Political News - Los Alamos Daily Post

Gov. Lujan Grisham Signs Electric Vehicle Accord

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 14, 2019

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and seven other governors have reaffirmed their partnership to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure along major highways in the Intermountain West and released voluntary minimum standards for those charging stations.

Gov. Lujan Grisham signed the new REV West Memorandum of Understanding, along with governors from Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. The document updates a similar agreement signed in October 2017 with a goal to ensure drivers can

NM Department Of Workforce Solutions Signs Career Pathway Agreement With The U.S. Forest Service

Submitted by Chris Clark on December 14, 2019

James Duran (left), and Secretary Bill McCamley. Courtesy photo

NMDWS News:

TAOS, NM ― Dec. 11, 2019, the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) signed an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service in Taos to provide a career pathway program for participants in the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC).

RMYC is an AmeriCorps program where participants gain valuable experience in the skills that employers, like the U.S. Forest Service, need by maintaining public lands.

The program will involve staff from Carson National Forest Service, NMDWS, and RMYC working together to provide training

New Mexico Congressional Delegation’s PFAS Legislation Included In National Defense Bill

Submitted by Chris Clark on December 14, 2019

New Mexico Congressional Delegation News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Wednesday, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) announced that the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes the New Mexico delegation’s bill, H.R. 1567 or the PFAS Damages Act, to provide relief to communities and businesses impacted by PFAS contamination in groundwater around Air Force bases in New Mexico and across the country, including dairy farms in New Mexico that have Read More

Four Years After Paris Climate Accords, Udall Joins Shaheen, Bipartisan Group Of Senators In Voicing Support For Global Efforts To Combat Climate Change

Submitted by Chris Clark on December 14, 2019

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and a group of bipartisan senators in a letter to Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in support of the organization’s global efforts to mitigate climate change.

The 25th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 25) is currently convening a meeting on the historic Paris Climate Agreement in Madrid. Earlier this week, Udall joined a group of senators in calling on President Trump to once Read More

Clean Energy Jobs Act Passes Out Of Committee

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 13, 2019

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thursday, The Clean Energy Jobs Act (S. 2393), introduced by U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), was passed by a voice vote in a key legislative business meeting in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

The bill establishes a comprehensive, nationwide program at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to create a well-trained workforce in the energy sector.

This program would improve education and training for careers in energy-related industries, especially for minorities and other underrepresented groups in New Mexico.

Santa Fe Republican Alexis Johnson Announces Candidacy For Congressional District 3

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 13, 2019

Alexis Johnson

From the Alexis Johnson For CD3 Campaign:

‘A Return to Traditional, New Mexican Family Values.’

Alexis Johnson is a fiscal and social conservative, a consultant in engineering, a rancher, and a mother who is pro-life and a strong believer in the U.S. Constitution.

Born and raised in southeastern New Mexico, Johnson is now raising a family of her own with her husband Chris in Santa Fe, and she understands the challenges faced every day by New Mexican families.

Johnson is a proud New Mexican who believes in “New Mexico First” principles: protecting and advocating for Read More

Heinrich: Closer Than Ever To Establishing New National Park In New Mexico

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 13, 2019

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced that his provision to designate White Sands National Monument as New Mexico’s newest national park was included in the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020.

The House is expected to vote on the bill this week with Senate consideration to follow.

“Everyone who visits White Sands marvels at its remarkable geology, spectacular scenery, and outstanding recreation experiences,” Heinrich said. “Since I introduced

Luján Statement On Lowering Prescription Drug Costs

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 13, 2019

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the House passage of the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act:

“I often hear from families that the cost of prescription drugs is a burden threatening their economic stability and their health. That is unacceptable. New Mexico families shouldn’t have to choose between making ends meet and affording their prescriptions

“I am deeply proud that the House passed the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now

New Mexico Economic Development Department Outdoor Recreation Division Launches Website

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 11, 2019

Photo by Jay Hemphill

STATE News:

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) launched Friday, Dec. 6 an independent website.

The new ORD site will be a valuable resource for outdoor recreation companies looking to expand or relocate, as well as nonprofits and government agencies looking to get involved with the division’s work.

Additionally, the website offers information including a full list of the ORD Advisory Committee as well as opportunities for volunteers.

“The Outdoor Recreation Division’s website and social platforms are Read More

Heinrich Pushes For Clean Energy Tax Extenders

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 11, 2019

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― As committees in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate continue to discuss a potential legislative package of tax extenders, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is calling on Congressional leadership to prioritize clean energy extenders in any tax legislation.

Heinrich, along with U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), has led a letter calling on leadership

Governor, Legislative Leaders Petition Supreme Court For Emergency Review Of Energy Law

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 11, 2019

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

STATE News:

SANTA FE ― Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and legislative sponsors of the 2019 Energy Transition Act petitioned Monday afternoon the New Mexico Supreme Court for an emergency review, asking the Court to direct the Public Regulation Commission to apply the 2019 Energy Transition Act in cases filed after the ETA’s enactment.

New Mexico House Speaker Brian Egolf, Sen. Jacob Candelaria, Sen. Mimi Stewart and Rep. Nathan Small were ETA co-sponsors and joined Monday’s petition; President Nez joined

League High School Essay Contest Honors 100th Anniversary Of Women’s Suffrage

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 11, 2019

LWV News:

The 19th amendment was passed in 1920 granting women’s suffrage and that makes 2020 a historic year in women’s right to vote in United States elections.

To celebrate the event and to remind citizens of those momentous times, the League of Women Voters is sponsoring an essay contest open to all Los Alamos students in grades 9 through 12 attending public, private or home schools.

The topic of the essay is “U.S. women fought for decades for the right to vote, finally achieving the vote in 1920. What were some of the obstacles to achieving suffrage? Since 1920, there have

LAFRW Hosts Annual Christmas Luncheon Thursday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 10, 2019

LAFRW News:

Los Alamos Federated Republican Women will host its annual Christmas Luncheon noon Thursday. Call Shona for luncheon location at 505.672.1456.

Local President Shona Neff will present the Year in Review. All registered Republican women are invited to attend.

Contributions for a charity opportunity will take place during the luncheon.

Luján Celebrates Legacy Of Esther Martinez In Floor Speech Supporting Language Justice Legislation

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 10, 2019

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Monday, U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, spoke on the House floor in support of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation to revitalize Native American languages.

Video of Luján’s full speech is available here.

An excerpt from Luján’s remarks, as prepared for delivery:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act.

LANL Director Thom Mason Speaks At Military Order Of The World Wars Pearl Harbor Commemoration Dinner

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 9, 2019

Los Alamos National Laboratory Director Thom Mason, left, receives a certificate of appreciation from Cmdr. Gregg Giesler following his presentation on ‘Leveraging our scientific base against national security threats’ during the Military Order of The World Wars annual Pearl Harbor Commemoration Dinner Sunday at the Los Alamos Research Park. An Act of Congress chartered the Military Order of the World Wars in 1919 as a national patriotic organization. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Following his presentation Sunday, LANL Director Thom Mason, left, answers questions from Read More

Democratic Party Features Land Commissioner Monday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 8, 2019

Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard

DPLA News:

The Democratic Party of Los Alamos County meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 in Building 6 at UNM-LA.

The featured speaker is New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard who will present an update on renewable energy, water, oil and gas issues and upcoming legislative initiatives.

The meeting is open to the public.

Japanese Attacked Pearl Harbor 78 Years Ago Today

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 8, 2019

U.S. Navy took this photo of the USS Arizona on fire following the Dec. 7, 1941 Japanese aerial attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Courtesy/Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress

Pearl Harbor News:

President Franklin Roosevelt called Dec. 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy”.

On that day, Japanese planes attacked the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Territory. The bombing killed more than 2,300 Americans. It completely destroyed the American battleship U.S.S. Arizona and capsized the U.S.S. Oklahoma.

The attack sank or beached 12 ships, damaged nine others, Read More

NEA-New Mexico President Mary Parr Sanchez Comments On PED Proposed 5 Percent Budget Increase

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 8, 2019

By Mary Parr Sanchez

NEA-New Mexico President

NEA-New Mexico President Mary Parr Sanchez issues the following comment on the New Mexico Public Education Department’s proposed budget increase of only 5 percent:

“If the preliminary budget figures being discussed by legislative leaders and the PED are adopted, New Mexico’s educators will be extremely disappointed that once again our students next year will not be provided a sufficient education.

“With anything less than another substantial increase in total compensation for teachers and other school employees,

New Mexico First Issues Data For Decision-Making

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 8, 2019

NMF News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― New Mexico First, a nonpartisan organization committed to engaging New Mexicans in public policy and civic life, has released a report on Building a New Mexico Infrastructure for Data-Informed Decision-Making.

It is important to recognize there is not a “one-size-fits-all” strategy.

If data are to contribute meaningfully to decision-making in New Mexico’s diverse communities, they need to be responsive to a variety of contexts, concerns, methodologies and requirements. Interviews with eight New Mexican data centers, housed variously

Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force Meets In Gallup Dec. 12

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on December 7, 2019

NMIA News:

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force is holding its December meeting.

The meeting is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at the First United Methodist Church 7000 at 1800 Redrock Dr. in Gallup (across Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital).

Schedule: