New Mexico Treasurer Laura M. Montoya Announces Groundbreaking Baby Bonds Pilot Initiative
New Mexico State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya
STATE News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya joined New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez, Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors (AP-OD), Money Byrd, Partnership for Community Action (PCA), and Prosperity Works on Thursday to announce New Mexico’s first ever Baby Bonds pilot initiative.
The Baby Bonds pilot initiative will be launched to serve as a model for how Baby Bonds will be proposed during the 2025 legislative session.
Baby Bonds legislation will be drafted to create a government-funded trust account, which will incur Read More
Rep. Stansbury Surveys Burn Scar And Flooded Areas
U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury
STATE News:
ALBUQUERQUE — U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) continued her district work this month by visiting with residents and leaders in Carrizozo, Ruidoso and with Mescalero Apache Tribal leadership.
The Congresswoman was taken to the burn scar of the South Fork and Salt fires and the areas affected by the floods to survey damage and listen to residents about the recovery process so far.
“What I saw today was the embodiment of New Mexico Strong,” Rep. Stansbury said. “The South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding were devastating to these communities. I saw perseverance, Read More
UNM-LA Advisory Board To Hold Special Meeting Aug. 12
View of the UNM-Los Alamos campus at 1000 Univesity Drive. Courtesy/UNM-LA
UNM-LA News:
The UNM-Los Alamos (UNM-LA) Advisory Board is holding a special board meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12, at the Los Alamos Public Schools Board Room at 2101 Trinity Drive, Suite V.
All members of the public are welcome to attend.
Agenda items include filling a board vacancy and discussing the community bond advisory committee.
The board generally meets on the Monday preceding the second Tuesday of each odd calendar month except in July, unless otherwise directed. The board advises The University of New Read More
Town Of Red River Sets Stage For Economic Success With Groundbreaking Business Retention & Expansion Program
RED RIVER News:
RED RIVER — The Town of Red River Office of Economic Development and Tourism has introduced its groundbreaking initiative – the launch of the very first “Business Retention and Expansion program”.
Scheduled to kick off later this month, the program is designed to provide tailored support to existing businesses within the community and foster overall economic growth.
“This program is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the growth and success of our local businesses,” said Director Max Khudiakov of Red River’s Economic Development and Tourism. “By focusing on retention Read More
Video: Councilor Melanee Hand Discusses Aug. 6 Meeting
Video of Los Alamos County Councilor Melanee Hand discussing the Aug. 6 County Council meeting. Video by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Society Of Catholic Scientists To Host Community Lecture ‘A Bell For Nagasaki’ By Prof. James Nolan On Aug. 15 At IHM
Prof. James Nolan, Jr.
SCS News:
The Society of Catholic Scientists (SCS), New Mexico Chapter, invites the community to a special invited lecture “A Bell for Nagasaki” by Prof. James Nolan, Jr., at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 at the Karen McLaughlin Parish Hall at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 3700 Canyon Road in Los Alamos. A Mass at 6 p.m. in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will precede the talk in the main church.
Prof. Nolan is the Washington Gladden 1859 Professor of Sociology at Williams College. He is the author of a number of books including Atomic Doctors: Conscience and Read More
NACo Pilots Artificial Intelligence Leadership Academy
NACo News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Association of Counties (NACo) today announced a new professional development opportunity, the NACo Artificial Intelligence (AI) Leadership Academy, an innovative, online program to equip frontline county government leaders with practical knowledge and tools.
The six-week pilot course is designed to help county officials better understand and utilize AI to increase effectiveness and advance excellence in public service.
“We are pleased to offer this new resource for counties,” NACo CIO Rita Reynolds said. “As counties aim to deploy AI across Read More
Ebon Solar Picks New Mexico For Major Solar Factory
EDD News:
ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Ebon Solar jointly announced Wednesday an estimated $942 million investment in New Mexico’s solar industry.
Ebon Solar LLC (Ebon Solar) is a Delaware-based, U.S. solar cell manufacturing company.
“We have succeeded in making New Mexico a global center for advanced energy manufacturing,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “Ebon Solar joins other leading companies in embracing New Mexico’s commitment to renewable energy, its talented, dedicated workforce, and the opportunities we provide for job training and tuition-free college.” Read More
DFA Funds 190 Firefighter And EMT Positions Statewide
State News:
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SANTA FE—The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) has awarded 59 local public entities funding for an additional 190 firefighter and EMT positions across the state.
The $24.9 million in grants will help offset the cost of new firefighter and EMT salaries for three years.
“Firefighters are on the front lines protecting our communities from potentially devastating blazes everyday,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “As fires––and especially wildfires––grow more frequent and more intense in and around New Mexico communities, it Read More
Los Alamos County Council Takes No Action On Citizen Petition Calling For MRA Commission
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos County Council decided to take no action on a citizen petition that called for an advisory commission to be formed for the Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) in eastern downtown Los Alamos.
The petition was submitted to the County July 23 and presented to council during its regular meeting Tuesday night. The motion to take no action passed 5-2 with Councilors David Reagor and Melanee Hand opposed.
Los Alamos Family Eyecare Owner Lisa Shin submitted the petition with 10 signatures, and an additional 33 obtained Read More
Planned Soundstage At New Mexico State University Expected To Significantly Impact Local, State Economies
EDD News:
A planned $15 million soundstage complex at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Park is expected to attract film and television projects that will draw millions of dollars to the area and help creative media students earn valuable experience.
In June, the NMSU Board of Regents unanimously approved an agreement between the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD), NMSU and Arrowhead Center Inc. to build the 36,400 square foot soundstage complex to be used for film and television productions. NMSU and DACC creative media students will also have opportunities for paid Read More
Heinrich Announces Free Filing Tool For New Mexicans Ahead Of Tax Season 2025
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich welcomed the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) announcement that New Mexico will be the fourth new state to join IRS Direct File for Filing Season 2025.
IRS Direct File was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, legislation Heinrich helped author and pass, which provides new resources for the IRS to improve customer service and ensure taxpayers claim the benefits and deductions they are eligible for.
“In May, I pushed the IRS to expand its Direct File program to make filing taxes free and Read More
Los Alamos Democrats To Hold Monthly Meeting Aug. 12
DPLA News:
The Democratic Party of Los Alamos County will hold its monthly meeting 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12 at the Unitarian Church.
Democratic candidates will attend the meeting, accept questions, hear concerns, and learn more about what is important to everyone.
The candidates will bring yard signs, and the party will have a sign up sheet for headquarters and volunteer assignments.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81654127593
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján Statement On New Emergency Alert Code For Missing And Endangered Persons
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:
SANTA FE – U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, and member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, issued the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adoption of a new alert option to deliver critical messages to the public over television and radio about missing and endangered persons:
“Under the leadership of Chairwoman Rosenworcel, the FCC is taking an important step to address the scourge of violence against Native communities. Read More
Rep. Gabe Vasquez Of New Mexico Introduces Bill To Ensure Medical Debt Relief And Protections For Patients
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) introduced H.R. 9129, the Patient Debt Relief Act, that provides relief and protections to millions of Americans burdened by medical debt.
The bill takes a fresh approach by establishing a grant program that enables non-profit organizations to purchase debt from hospitals while codifying protections for patients. Tuesday, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus announced their support for the bill.
“Suffering from a medical emergency should not mean putting your home or family’s future at risk – but too Read More
Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office Announces 2024 General Election Sticker Design Contest
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office has announced the 2024 General Election Sticker Design Contest. Open to students in grades pre-K through 12, this contest aims to inspire creativity and communicate the importance of voting and civic participation. Students should submit their designs no later than Sept. 2, 2024.
Competition Details:
Students grades pre-K through 12 are invited to design an “I Voted” / “I Voted Early”/ or “Future Voter” sticker that will be distributed during the upcoming 2024 General Election.
Submission Deadline:
- Sept. 2, 2024, midnight
Submission Guidelines: Read More
Stansbury Addresses Anniversary Of Voting Rights Act
From the Office of U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury:
ALBUQUERQUE—U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) released the following statement on the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act being enacted into law:
“Protecting and advancing voting rights is critical to our democracy, the fight for justice and equality, and delivering on the promise of what it means to be an American. In an election year – where protecting the future of our democracy is on the line and voting rights have been undermined across the country—we must honor the Voting Rights Act by ensuring that every voter has access to the ballot Read More
U.S. Senators Heinrich, Luján Call On FDA To Rely On Scientific Evidence For MDMA-Assisted Therapy To Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder For Veterans
SENATE News:
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- MDMA-assisted therapy could help address the mental and behavioral crisis, especially among American veterans
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), alongside 17 of their Senate colleagues, urged the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner to rely on scientific evidence and data as the FDA considers approval of MDMA-Assisted Therapy (MDMA-AT) to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). MDMA-AT could help address the mental and behavioral crisis, especially among American veterans.
“Existing treatments Read More
Rep. Leger Fernández Introduces Bill To Maintain Vital Access To Audio-Only Telehealth For Tribal Communities
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández
From the Office of U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) introduced the Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2024, crucial legislation designed to protect access to essential healthcare services through audio-only telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries in tribal communities.
The bill seeks to extend the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) provision that allows audio-only telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries receiving care through Indian health programs or urban Indian Read More
Climate Action Plan Comment Period Closes Friday
COUNTY News:
The deadline to submit comments on Los Alamos County’s draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) at 11:59 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9.
Individuals may review the draft plan and provide feedback online at https://losalamoscap.konveio.com. Feedback may also be emailed to Los Alamos County’s Sustainability Manager Angelica Gurule at angelica.gurule@lacnm.us.
The county initiated the development of the CAP in the summer of 2023, as directed by the County Council and recommended by the Los Alamos Resiliency, Energy and Sustainability citizen task force. The draft plan is the result of extensive Read More
