Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Announces Endorsements From New Mexico Mayors
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
From the Governor’s Reelection Campaign:
ALBUQUERQUE — Today, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Mayors for Michelle, a group of ever-growing mayors from across New Mexico who have endorsed her for reelection.
Mayors for Michelle represent diverse towns, villages and cities from every corner of New Mexico.
During her time in office, Gov. Lujan Grisham championed a record number of capital outlay projects, infrastructure improvements, and investments into local economies. As a result of Gov. Lujan Grisham’s community-focused leadership, mayors across Read More
County Releases Chapter 16 – Module 3 Development Code
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Development Department (CDD) and its consultant, Dekker/Perich/Sabatini (DPS) released the last of the three modules (Module 3) to update the Chapter 16 Development Code today for the public to review.
The draft document is available online at https://losalamosconnect.org/.
In addition, the public is invited to a virtual open house at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2. Representatives from CDD and DPS will present a summary of the most significant proposed changes to Module 3 and hear public comment. Interested members of the public may join the meeting using this Read More
New Mexico Higher Education Department Prioritizes Student Mental Health With $1 Million State Investment
Indian Education Department Director Nathan Moquino
HED News:
…20 programs to receive $50,000 grants to expand services and outreach
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Higher Education Department has announced that it will award $1 million to establish and expand mental health services for students on college campuses across the state via funding approved by Gov. Lujan Grisham.
The Department is awarding $50,000 grants to 20 programs across 14 college and university campuses throughout New Mexico as part of its Mental and Behavioral Health Grant Initiative. The funds will be used to expand
New Mexico Governor Orders Flags To Half-Staff In Mourning For Four First Responders Killed In Helicopter Crash
STATE News:
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered all flags to half-staff through sundown Friday, July 22, in the state of New Mexico in mourning for four Bernalillo County first responders killed Saturday in a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office helicopter crash.
Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lieutenant Fred Beers and Deputy Michael Levinson, all of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and Bernalillo County Fire Department Rescue Specialist Matthew King were killed in a helicopter crash in the line of duty July 16 while assisting with firefighting efforts in San Miguel Read More
Democrats Organize Statewide Effort To Reach Voters
Volunteers gathered at the Democratic Party of New Mexico’s field office in Sandoval County. Courtesy/DPNM
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez speaking to volunteers at the Day of Action virtual Rally. Courtesy/DPNM
DPNM News:
The Democratic Party of New Mexico (DPNM) held a hybrid virtual and in-person Day of Action Saturday to Defend Reproductive Rights with volunteers ready to contact voters across New Mexico.
At a virtual rally launching the event, DPNM Chair Jessica Velasquez, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez and Rep. Melanie Stansbury shared the importance of grassroots Read More
Hopkins: The Second Amendment At The End Of The 20th Century
Editor’s note: John Hopkins wrote this column on the Second Amendment in June 1999. While a few relevant court cases (e.g. Heller) have clarified several issues in the past few decades, he said his column does address the importance of the Fourteenth Amendment in understanding the Second Amendment today.
By JOHN HOPKINS
Los Alamos
The NRA regularly reminds us that the right to firearms is guarenteed by the constitution, but few know what this means in the context of today’s society. It might be instructive to briefly review the history of the Bill of Rights and the Second Amendment for clues of Read More
Rep. Christine Chandler Receives AFL-CIO Labor Riveter & Trailblazer Awards For Supporting New Mexico’s Workers
Rep. Christine Chandler, center, is honored with the AFL-CIO’s ‘Labor Riveter’ and ‘Labor Trailblazer’ awards at the recent Federation’s Annual Convention. Rep. Christine Chandler is shown here with New Mexico Federation of Labor Secretary Ashley Long and President Vince Alvarado. Courtesy photo
From the Office of Rep. Christine Chandler:
Rep. Christine Chandler (HD43), of Los Alamos, was recently honored with the New Mexico Federation of Labor AFL-CIO’s “Labor Riveter” and “Labor Trailblazer” awards at the Federation’s Annual Convention.
“Since taking office in 2019, it’s been Read More
Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter Issues Statement On NRC Approval Of High-Level Waste Storage Site In New Mexico
Sierra Club News:
SANTA FE – The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced Thursday it intends to issue a license to HOLTEC International for the construction and operation of an interim nuclear storage facility in New Mexico.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham called on the state Legislature to, “deliver a proposal to my desk that protects New Mexico from becoming the de facto home of the country’s spent nuclear fuel and it will have my full support.”
Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter joins this call and is already working with legislators to secure firm support for voting for legislation to Read More
Governor Announces New Mexico Plans To Invest $38 Million In Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Friday that New Mexico has filed the state’s plan to execute $38 million in federal funding for expanded electric vehicle charger infrastructure, the first state in the nation to do so.
“New Mexico is leading the nation in driving the future of greener transportation forward,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “Whether it’s a trip across town or across the state, we are using every available tool to ensure that everyone in New Mexico can benefit from electric vehicles. Building a comprehensive network of EV charging stations throughout the Read More
Richard Glover To Head Office Of Military Base Planning And Support
Richard Glover
STATE News:
…Air Force veteran brings decades of experience to state government
SANTA FE. – Economic Development Department (EDD) Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes announced today that Richard Glover has been chosen by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham as the new Director of the Office of Military Base Planning and Support.
Glover is an El Paso native who retired from the U.S. Air Force after a career focused on Research and Development and Intelligence Operations.
After a 16-year career primarily supporting the Office of Special Projects for the Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Read More
State, New Mexico Rail Runner Partnering To Help Albuquerque And Santa Fe Commuters And Travelers
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Wednesday that a 75 percent reduction in Rail Runner fares enacted in April will be extended until the end of the year.
In addition, beginning Aug. 1, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express will add additional service to accommodate commuters and other passengers.
Lastly, to make commuting more convenient for state employees, the state’s Park and Ride shuttle system will be expanded to offer service to additional state buildings and surrounding businesses.
“Like the rest of the country, New Mexicans are dealing with higher prices – especially Read More
Chart 662: In Los Alamos The June Surge Is Subsiding
This chart displays the seven-day average number of COVID-19 diagnoses in Los Alamos County versus date. So far, the June surge resulted in about 850 cases (total cases in June and July). As a reference, the January surge resulted in about 1,600 cases (total cases in January and February). Since March 2020, about 1 in 5 residents of Los Alamos County have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Source: New Mexico Department of Health. Created by Eli Ben-NaimHeinrich, Luján On Nomination Of Matthew L. Garcia For U.S. District Court – District Of New Mexico
Matthew L. Garcia
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) welcomed President Joe Biden’s nomination Thursday of Matthew L. Garcia for U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico.
“We are pleased that President Biden has accepted our strong recommendation to nominate Matthew L. Garcia to join the District Court of New Mexico,” Heinrich and Luján said. “Mr. Garcia has built an impressive record of public service with a history as one of the state’s top civil rights attorneys. A University of New Mexico alum, with strong ties to the Read More
New Mexico Public Regulation Commission-Approved Community Solar Rule Now Legally Binding
STATE News:
SANTA FE —The Community Solar Rule, which was unanimously adopted by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) in March 2022, has been filed in the New Mexico Register by New Mexico Commission of Public Records, making it now effective.
A copy of the rule published in the New Mexico Register can be viewed at https://www.srca.nm.gov/nmac/nmregister/xxxiii/17.9.573.pdf
In April 2021, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law the Community Solar Act, which called on the PRC to draft and approve the rules of the community solar program. The community solar program allows Read More
Governor Adds Seasoned Leaders Sarita Nair, Ricky Serna And Teresa Padilla To New Mexico State Agencies
The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Thursday the appointment of leadership at three state agencies:
- Sarita Nair will assume the role of Secretary of the Department of Workforce Solutions beginning Aug. 15.
- Ricky Serna, who has been serving as Acting Secretary for the Department of Workforce Solutions and Director of the State Personnel Office, will begin as cabinet secretary for the Department of Transportation July 18. Current Acting Secretary Justin Reese will return to his role as NMDOT Deputy Secretary.
- Teresa Padilla
U.S. Sen. Luján Joins Colleagues To Urge IRS To Extend Filing Deadline For ITIN Filers Affected By Processing Delays
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), joined a group of Senate colleagues in calling on IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig to extend the filing deadline for filers with individual taxpayer identification numbers (ITIN) who have been impacted by massive processing delays at the agency.
Because of these operational challenges, many eligible ITIN filers have been unable to file for the enhanced child tax credit (CTC).
“We are concerned to learn that there may be numerous families that had hoped to file for and receive the enhanced Read More
County Community Development Department To Host 3 Public Meetings On White Rock Draft Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County’s Community Development Department (CDD) will hold three meetings to present the draft Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) Plan to redevelop three locations in White Rock to stimulate economic and community development.
The three properties include the area adjacent to the Del Norte Credit Union on Rover Boulevard, the Longview neighborhood, and the vacant McDonalds/Time Out Pizzeria on N.M. 4.
Meeting Schedule:
- Wednesday, July 20 – CDD Project Manager Sobia Sayeda said that the first meeting will be virtual and held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 20.
Technical Area 16-399 Burn Tray Closure Plan Added To LANL’s Electronic Public Reading Room
Courtesy/LANL
LANL News:
Per regulatory requirements, the following document has been added to the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Electronic Reading Room:
Technical Area 16-399 Burn Tray Closure Plan Class 2 Amendment Public Meeting
The document has been submitted to fulfill one or more requirements of LANL.
This document and many others may be viewed at LANL’s Electronic Public Reading Room here. Read More
Healthcare Champion Rep. Debbie Armstrong Retires From New Mexico House
Rep. Debbie Armstrong
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Albuquerque House District 17 Rep. Debbie Armstrong announced her resignation Thursday from the New Mexico House of Representatives, effective today, July 15, 2022.
During her distinguished four-term legislative career, Armstrong served as the Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee, bringing transformative change to our healthcare systems and advancing equity for New Mexicans.
Rep. Armstrong has been at the helm of some of the most high-profile and important legislation of the past decade, including the Elizabeth Whitefield Read More
New Mexico Higher Education Department Breaks Down Barriers For Adults With New Policy & Resources
NMHED Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez
NMHED News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) has announced that adult learners pursuing high school equivalency (HSE) credentials no longer have to pass subject area tests within a three-year time period, making hundreds more adult students eligible to receive their secondary credential.
As a result of the retroactive policy change, 75 New Mexicans who previously passed required GED® exams beyond the three-year time frame will be awarded a secondary credential, with even higher numbers expected for students who passed Read More
