NM Public Regulation Commission Seeks Highly Qualified Applicants For Chief Of Staff; Chief General Counsel
PRC News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) is seeking applicants to fill two vacancies on the agency’s leadership team – Chief of Staff and Chief General Counsel. These positions are essential to supporting and advancing the PRC’s work in regulating public utilities, telecommunications, pipelines, and motor carrier industries to ensure that customers pay fair and reasonable rates and receive safe and reliable services.
Reporting to PRC Commissioners, the Chief of Staff provides administrative oversight of the agency’s mission and goals, including the Read More
Seniors Rally, Ask Legislators & Governor To Hear Them
Mary A. Quintana of Santo Domingo Pueblo applauds Jan. 19 during a speech delivered by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Senior Day at the Legislature. Quintana came to the Capitol to speak with legislators about improving conditions at the pueblo’s senior center and the need to increase staffing at the center. Courtesy/Gabriela Campos/The Santa Fe New Mexican
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks to a Rotunda packed with seniors visiting the state Capitol for Senior Day at the Legislature Jan. 19. Courtesy/Gabriela Campos/The Santa Fe New Mexican
By CLAUDIA L. SILVA
Santa Fe New Mexican Read More
Legislative Roundup: 58 Days Left In 2023 Session
Legislative Roundup
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Oh, how sweet: State Sen. Crystal Diamond, R-Elephant Butte, is urging Democratic lawmakers to use caution with the record level of revenues at the Legislature’s disposal this year — and she’s doing it in a really sweet way.
On the desk of her office on the fourth floor of the state Capitol, Diamond has a bowl of chocolates and mints in money candy wrappers.
“If the Democrats are handing out money like it’s candy, we can begin by handing out candy like it’s money,” she said.
While “it’s all in good fun,” Diamond said state spending amid record revenue Read More
New Mexico Kids Count Data Book: Pandemic-era Child Well-being Data Better Than Expected
Executive Director Amber Wallin
NM Voices for Children News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on New Mexico’s children and families, but data from 2021 reflect no significant declines — and even some slight improvements — in child well-being.
This is likely due to federal and state pandemic relief as well as policy changes made at the state level.
That is among the findings in the 2022 New Mexico KIDS COUNT Data Book, which was released today.
This annual accounting of child well-being in the state tracks several indicators across four domains: economic security, education, Read More
Steven Lynne Delivers 2023 State Of County Report
Los Alamos County Manager Steven Lynne presents his State of the County report during the Chamber Business Breakfast Jan. 12 at SALA Event Center. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Chamber members listen to County Manager Steven Lynne’s presentation. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
2022 showcased challenges and achievements, according to Los Alamos County Manager Steven Lynne.
A report highlighting the County’s work in 2022 was presented in Lynne’s State of the County, which he shared to Los Alamos Chamber Read More
Ousted Committee Chairwoman Patty Lundstrom Says She ‘Stood In The Way’ Of Big Government Spending
Reps. Patty Lundstrom, right, and Tara Jaramillo sit in the empty House chamber while waiting for other representatives to arrive Jan. 18 during the legislative session. Javier Gallegos/The Santa Fe New Mexican
Newly appointed House Appropriations and Finance Committee Chair Nathan P. Small is interviewed Jan. 18 at the Roundhouse. The Santa Fe New Mexican
By DANIEL J. CHACÓN
The Santa Fe New Mexican
As the influential House Appropriations and Finance Committee held its first meeting of the 60-day legislative session Wednesday, a familiar face was noticeably absent.
A day after being stripped
New Mexico Gun Control Supporters Hope This Is The Year For Assault Weapons Ban
Rep. Andrea Romero
By ROBERT NOTT
Santa Fe New Mexican
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s push to eliminate assault weapons in New Mexico may dominate the Legislature’s discussion on guns. But it will have company.
Several gun-related bills have been or will be introduced in this year’s 60-day session, promising a battle royale over the role of guns in a state with a long history of gun ownership — and a searing violence problem.
“There’s a lot of appetite to do this,” Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe, said in an interview. “Every single day we hear something else in the news about what is going on with gun Read More
LAPS Quorum Notice: Robyn Jackson Strategic Planning
LAPS News:
Members of the Los Alamos School Board may attend the Robyn Jackson Strategic Planning Zoom Meeting for Training on Strategic Planning 3-5 p.m. today, Jan. 19.
Join the Zoom meeting here.
Meeting ID: 505 663 2222
Passcode: j45K8H
A quorum may be present; however, no action will be taken. Read More
New Mexico Insurance Superintendent Russell Toal Retires
Superintendent Russell Toal
OSI News:
SANTA FE — The Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) announces the retirement of Superintendent Russell Toal and the appointment of Jennifer A. Catechis as Interim Superintendent for the agency, effective Jan. 21, 2023.
Superintendent Russell Toal recently announced his retirement from OSI effective Jan. 20.
Appointed by the Insurance Nominating Committee (INC) in November 2019, Superintendent Toal has left an indelible mark on OSI and its staff during an unprecedented era. Superintendent Toal secured strong protections for consumers Read More
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Budget Emphasizes Continued Investment In New Mexico Higher Education
Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez
NMHED News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) plan to put state dollars to work for students in 2023, opening doors for more New Mexicans through record-breaking programs.
The executive budget recommendation features $1.2 billion in total funding for higher education, including sweeping expansions to high-demand scholarship and financial aid programs that have helped tens of thousands of New Mexicans pursue college and career training.
“New Mexico’s strong economic Read More
Legislative Roundup: 59 Days Left In 2023 Session
Legislative Roundup
The Santa Fe New Mexican
‘Feed bill’ hard to swallow: A routine bill that funds the operations of the Legislature during the 60-day session drew opposition from House Republicans over a $2.5 million, one-time appropriation to hire a consultant to study the feasibility of district offices for legislators with full-time staff.
After about 2 1/2 hours of discussion and debate, the House voted 47-19 along party lines to pass House Bill 1, also known as the “feed bill”.
Although the bill includes other one-time expenses, including $1.3 million for new display boards in each Read More
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján Highlights Investments For STEM, Albuquerque Police Department
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, center, met with Albuquerque Public Schools staff and students Tuesday to highlight Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) secured for New Mexico students. Courtesy/Luján
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján held a roundtable discussion with the Albuquerque Police Department and representatives from Mayor Tim Keller’s office, Bernalillo County Sheriff Department, and Bernalillo County Health Services to highlight $480,000 in funding secured for Smart Camera technologies that support law enforcement in Albuquerque. Courtesy/Luján
U.S. SENATE News:
ALBUQUERQUE Read More
Javier Martínez Named House Speaker As New Mexico 2023 Legislative Session Begins
Rep. Javier Martínez
STATE News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico House of Representatives called to order its 56th Legislature Tuesday and elected Rep. Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque) as Speaker of the New Mexico House to preside over the chamber.
Martínez will join Majority Floor Leader Gail Chasey (D-Albuquerque), Majority Whip Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe) and Caucus Chair Raymundo Lara (D-Chamberino) to round out the diverse Democratic leadership team in the House.
“I am honored and I am humbled to be your new Speaker,” said Speaker Martínez in his Opening Day speech shortly after being sworn Read More
Pena’s Arrest Casts Shadow Over First Day Of Legislative Session
Solomon Pena
By ROBERT NOTT
Santa Fe New Mexican
The shocking arrest this week of Solomon Pena, an unsuccessful Republican state House candidate accused of orchestrating drive-by shootings at politicians’ homes, clouded the first day of the legislative session Tuesday and prompted some lawmakers to question whether the violence will deter people from running for office.
“That’s a possibility,” said Sen. Linda Lopez, an Albuquerque Democrat whose home was targeted in one of the attacks. Three bullets passed through a bedroom where her 10-year-old daughter was sleeping early Jan. 3.
She Read More
Heinrich Highlights Efforts To Increase High-Speed Internet For Native Students; Discusses Protections For Native Agriculture With Tesuque Pueblo Leaders
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich highlighted a federal investment of $57,298,683 he helped secure for the school through the Infrastructure Law during a visit to SFIS. Courtesy/Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
SANTA FE — During a visit to Santa Fe Indian School (SFIS) Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) highlighted a federal investment of $57,298,683 he helped secure for the school through the Infrastructure Law.
This funding will create more opportunities for Tribal students by connecting them to high-speed internet. The Infrastructure Law has already delivered a total of $146,987,149 Read More
Gessing: A Decade In, LFC Medicaid Report Highlights Program Failures
By PAUL J. GESSING
President
Rio Grande Foundation
In December the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) published a report on New Mexico’s Medicaid program. Whether by design or accident, the report happened to coincide with the 10th anniversary of New Mexico’s Medicaid expansion. Then-Gov. Susana Martinez decided to accept the “ObamaCare” expansion dollars which, at the time, was 100 percent federally funded.
The LFC report is full of great information, but it doesn’t attempt to assess whether Medicaid expansion was worthwhile. Unfortunately, when it comes to government programs (especially Read More
Legislative Roundup: 60 Days Remaining In Session
Youth United for Climate Crisis Action activists stage a ‘die-in’ in the Rotunda at the Roundhouse on Jan. 17 while holding paper gravestones to remind lawmakers to address the climate crisis. Javier Gallegos/The Santa Fe New Mexican
Allie Alaimo holds a sign in support of telework for state employees while walking with her daughter, Ivy Alaimo, as other protesters gather Jan. 17 outside of the Roundhouse. Javier Gallegos/The Santa Fe New Mexican
Legislative Roundup
The Santa Fe New Mexican
A vote is a voice: Supporters of legislation to restore voting rights to felons while they are still Read More
Senator Hopes To Slow Legislating-To-Lobbying Express
Sen. Harold Pope
By MILAN SIMONICH
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Give state Sen. Harold Pope credit. Unlike so many legislators who have come before him, he’s not interested in using his seat as a springboard to a lucrative career as a lobbyist.
His position isn’t going to win him any popularity contests at the Capitol.
That’s because Pope, D-Albuquerque, has filed a bill to bar legislators from accepting compensation as lobbyists for two years after their political service ends. The measure also contains a two-year prohibition on employers of lobbyists. Businesses and organizations could not Read More
NM GOP Senators Criticize State Of The State Address
Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca
By SCOTT WYLAND
The Santa Fe New Mexican
As could be expected, some parts of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s State of the State address that drew standing ovations among her supporters Tuesday were attacked by Senate Republicans.
“We heard more and more and more about all these problems we have, and the [governor’s] one answer is money and spending,” Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca said at a news conference after the speech. “The answer isn’t throwing hundreds of millions of dollars into education, hundreds of millions of dollars at renewable energy.”
Baca, R-Belen, Read More
Gov. Lujan Grisham Calls For Ban On Assault Weapons On First Day Of 2023 Legislative Session
Gov. Michele Lujan Grisham speaks during the State of the State address at the Roundhouse during the first day of the 2023 legislative session on Jan. 17. Javier Gallegos/The Santa Fe New Mexican
Newly elected House Speaker Javier Martinez watches as his family, wife Diana and children Marisela, left, and Camilo, right, are introduced in front of the House as special guests on Jan. 17. Javier Gallegos/The Santa Fe New Mexican
By DANIEL J. CHACÓN
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham called for a series of gun-control measures in the 60-day legislative session during her State of Read More
