the last month or so the Los Alamos County Council has considered some controversial proposals. The item that generated the most public comment was the potential purchase of two vacant lots on Diamond Drive and a nearby commercial building. I had thought the purchase was worth considering because it could help the County realize a long-term goal for a social services hub. Even though I have been and continue to be a supporter for a social services hub, I was concerned about replacing commercially zoned land for institutional uses. Ultimately, there Read More
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich Urges Senate Leadership To Help Lower Rx Costs And Save Rural Pharmacies
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is urging Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to rein in damaging pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices that hurt patients and pharmacies.
PBMs are intermediaries that negotiate and manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of health insurance companies, self-insured employers, and government programs.
Currently, three PBMs control nearly 80 percent of the prescription drug market and operate with little oversight by federal regulators Read More
Haaland Designates 19 New National Historic Landmarks
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland
From the Office of Secretary of the Interior:
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- New designations recognize nationally significant sites for many historically marginalized communities across 15 states, territories and D.C.
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WASHINGTON — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today announced the designations of 19 new National Historic Landmarks (NHLs), reflecting the importance of the sites in sharing America’s diverse history.
The new NHLs are nationally significant properties for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans, African Americans, Asian American Pacific Read More
Luján, Murphy, Smith Reintroduce Legislation Giving Labor Dept. More Tools To Enforce Mental Health Parity Laws
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, along with U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) reintroduced the Parity Enforcement Act, legislation to hold insurance companies accountable and give the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) the authority to assess civil monetary penalties for violations of mental health parity requirements.
This new authority would incentivize compliance and strengthen the protections of the Mental Read More
MRA Presentation Postponed To Future Council Meeting
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos Commerce & Development Corporation has indicated that the consultant for the East Downtown Los Alamos Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) will not be available to provide an update at the Tuesday, Dec. 17 Council meeting, and the draft plan is not ready to be reviewed, County staff report that the agenda item will be pulled and placed on a later Council meeting agenda.
This item had originally been placed on Tuesday’s agenda for Council to receive an update on the progress of the East Downtown Los Alamos Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan. Read More
