EMNRD Announces Two Appointments To Leadership Team
Rebecca ‘Puck’ Stair
EMNRD News:
SANTA FE — The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department will have new people in two key leadership roles, starting this September.
Rebecca “Puck” Stair is joining EMNRD as Director of the Energy Conservation and Management Division (ECMD), while Benjamin F. Shelton will be the agency’s new General Counsel.
Stair comes to EMNRD after nearly two decades in the New Mexico film industry, where she has worked as a producer and location manager on numerous films, television shows, commercials and other media projects. She also has championed clean-energy Read More
Denish: Biden Brings Relentless Optimism To New Mexico
By DIANE DENISH
Corner to Corner
© 2023 New Mexico News Services
President Biden returned to New Mexico recently for the third time since becoming president.
I was thrilled to support the president and attend a private event soon after his arrival in Albuquerque. As is usually the case, there was a wait for the president to arrive. The welcome downpour didn’t dampen our enthusiasm. Folks were looking forward to giving him a warm welcome unlike the recent “welcome” editorial in the Albuquerque Journal.
For context, the editorial consisted of a 1,000-word litany of complaints with specific Read More
Dannemann: Civics Helps Make Democracy Work
By Merilee Dannemann
Triple Spaced Again
© 2023 New Mexico News Services
If we want our country to continue to be a representative democracy that works – and I hope we all do – as citizens we need to know more than a little about how it functions. Some of us have worried in recent years that young people are not learning enough about civics in school.
The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has stepped up to contribute with a new program called the National Civics Bee.
The program, a contest for middle school students, is in the second year of its pilot phase, and New Mexico is one of the Read More
Luján Hosts Farm Bill Roundtable With Local Food Banks, Continues Push For RECA Expansion And Extension
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján hosted a roundtable discussion with local Food Banks on the upcoming Farm Bill. Courtesy/Luján
U.S. SENATE News:
ALBUQUERQUE — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) hosted a roundtable discussion Thursday with local Food Banks on the upcoming Farm Bill to address their specific needs and help improve nutrition access for low-income communities.
Sen. Luján was joined by Roadrunner Food Bank of NM CEO Linda Wedeen, Gallup Community Pantry Inc. CEO Alice Perez, ECHO Inc. Interim CEO Laura Butziger, Food Bank of Eastern NM CEO Dianna Sprague, and The Food Depot CEO Sherry Hooper. Read More
NMDWS: New Mexico Labor Market Review For July 2023
NMDWS News:
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) has released the July 2023 Labor Market Review.
To read the review, click here: July 2023 Labor Market Review.
Gessing: Time For All-Of-The-Above Approach To Education
By PAUL J. GESSING
President
Rio Grande Foundation
New Mexico should be in crisis mode. Our K-12 education system is certainly facing a crisis. Problems abound: recent reports highlight serious school attendance issues, the NAEP (known as the “Nation’s Report Card” test places New Mexico 52nd across ALL age groups and subjects studied, the Kids Count report shows New Mexico kids are losing ground, and no one seems to have a solution. Education spending has increased markedly in recent years with nothing to show for it.
With New Mexico already suffering from poor educational outcomes the COVID Read More
Jack Beaty Educational Scholarship Foundation Announces Grantees
Beaty Foundation News:
The Jack Beaty Educational Scholarship Foundation has distributed grants to a variety of organizations to benefit deserving students and families.
Carrying out the final wishes of long-time New Mexico businessman and political leader Jack Beaty, Beaty’s estate is providing the funding for the ongoing grants program.
The following organizations received funding:
- New Mexico School for the Arts – $50,000
- New Mexico Community Trust – $50,000
- Northern New Mexico Foundation – $50,000
- St. Michael’s High School – $50,000
- First Serve-New
U.S. Senators Heinrich, Ernst Lead Bipartisan Effort To Improve Agricultural Conservation Practices
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
N.M. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kans.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) announced a new, bipartisan bill to streamline the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s (NRCS) process for updating and adopting conservation practice standards that help farmers and ranchers improve soil health, build resilience to climate impacts, and achieve their conservation goals.
The bill will close the gap between evidence based NRCS best practices and emerging research and innovation, enabling Read More
Board Of Public Utilities To Hold Special Meeting Monday
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Board of Public Utilities will hold a special meeting 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28 in Room 330 at the Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave.
Members of the public may view proceedings online or attend and provide public comment in person or via Zoom – https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86962448561.
The complete packet is available online – https://losalamos.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Read More
Heinrich, Luján, Vasquez Announce $9.2 Million In Funding From Infrastructure Law To Deliver High-Speed Internet To Sierra And Doña Ana Counties
Congressional News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) have announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $9,256,350 in funding from the Infrastructure Law for New Mexico-based Sacred Wind Communications to expand reliable, affordable, high-speed internet for residents in Sierra and Doña Ana counties.
The funding will be delivered through USDA’s Rural Development Reconnect Loan and Grant Program.
“Improved access to reliable high-speed internet means improved access to Read More
Video: Councilor Lepsch Discusses Tuesday Work Session
During a visit to the Los Alamos Daily Post Wednesday, County Councilor Keith Lepsch discussed highlights from Tuesday’s council work session. Video by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com Read More
State Presents Highest General Fund Revenue Forecast In New Mexico History
STATE News:
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- Estimated 3.5% recurring revenue increase with $3.48B in “new money”
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LAS VEGAS, N.M. – State announces the highest General Fund (GF) revenue forecast in New Mexico history with $3.48 billion in “new money” – a 3.5% increase in recurring revenue for FY25.
The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), and the Taxation and Revenue Department (TRD) presented the Consensus General Fund Revenue Outlook to the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee highlighting the unprecedented and historic revenue growth for the state.
“The robust general fund proves that Read More
Heinrich, Luján Convene U.S. Air Force Leadership On Investments, Forward-Looking Missions At Cannon AFB
From left, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) host a meeting Tuesday with Air Force Special Operations Command Commander Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, Courtesy/Heinrich Office
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
CLOVIS – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) convened Tuesday a meeting with leaders of the U.S. Air Force, including Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, Air Force Special Operations Command Commander Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, and Cannon Air Force Base Leadership, Read More
NMED Releases Quarterly Performance, Year-End Report
NMED News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) released the fourth-quarter and year-end update of its fiscal year 2023 (FY23) performance assessment report that offers the public, stakeholders, and legislators the opportunity to track the department’s progress in protecting public health and the environment between April 1 and June 30, 2023.
The report also provides insights on budget and staffing challenges impacting performance and provides year-end totals for FY23 (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023).
Fourth quarter accomplishments highlighted in the report include: Read More
Dannemann: Civics Helps Make Democracy Work
By Merilee Dannemann
Triple Spaced Again
© 2023 New Mexico News Services
If we want our country to continue to be a representative democracy that works – and I hope we all do – as citizens we need to know more than a little about how it functions. Some of us have worried in recent years that young people are not learning enough about civics in school.
The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has stepped up to contribute with a new program called the National Civics Bee.
The program, a contest for middle school students, is in the second year of its pilot phase, and New Mexico is one of the Read More
Governor Opens Cutting-Edge Forensic Lab In Santa Fe
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Crime Laboratory Bureau Chief Katharina Babcock tour the new Forensic Crime Laboratory before a ribbon cutting ceremony today in Santa Fe. Photo by David Lienemann-Courtesy/Governor’s Office
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham cuts the ribbon outside the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Crime Laboratory today in Santa Fe. Photo by David Lienemann-Courtesy/Governor’s Office
From the Office of the Governor:
- The new laboratory will quadruple processing capacity
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Read More
New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration Director Announces Judicial Vacancy
WCA News:
ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration (WCA) Director Robert E. Doucette, Jr., announced the vacancy of one administrative law judge position in the agency’s Albuquerque office.
Judge Reginald C. Woodard has decided not to seek reappointment. Woodard’s term is set to expire Nov. 24. His last day in the office will be Monday, Oct. 16.
Workers’ compensation judges hear and decide disputes over benefits due to injured workers throughout New Mexico. WCA judicial positions are exempt with an initial one-year appointment and a possible reappointment to a five-year Read More
LAPS Board To Hold Work Session Thursday Aug. 24
LAPS News:
The Los Alamos School Board will hold a Work Session 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug 24, at the Administration Offices School Board Room, 2101 Trinity Drive, Suite V.
The meeting is open to the public in person and online.
To attend the meeting on Zoom:
- https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5056632222?pwd=ODd1d3h0Z1dGd1ByT0lVNGU3T2dFQT09
- Meeting ID: 505 663 2222
- Passcode: j45K8H
Guns In America Opens In Step Up Gallery At Mesa Library
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Mesa Public Library News:
Fine art photographer, Jeff Corwin’s “Guns in America” opens Thursday in Step Up Gallery at Mesa Public Library. Everyone is invited to attend the opening reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jeff will give a gallery talk at 6 p.m.
Artist’s statement by photographer, Jeff Corwin:
“After my father passed away in 2007, I came across 3 vintage handguns I never knew he owned. Torn between the fact they belonged to my father and my own feelings regarding U.S. policy on gun control, I decided to store them in a lock box and revisit the guns at another time.
In Read More
2023 Regular Local Election Candidate Filing Day Aug. 29
