New Mexico Unemployment Rate 4.4% In August 2022
NMDWS News:
New Mexico’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in August, down from 4.5 percent in July and down from 6.8 percent in the previous year.
The national unemployment rate in August was 3.7 percent, up from 3.5 percent in July and down from 5.2 percent in August 2021.
Total nonagricultural payroll employment grew by 28,400 jobs, or 3.4 percent, between August 2021 and August 2022. The majority of gains came from the private sector, which was up 26,700 jobs, or 4.1 percent. The public sector was up 1,700 jobs, or 1.0 percent. Most private sector gains were in the private Read More
CVNM Launches New ‘Climate Action Now’ Website
CVNM Executive Director Demis Foster
CVNM NEWS:
SANTA FE — Today, Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM) launched a new website: Climate Action Now NM.
The site will provide information on key aspects of the climate crisis in the state, showcasing the work that has already been accomplished and what remains to be done. It also calls on state legislators to prioritize policy action that transitions the state to a zero-emissions economy by 2050.
The site will soon be available in Spanish as well.
“We are past the point where we can just talk about the problem; New Mexicans want and need climate action Read More
Former U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman Outlines ‘How To Fix A Broken Congress’ In New Book
Sen. Jeff Bingaman
STATE News:
SANTA FE — As most Americans know, the Congress, and especially the Senate, are deeply divided. And even when the majority of Americans support a certain policy change — such as enacting stricter gun control laws or doing more to combat climate change — it is extremely hard to get enough members of Congress to vote against party lines to get laws passed.
However, it hasn’t always been this way. In his new book, Breakdown: Lessons for a Congress in Crisis (University of New Mexico Press, Oct. 15, 2022), former Sen. Jeff Bingaman, who spent 30 years representing the citizens Read More
Luján, Leger Fernández, Hayes Introduce Legislation To Expand Federal Loan Forgiveness For Educators
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:
WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) and Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) in introducing the Loan Forgiveness for Educators Act of 2022 to expand the federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness program.
The bill helps address educator shortages across the country and increases children’s access to a diverse and well-prepared educator workforce.
The Loan Forgiveness for Educators Act of 2022 updates the Teacher Loan Forgiveness program by having the federal government make the monthly Read More
NMED DOE Oversight Bureau To Host Los Alamos Community Engagement Meeting And Open House Sept. 23
NMED DOE Oversight Bureau News:
…Public is invited to view demonstrations, ask questions
The New Mexico Environment Department’s (NMED) Department of Energy (DOE) Oversight Bureau invites members of the public to an open house and community engagement meeting, 3-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23 the Los Alamos Oversight Section Office at 1183 Diamond Dr., Suite B.
All interested members of the public are encouraged to attend and learn more about what NMED’s DOE Oversight Bureau does for the Los Alamos community and surrounding areas.
NMED’s DOE Oversight Bureau closely monitors the environment Read More
Stradling: Housing For Los Alamos Workers – For A Healthy County Economy
By GARY STRADLING
Republican Candidate
Los Alamos County Council
As I campaign, I knock on doors in our community every day. At my opening line: “Hello, I am Gary Stradling, running for County Council. Los Alamos needs housing for the people who work here and would like to live here!” literally every head begins to nod up and down. Everyone agrees.
The people who live here recognize that this is a significant issue of the county’s economic health, and is integrally tied to infrastructure, road/utilities, congestion, and business, and will affect county education.
The high demand for the limited Read More
Governor Proclaims Sept. 26-Oct. 1 Outdoor Learning Week
EENM News:
To highlight the importance of getting kids outside, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a proclamation declaring that New Mexico’s second annual Outdoor Learning Week is Sept. 26-Oct. 1, 2022.
Environmental Education of New Mexico (EENM) and its network of more than 170 outdoor and environmental learning organizations will celebrate by taking kids outside for fun lessons and gathering the community to learn and share during the virtual Outdoor Learning Symposium.
All children in New Mexico deserve the meaningful experiences and sense of discovery that result from outdoor Read More
Heinrich, Luján, Lujan Grisham Announce $4.4 Million In American Rescue Plan Funding To Boost Tourism, Workforce Training Opportunities For Pueblos Of Taos, Picuris
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham are welcoming $4.4 million in American Rescue Plan grants to support tourism and workforce opportunities for the Pueblos of Taos and Picuris.
“The American Rescue Plan has been a lifeline for Tribes and rural communities to successfully rebuild themselves after the pandemic,” Heinrich said. “I’m proud to see this historic relief package continue delivering critical investments that will strengthen infrastructure, economic, and job opportunities for Read More
Heinrich, Luján Urge HHS To Strengthen Privacy Protections For Women Seeking Reproductive Health Care
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and a group of Democratic senators are calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take immediate action to safeguard women’s privacy and their ability to safely and confidentially get the health care they need.
Specifically, the senators are urging the Biden administration to strengthen federal privacy protections under the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to broadly restrict providers from sharing patients’ reproductive health Read More
Governor Signs Emergency Declaration For Hidalgo County Due To Severe Flooding
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Tuesday announced that she has signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Hidalgo County due to recent severe flooding, making available additional funding and state resources for affected communities.
The emergency declaration comes after monsoon rain events that began in August have resulted in flooding that broke the all-time record water level for the Gila River water gauge near the Village of Virden and resulted in damage to both private and public property.
The executive order provides Read More
Electrification Caucus Releases Fact Sheet On How Inflation Reduction Act Will Electrify America’s Future, Lower Costs
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of the White House celebration of the historic Inflation Reduction Act Tuesday, the Co-Chairs of the Electrification Caucus U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) released a fact sheet highlighting the game-changing provisions in the new law that will electrify America’s future.
“The clean energy and electrification investments that we secured in the Inflation Reduction Act are by far the most significant steps Read More
Meet 2022 Local & State Republican Candidates Sept. 16
The Republican Party of Los Alamos (RPLA) is hosting a candidate meet and greet (very informal) to give the community a chance to talk with state and local candidates at a personal level.
Constituents can ask questions, voice concerns, and discuss hopes for the future!
This will be held 8-10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16 at Pig + Fig Cage at 11 Sherwood Blvd. in White Rock. Light refreshments, coffee and juice will be served.
Recap Of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Visit To D.C.
The south side of the White House in Washington, D.C. Courtesy/wikipedia
From the Office of the Governor:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham met with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today to advocate for additional resources related to wildfires and flooding before joining President Joe Biden at a celebration of the Infrastructure Reduction Act at the White House.
The governor has continuously requested the full support of federal agencies for the state’s recovery from the Hermit’s Peak and Calf Canyon fires, caused by federal prescribed burns. Read More
Constitution Day Essay Contest Deadline A Week Away!
LAFRW News:
Constitution Day, Sept. 17, celebrates the U.S. Constitution and the freedoms it protects. The local Constitution Day Essay Contest, sponsored by the Los Alamos Federated Republican Women (LAFRW), is designed to challenge students to learn more about the U.S. Constitution and to express original, thoughtful ideas in essay writing.
The topic this year for all grade levels is the system of federalism.
Essays will be judged on how completely and clearly the ideas are stated and supported. Grammar, spelling and punctuation also will be considered. The judging is blind.
Students
State Cuts Paperwork 41 Percent For New Mexico Teachers
PED Secretary Kurt Steinhaus
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Monday announced that the Public Education Department has completed an overhaul of reporting requirements, trimming 34 percent from administrative work required of school districts and charter schools across New Mexico and cutting teacher paperwork by 41 percent.
This fulfills an executive order issued May 23 by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to reduce the administrative burden for teachers and school administrators by 25 percent by the start of the 2022-23 school year.
“Less time spent on paperwork means more Read More
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Delivers Over $40 Million For New Police Officers Across State
From the Office of the Governor:
ALBUQUERQUE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Friday announced the awarding of over $40 million from the Law Enforcement Recruitment Fund for the hiring of over 300 new officers at 29 departments across New Mexico.
“Today we deliver on a promise to New Mexicans to get more police officers on our streets,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “Every New Mexican deserves to feel safe in their community, to know that law enforcement is coming when they need help – that’s why we are continuing our priority investments in public safety, funding new officers that will make a real difference Read More
Scenes From Chamber Business Breakfast At UNM-LA
Scene from this morning’s Chamber Business Breakfast, featuring Sen. Leo Jaramillo and House Rep. Christine Chandler speaking with Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce members about recent and upcoming legislation that impacts local businesses. From left, Sen. Jaramillo, Chamber Director Ryn Herrmann, Rep. Chandler and Chamber Member Services Manager Sam McRae. The Chamber Business Breakfast was hosted by UNM-LA, sponsored by LANL-CPO and catered by Secret City Kitchen. Courtesy/Chamber
Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce members asking Sen. Leo Jaramillo and Rep. Christine Chandler questions Read More
AFT On PED Effort To Reduce, Improve Data Collection
AFT President Whitney Holland
AFT News:
...Lujan Grisham Administration and PED Engaged Stakeholders to Reduce Paperwork
RIO RANCHO – American Federation of Teachers New Mexico (AFT) President Whitney Holland issued the following statement:
“Public educators working in New Mexico’s K-12 schools can soon expect relief from the pressures of duplicative and overly burdensome data reporting as the New Mexico Public Education Department implements the recommendations from its study of data collection processes in our system of public education.
“The result of a collaborative effort Read More
Governor’s Office Announces New Interim Leadership
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
From the Office of the Governor:
SANTA FE — The Office of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Friday that Courtney Kerster will serve as interim chief of staff as Matthew L. Garcia, who has served in the position since November of 2020, leaves the administration at the end of the month to continue the confirmation process for a position on the federal bench.
“Courtney has been an integral part of my leadership team for nearly a decade – I look forward to her service as interim chief of staff and appreciate her dedication to the state and our ongoing work on behalf of New Read More
NMED: Air And Climate Challenges Facing Region Focus Of Annual Four Corners Air Quality Group Meeting
NMED News:
FARMINGTON — The Four Corners Air Quality Group is hosting its annual meeting Sept. 21 and 22 at San Juan College School of Energy in-person with the option of virtually participating online.
The meeting is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and offer updates on climate and air quality issues affecting the region. The first day will focus on climate actions and environmental justice, and the second day will focus on various air quality topics including criteria pollutants, monitoring data trends, and regional haze plans.
Members of the public are invited and encouraged to participate in this Read More
