Governor Lays Out 2024 Priorities In State Of State Address
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham delivers her 2024 State of the State Address during the opening of the 30-day legislative session Tuesday at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Scene of a momentary interruption by protesters in the upstairs gallery shouting about the environment and Israel – Hamas conflict as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham delivers her State of the State Address Tuesday at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
SANTA FE—Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Read More
Governor Bemoans Absenteeism, Calls For More School Days During White House Panel Event
By GABRIELLE PORTER
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham may be fighting an uphill battle in her controversial quest to mandate a 180-day school year across the state.
But her goal fits right into the educational agenda of a powerful potential ally: the Biden administration.
Fresh off her Tuesday State of the State Address where she outlined a number of educational goals, the governor spoke Wednesday on a panel of state and federal officials introducing the White House’s roadmap to help states boost students’ academic performance. The plan, officials said, encourages states Read More
On The Job At State Legislature: Rep. Christine Chandler
Rep. Christine Chandler on the job Tuesday morning greeting visitors to her office at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe and preparing for the noon opening of the 2024 Legislative Session . Here Rep. Chandler greets New Mexico Press Association Executive Director Sammy Lopez. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More
Los Alamos County’s Trail System Heads Downtown
Scene of work underway on the Urban Trail Wednesday at Fuller Lodge Lawn. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Workers lay cement for the Urban Trail Wednesday along Fuller Lodge lawn. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos County is expanding its trail system only this time the County is taking its trails downtown.
The work is already visible; walk past Fuller Lodge lawn and the zig and zag of construction tape, troughs of earth and parked building equipment is clearly visible.
This work-in-progress is all Read More
Chacón: AG Snaps Back At Republican Lawmaker Who Asked For Apology To ‘Fake Electors’
Attorney General Raul Torres speaks Wednesday to the Senate Judiciary Committee about findings of an investigation into ‘fake electors’ in the 2020 presidential election. Courtesy/Luis Sánchez Saturno/The New Mexican
By DANIEL J. CHACÓN
The Santa Fe New Mexican
A presentation on the findings of an investigation into five “fake electors” sparked a tense exchange Wednesday between New Mexico’s top prosecutor and a GOP lawmaker.
After Attorney General Raúl Torrez said the group could not be prosecuted under current law, state Sen. Mark Moores, (R-Albuquerque), questioned whether Read More
New Mexico State Rep. Stefani Lord Files Articles Of Impeachment Against Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
Rep. Stefani Lord
From the Office of Rep. Stefani Lord:
SANDIA PARK — New Mexico State Rep. Stefani Lord (R-NM-22) has announced that she has filed articles of impeachment to hold Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham accountable for “violating her oath of office”.
Rep. Lord has been a vocal dissident of what she calls, “Lujan Grisham’s tyrannical reign and attempts to subvert the Constitutional rights of New Mexicans.”
“Governor Lujan Grisham is a disgrace to New Mexico,” Rep. Lord said. “The rights of New Mexicans are not up for debate, and no matter how hard Lujan Grisham tries to violate the constitution, Read More
Luján, Colleagues Introduce Bill To Strengthen Border Security To Stop Flow Of Fentanyl
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced legislation to reduce the flow of fentanyl by providing much-needed resources to secure the Southwest border.
The Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act increases staffing capacity and technology to detect illicit drugs and other contraband being smuggled through ports of entry along the border. The bill targets the most common way that fentanyl is coming into the United States: through ports of entry along the Southwest border.
“The flow of fentanyl into New Mexico Read More
Los Alamos Daily Post Publisher Elected To New Mexico Press Association Executive Board
Post Publisher Carol A. Clark
Staff Report
ALBUQUERQUE—The New Mexico Press Association (NMPA) has elected Los Alamos Daily Post Publisher/Owner Carol A. Clark to the position of 2nd Vice President of its Board of Directors.
The election took place at the 2023 General Membership meeting in November during the NMPA annual convention at the Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel.
“We are pleased to have such an experienced publisher agree to serve on our executive board,” NMPA Executive Director Sammy Lopez said.
The NMPA exists to improve the quality of member newspapers, encourage high journalistic Read More
JEC Chairman Heinrich Leads Hearing On Housing Shortage, Discusses Policy Solutions To Improve Access To Affordable Housing In New Mexico
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Chairman of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC), held a hearing exploring potential policy solutions to increase access to affordable and stable housing in New Mexico and across the country.
“There is a serious housing crisis in New Mexico and across the country – impacting people at all income levels, in nearly every community. Whether they rent or own, and whether they live in rural, suburban, or urban areas, too many Americans cannot securely afford the place they Read More
Key Dates For New Mexico 2024 Legislative Session
AFT News:
Tuesday, the 30-day Legislative began in Santa Fe and the clock is already ticking down until Feb. 15 when the session will adjourn.
The first week of the session is fairly slow with committees organizing and legislation receiving committee assignments. In fact, many legislators will travel back to their districts on the first weekend to inform their constituents about important bills and issues that may be addressed.
Like we’ve done in the past, AFT NM will send out updates several times a week to keep you informed during the session. Members across the state regularly report back Read More
New Mexico Is Blue Zone Bound In 2024
ALTSD News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) will be hosting Senior Day at the Roundhouse Jan. 24, 2024. Attendees will have the opportunity to talk with legislators about their needs, network with others, and gather information. Lunch will be provided.
The afternoon of advocacy is part of a larger initiative being embraced by ALTSD this year called, “Blue Zones Bound: Live to 100 in New Mexico.” This initiative is inspired by the work of best-selling author, National Geographic Fellow and Netflix producer, Dan Buettner. Buettner has researched and Read More
New Mexico Adopts Money-Saving Building Codes
SIERRA CLUB News:
The New Mexico Construction Industries Commission voted Wednesday to adopt the most recent international building energy codes, requiring builders to design and construct new buildings with improved performance.
Specifically, the state adopted the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, with additional requirements that new buildings include infrastructure to support charging for electric vehicles in some parking spaces.
The codes will help residents and businesses save energy and money on heating, cooling and lighting; improve construction quality Read More
Governor’s Public Safety Bills Could Face Pushback From Both Sides Of Aisle
Sen. George Muñoz, D-Gallup, speaks on the Senate floor Wednesday. Luis Sánchez Saturno/The New Mexican
By ROBERT NOTT
The Santa Fe New Mexican
The State of the State address took place Tuesday.
A state of doubt took hold Wednesday.
When Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced last week a string of 21 public safety measures, many involving guns, she said she had consulted with the Legislature’s Democratic caucus and felt “much better” about getting support for most — if not all — of the initiatives.
“I feel very confident, but we’ll have to wait and see,” Lujan Grisham said of garnering the needed Read More
LAPS Celebrates 2024 School Board Appreciation Month
LAPS School Board members from left, Secretary Sondra Wyman, President Antonio Jaurigue, Vice President Ellen Specter and members Melanie Colgan and Lauren Coupland. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
January, school districts across the country honor the community volunteers who serve on their local school boards as part of School Board Recognition Month.
Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) recognizes the hard work and dedication of the LAPS School Board including President Antonio Jaurigue, Vice President Ellen Specter, Secretary Sondra Wyman and members Melanie Colgan and Lauren Coupland. Read More
Roundhouse Roundup: Days Remaining In Session – 28
Roundhouse Roundup
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Eyebrow-raising introductions: It’s customary for lawmakers to introduce their loved ones to the public on opening day of the Legislature.
Sen. Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell, raised eyebrows Tuesday when he introduced his. Pirtle, who is in the midst of a divorce from the mother of his three young children, showed up with a new baby and a former legislative staffer he introduced as his partner.
In the final days of last year’s legislative session, Pirtle was thrust into an embarrassing scandal when his estranged wife told Santa Fe County deputies investigating Read More
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Calls On State To ‘Double Down’ And ‘Supercharge’ Literacy Efforts
NewMexicoKidsCAN News:
SANTA FE — NewMexicoKidsCAN announced that in Tuesday’s 2024 State of the State Address, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham highlighted several education initiatives including structured literacy, extended learning time and school improvement efforts.
The bulk of her education remarks focused on improving reading outcomes, calling for the state to “double down” and “supercharge” its efforts to improve literacy.
Lujan Grisham formally requested $30 million in capital funding from the New Mexico Legislature to establish a Statewide Literacy Institute. Read More
Heinrich, Markey, Tonko Lead Bicameral Letter Urging FERC To Strengthen And Finalize Transmission Planning Rule
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety, along with U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), led 134 lawmakers in sending a letter to Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC) Chairman Willie Phillips urging FERC to strengthen and finalize its proposed transmission planning and cost allocation rule.
Improved and increased Read More
FEMA: Agencies To Hold Two Claims Office Resource Fairs
FEMA News:
SANTA FE –The State of New Mexico Disaster Case Management Team and United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Partner Network will partner with the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Advocate Team in Guadalupita and Rociada on two resource fairs.
The Resource Fairs, Jan. 16 and Jan. 18 will provide information one-on-one to those who may have filed a claim or who hope to file a claim. These fairs are to meet with area residents affected by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding. These events make it convenient to learn about the claims process Read More
County Board Of Public Utilities To Meet Wednesday
COUNTY News:
The Board of Public Utilities will hold a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17 in Council Chambers.
Members of the public may view proceedings online or attend and provide public comment in person or via Zoom.
The agenda is attached and the complete packet is available online here. Read More
Heinrich Shares Statement On Martin Luther King Jr. Day
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which falls Monday, Jan. 15.
“Martin Luther King Jr. dared the American people to dream. To dream of a nation that lived up to its full promise of freedom, justice, and economic opportunity for all. To dream of a nation that was more equitable, more civil, hospitable, and kind. Like so many Americans, I often look back to Dr. King’s example for inspiration.
“At this inflection point in our nation’s history, we stand Read More
