Sen. Heinrich And Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation: Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is joining Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) to introduce the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish a program to award grants to nonprofit organizations to assist them in carrying out programs to provide service dogs to eligible veterans.
The legislation builds on the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act that Sen. Heinrich helped pass into law.
It is estimated that upwards Read More
County: Recording Of Council Hosted Town Hall On Raising Minimum Wage Now Available Online
COUNTY News:
The recent town hall on raising the minimum wage, hosted June 26 by Los Alamos County Councilors Denise Derkacs, Melanee Hand and Randall Ryti in Council Chambers, is available online on the county webpage.
This forum continued a May 23 council meeting presentation by two inspiring Los Alamos Middle School students who made a case for raising the minimum wage from $12 an hour to $15.
Councilors listened to local business owners and community members who voiced their opinions and made various recommendations. Councilor Derkacs noted that the conversation was not over and that additional Read More
Council Proclaims July Park And Recreation Month
Los Alamos County Council presented a proclamation during its Tuesday night meeting, which declares July Park and Recreation Month. From left, Open Space Specialist Eric Peterson, Recreation Superintendent Katherine Hudspeth, Parks Superintendent Wendy Parker and Councilor Suzy Havemann. Courtesy/LAC
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Councilor Suzy Havemann read a proclamation declaring July as Park and Recreation Month during the regular council meeting Tuesday night.
She stated:
WHEREAS, parks and recreation is an integral part of communities throughout this country, Read More
To Raise Or Not To Raise … Community Ponders This Question For Minimum Wage In Los Alamos County
State Rep. Christine Chandler speaks during Monday’s town hall to discuss raising the minimum wage in Los Alamos County. The meeting was hosted by, seated from left, Los Alamos Middle School students Samatha Kranthijanya and Madeline Lueninghoener, Council Chair Denise Derkacs and Councilors Randall Ryti and Melanee Hand. Screenshot/LADP
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
When it comes to operating a business, there are no easy answers. What is best for the employee? What is best for the employer? What will benefit the whole community? Los Alamos County Councilors Read More
Council Action Taken Tuesday June 27, 2023
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos County Council approved the sale of a lot on 20th Street during its regular meeting Tuesday night.
Council unanimously approved the sale of 375 20th St. to Pet Pangaea. The sale price is $420,000. Pet Pangaea owner Cyndi Wells previously had purchased another parcel on County-owned land at 3661 and 3689 Trinity Dr. but the new sale terminates the past land purchase and will transfer the $20,000 earnest money given for the Trinity Drive property to the 20th Street lot.
It’s a different location but the plan remains essentially Read More
Think New Mexico Strives To Improve Lives Of Residents Statewide
Think New Mexico at 505 Don Gaspar Ave. in Santa Fe is a results-oriented think tank whose mission is to improve the lives of all New Mexicans, especially those who lack a strong voice in the political process. Courtesy/Think New Mexico
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By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
Think New Mexico is a results-oriented think tank, which strives to improve the lives of all New Mexicans, especially those who lack a strong voice in the political process.
Think New Mexico Founder and Executive Director Fred Nathan explained that the non-profit organization Read More
Video: Councilor Randall Ryti Recaps Tuesday’s Meeting
Los Alamos County Councilor Randall Ryti at the Los Alamos Daily Post Wednesday morning presenting an update on actions taken at Tuesday’s council meeting. Video by Clara Clark/ladailypost.com Read More
Nearly $47 Million In Funding From Governor Priority Bill Granted For Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Recovery
The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Wednesday the state has approved $46.9 million in zero-interest loans to Mora and San Miguel counties provided through Senate Bill 6, a governor’s priority bill that she signed into law earlier this year.
The funding will be used for projects that replace or repair public infrastructure damaged by fire, flooding, or debris flows after the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. These funds are the first allocation from the bipartisan Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire recovery bill signed Read More
Heinrich, Moran Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Create Pathways To Stable Careers
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced the bipartisan Apprenticeship Pathways Act, legislation to create pathways to careers for high school students by expanding access to apprenticeship programs.
Apprenticeships offer a direct path to acquiring in-demand skills, and early exposure to industries can encourage more students to pursue careers in those professions. Expanding apprenticeship programs for high school students can help address workforce shortages and ensure a sustainable workforce pipeline. Read More
Gessing: Kids Count Report … A Wake-Up Call
By PAUL J. GESSING
President
Rio Grande Foundation
Once again New Mexico is at the very bottom of a list. Kids Count 2023 is compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation with distribution and media handled by New Mexico Voices for Children.
While it is not the report Rio Grande Foundation would compile, the 16 variables considered in do highlight issues regarding the well-being of New Mexico children. Sadly, like so many similar reports, the results are not good for our state. What is unique is the positive spin being applied by Voices for Children.
As Voices for Children’s Amber Wallin recently wrote Read More
Governor Issues Statement On Passing Of Former State Sen. Carroll Leavell
Sen. Carroll Leavell
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Tuesday issued a statement following the passing of former Sen. Carroll Leavell, who represented southeast New Mexico in the Legislature from 1997 to 2018.
“Sen. Leavell was a staunch advocate for the communities of southeastern New Mexico, including Eddy and Lea counties. He passed legislation responsible for bolstering health care and public safety in his district and was an integral part of securing funding to repair the Carlsbad Brine Well.
“Our state is a better place because of his 20-plus years of service in the Read More
State Land Office Named A Top Employer In New Mexico
NMSLO News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico State Land Office (NMSLO) has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2023 honor by The Albuquerque Journal Top Workplaces, ranking as the #1 midsize employer regardless of sector, Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard announced Monday.
The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by the Albuquerque Journal’s employee engagement technology partner, Energage, LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including Read More
New Mexico Environment Department Negotiates Settlement Agreement For Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Renewal Permit
NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney
NMED News:
- Agreement ensures enhanced accountability, stronger safeguards for New Mexico, other states
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Salado Isolation Mining Contractors LLC (SIMCO), successfully negotiated a settlement agreement last week with multiple parties that requested a hearing and that opposed the draft 10-year renewal permit for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, N.M.
The agreement includes modified conditions that provide greater Read More
U.S. Supreme Court Keeps State Judicial Oversight In Elections In Major Voting Rights Case
CCNM News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed today that state courts can hold lawmakers accountable to state laws and constitutions when it comes to election-related cases.
The ruling issued today in Moore v. Harper found the North Carolina Supreme Court was within its powers to strike down an unfair set of congressional maps that harmed Black voters in the eastern part of the state.
The decision is a big victory for voters, given the potential the case had to shatter the checks and balances that are the underpinnings of American democracy.
Representing Common Cause, Neal Katyal Read More
Video: Councilor Suzie Havemann Recaps Work Session
Los Alamos County Councilor Suzie Havemann presents a recap of the June 20 council work session during a visit Wednesday to the Los Alamos Daily Post. Video by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com Read More
HED Offering $5 Million In Debt Forgiveness For Teachers
HED News:
Loan Repayment Program Application Open Until Aug. 1
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Higher Education Department (HED) is encouraging teachers with outstanding student loans to apply for debt forgiveness through the state’s Teacher Loan Repayment Program, which is now accepting applications until Aug. 1.
New Mexico licensed teachers working in high-need fields and schools statewide may be eligible for up to $6,000 per year for two years toward principal debt and interest on federal student loans related to teacher education.
The program received a record Read More
Heinrich On $675 Million In Infrastructure Law Funding To Expand High-Speed Internet Access In New Mexico
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced $675,372,311 in funding Monday to expand high-speed internet access in New Mexico.
The investment comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Heinrich helped negotiate and pass into law.
“Expanding access to high-speed internet improves the quality of education our students receive, makes health care more accessible and affordable, strengthens public safety, and grows our economy,” Heinrich said. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I fought hard to pass into law, we are delivering Read More
FOG Speaks Against PRC Holding Fewer Public Meetings
Foundation for Open Government (FOG) News:
ALBUQUERQUE – On Wednesday, the three Public Regulation Commissioners (PRC) voted unanimously in favor of a plan to hold fewer public meetings and more executive sessions, or talks held behind closed doors.
To simply announce that every other meeting will be closed seems not to take into consideration whether all items discussed will fall under the Open Meetings Act (OMA) exceptions, and that the public must be advised, in advance, of the items to be discussed in closed session, under which provisions of the law the closed discussion is authorized, Read More
New Mexico Governor In Colorado To Attend Western Governors’ Association 2023 Annual Meeting
The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo
From the Office of the Governor:
BOULDER, Colo. — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Sunday will travel to Boulder, Colo. for the 2023 annual meeting of the Western Governors’ Association.
The governor will meet with other Western governors on shared priorities and is set to moderate a panel today focused on rural health care delivery, in addition to attending other discussions and events. She will also meet with federal officials in attendance.
She is expected to return Wednesday, June 28. Read More
New Mexico Counties Honors Board Of Directors
President Jhonathan Aragon presents an award to Treasurer Kathy Gonzales of Cibola County for her service. Courtesy/NMC
NMC News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico Counties (NMC) recognized three departing county elected officials for their outstanding leadership and dedication to New Mexico Counties and the citizens of New Mexico at the NMC 86th Annual Conference Board of Directors meeting held Thursday, June 15, in Farmington.
Board members honored for their service include:
- Cibola County Treasurer Kathy Gonzales (serving two years)
- Quay County Assessor Janie Hoffman (serving one and a half
