Political News - Los Alamos Daily Post

Overview Of Tuesday Night Council Meeting

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 14, 2019

From left, candidates for the state senate seat formerly held by Sen.Carlos Cisneros Gabriel Montoya, Kristina Ortez, Daniel Barrone and Roberto “Bobby” Gonzales explain to Los Alamos County Council why they are best suited for the job. Ultimately, council voted to recommend Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appoint Ortez to fill Cisneros’ unexpired term. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

By KIRSTEN LASKEY

Los Alamos Daily Post

kirsten@ladailypost.com

Los Alamos County Council held its regular meeting Tuesday night and below is a summary of actions taken. Read More

Luján Introduces Legislation To Improve Diagnostic Research And Save Lives

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 14, 2019

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, introduced bipartisan legislation Wednesday with U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) to bolster diagnostic research in medicine and improve patient outcomes.

The Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act makes critical investments to advance research and progress in diagnostic quality, safety, and value in health care. In the United States, diagnostic errors result in between 40,000 and 80,000 preventable deaths and cost the health care system

Udall, Senate Democrats Introduce VAWA Reauthorization Bill With Strong Tribal Provisions For Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women Epidemic

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 13, 2019

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall today joined U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Senate Democrats in introducing the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. Courtesy photo

From the Office of U.S. Sen. Tom Udall:

Violence Against Women Act reauthorization is needed to protect women in New Mexico and across the U.S.
Udall-championed Tribal provisions will enhance public safety for Native women and families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs today joined U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Senate Democrats Read More

Udall, Heinrich Praise Senate Vote Designating November As National Native American Heritage Month

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 13, 2019

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) praised the Senate’s vote to recognize November as National Native American Heritage Month.

“I’m proud that the Senate passed our bipartisan resolution recognizing November as Native American Heritage Month. This resolution honors the countless ways Native American have shaped New Mexico and our national identity. It also challenges us to examine how we can better stand with Tribes to meet our trust and treaty obligations,”

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján, Members Of Congress Introduce Legislation To Support Student Veterans

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 13, 2019

U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján

CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, and Members of Congress, introduced bipartisan legislation to support student veterans and address wage disparities.

The Wage Adjustment for Veterans Enrolled in School Act would require that Veterans Affairs work-study wage match the local minimum wage if higher than the state minimum wage – ensuring that student veterans are paid fairly for their work.

Full time or 3/4-time students who served

Governor Issues Special Thank You To Veterans

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 11, 2019

From the New Mexicans for Michelle Campaign:

Veteran’s Day is our nation’s day of remembrance to honor America’s military service members and veterans, living and dead, active and retired, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of our country.

We can never thank our veterans enough for their service. Today’s holiday in their honor is just a small token of the gratitude we should all feel.

To our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen on active duty, thank you for the risks you take and the sacrifices you make every day.

To all the veterans out there, we honor you! Thank you for your service Read More

Letter To The Editor: Julia Baker Expresses Gratitude

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 11, 2019

By JULIA BAKER

Newly Elected LAPS School Board Member

I have learned so much during this school board campaign.

I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to meet so many people in our community and discuss their concerns and support for our schools.

I am grateful to live in a town of people who care about our schools, students and staff.

Thank you to the Los Alamos Federation of School Employees for their endorsement. It was an honor to meet with them and with many teachers and school staff throughout the district. We are blessed to have such amazingly dedicated professionals working within our area. Read More

Senator Heinrich Issues Statement On Veterans Day

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 11, 2019

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in recognition of Veterans Day.

“I am so proud to recognize the thousands of New Mexicans who have demonstrated great courage in service to our nation. Our state has a rich tradition of answering the call of duty, from the Navajo Code Talkers, Bataan Death March survivors, and Korean and Vietnam War GI’s to more recent veterans who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. That tradition continues Read More

New Mexico Congressional Delegation Announces Funding For Arrowhead Center For Tribal Businesses, Through NMSU And Navajo Technical University

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 11, 2019

Congressional Delegation News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — 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 U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has awarded an American Indian Business Enterprise grant to the Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University (NMSU) in conjunction with Navajo Technical University.

The $260,000 grant will fund the Arrowhead Center’s support for young Native student entrepreneurs

Preventing Animal Cruelty And Torture Act Headed To President’s Desk

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 11, 2019

AWF News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― The U.S. Senate has passed the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act by unanimous consent.

The bill, led by U.S. Sens. Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), would establish the first federal anti-cruelty law.

The House of Representatives also recently passed the same bill, led by Reps. Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and now the measure goes to President Trump for his signature.

“The U.S. is far overdue to establish a federal anti-cruelty law,” said Holly Gann, director of federal affairs at Animal Wellness

Heinrich Calls For Forward-Looking Legislation To Advance America’s Energy Industry And Workforce

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 10, 2019

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), the Ranking Member on the Senate Energy Subcommittee, delivered opening remarks Thursday on legislative efforts to modernize America’s electric grid, boost innovations through technology transfer programs with national laboratories, and create energy workforce development opportunities across the country.

Assistant Secretary of Energy Daniel Simons testified on eleven separate bills.

VIDEO: Heinrich Calls On Energy Subcommittee, DOE To Focus On Forward-Looking

New Mexico State Auditor Brian Colón Recognized As 2019 Diverse Business Leader

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 10, 2019

State Auditor Brian S. Colón

STATE News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― State Auditor Brian S. Colón was recognized Thursday as a 2019 Diverse Business Leader by Albuquerque Business First for his demonstrated commitment to go above and beyond to bolster equity and promote authentic diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

“I am a proud advocate and ally for underrepresented populations and communities without a voice or seat at the table,” Colón said. “I am grateful and humbled to be included in this group of stellar honorees for this year’s awards. Thank you to our community for always

LAFRW Meets On Oppenheimer Drive Noon Thursday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 9, 2019

GOP News:

The local chapter of Los Alamos Federated Republican Women will have its next meeting at noon Thursday, Nov. 14 in the lower level Patio Room at 1001 Oppenheimer Dr.

The meeting is open to all registered Republican women and men.

Shona Neff and Terra Fullbright will be reporting on their recent attendance at the 2019 NMFRW Biennial Convention.

Direct questions to Shona Neff at 505.672.1456. Read More

Thousands Of New Mexicans Call For Wildlife Protections In Santa Fe; Carson National Forest Plans

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 9, 2019

S360 News:

SANTA FE ― A diverse coalition of New Mexico conservation organizations, sportsmen and women and public land advocates, called for stronger protection of critical wildlife habitat, clean water and wildlife migration corridors in the Upper Rio Grande Watershed.

The group delivered more than 23,000 public comments to the U.S. Forest Service calling for improvements to the Carson and Santa Fe National Forests’ land management plans.

The New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Trout Unlimited, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Defenders of Wildlife, New Mexico

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall To Join Veterans Day Ceremony In Española Honoring Service Of New Mexico Veterans

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 8, 2019

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

From the Office of U.S. Sen. Tom Udall:

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall will deliver remarks and participate in a ceremony Monday honoring New Mexico’s veterans and commemorating fallen service members at the Española Veterans’ Memorial Wall.

“I am grateful to join the Española community in honoring New Mexico’s veterans,” Udall said. “New Mexico is a state with a proud tradition of military service. Veterans, service members, and their families bind our communities together and inspire us with Read More

Democratic Party Of Los Alamos Meets Nov. 11

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 8, 2019

DPLA News:

The Democratic Party of Los Alamos County meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, in Building 6 at UNM-Los Alamos.

The featured speaker is New Mexico Census Coordinator Paige Best with the Department of Finance and Administration.

Best will talk about the process and challenges for getting an accurate count in the 2020 Census and discuss what citizens can do to help.

The meeting is open to the public.

Record ‘Yes’ Votes For Los Alamos School Bond

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 8, 2019

Pinon Elementary School thanks community for its support. Courtesy/LAPS

Chamisa Elementary School thanks community for its support. Courtesy/LAPS

LAPS News:

The Nov. 5, 2019 election in Los Alamos resulted in a record 82 percent of “yes” votes for the Los Alamos Public Schools general obligation bond.

The bond passed 3,609 to 780. During the last bond election in 2017, 79 percent voted in favor of the bond.

The general obligation bond will generate $20 million and primarily benefit Chamisa Elementary and Piñon Elementary schools.

Next steps include

Senators Heinrich, Wyden Call For Open Intelligence Committee Hearing On Section 215 Of Patriot Act

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 8, 2019

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 6, 2019) ― U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) have called for open hearings in the Senate Intelligence Committee on Section 215 of the Patriot Act before any markup is held.

Wyden and Heinrich are senior members of the Senate Intelligence committee. They have consistently worked for common-sense reforms to surveillance programs to ensure Americans have both security and liberty.

“We appreciate that the Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act authorities

Gov. Lujan Grisham Names Elizabeth Groginsky First Early Childhood Secretary In New Mexico

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 8, 2019

Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky

STATE News:

SANTA FE ― Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Wednesday that Elizabeth Groginsky will be the first secretary of the new Early Childhood Education and Care Department.

Groginsky comes to New Mexico from Washington, D.C., where she has been assistant superintendent of early learning for the District of Columbia since 2014. In that role, she administered a $160 million annual budget that funded programs to ensure equal access to quality services for the District’s most vulnerable children and their families.

Letter To The Editor: Bernstein Thanks Supporters

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on November 7, 2019

By CHRISTINE BERNSTEIN

School Board Member-Elect

Thank you.

I am so grateful to have had this experience running for School Board for the Aspen District and I owe so much to so many people that have helped to make this happen.

I first want to thank my opponent, Morrie Pongratz, who made this a fun and challenging race. He was a formidable opponent and I am glad to have had this opportunity to grow and learn.

I want to thank the community. I am so grateful for your support and votes, for welcoming me into your homes and having conversations on your doorsteps. I have come to love this community even more than Read More

LOS ALAMOS

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