Political News - Los Alamos Daily Post

Land Commissioner Garcia Richard Responds To Proposed Customs And Border Protection Wall

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 11, 2019

NMSLO News:

SANTA FE ― Wednesday, Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard submitted a five page letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) regarding the proposed first phase of the federal border wall.

The CPB requested comments regarding the proposed project on 31 miles of federal land in Luna County and 15 miles of federal land in Doña Ana County. The Commissioner’s letter (attached and available here) outlines detailed concerns about the project.

The proposed land for “El Paso Project 1” does not include any state trust land, but construction

Udall, Heinrich Press To Withdraw Proposal To Build 46 Miles Of Border Wall In Luna/Dona Aña Counties

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 11, 2019

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M) urged Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Wednesday to extend the public comment period, which ended Wednesday, for the Trump administration’s proposal to build 46 miles of new border wall in southern New Mexico.

In a letter to CBP and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the senators said the process is wholly inadequate for stakeholders to thoroughly review and provide comment on a project of this magnitude and believe CBP should extend the comment period by 90 days. Udall and

Rep. Ben Ray Luján: Rejecting Corporate PAC Money

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 11, 2019

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

NAMBE ― U.S. Rep. and Assistant House Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) issued an op-ed Friday explaining the reasons his campaign for senate will not accept corporate PAC contributions.

Rejecting Corporate PAC Money for New Mexicans

By U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

At the start of the last Congress, one of the first votes House Republicans took was on a bill designed to unravel protections for workers exposed to chemicals like beryllium. Beryllium is one of the chemicals that poisoned my father’s lungs and caused his cancer.

Watching House Republicans vote against

Udall, Warren, Harris, Blumenthal To DHS: Stop Unconstitutional Surveillance Of Journalists, Activists…

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 10, 2019

U.S. SENATE News:

Senators demand answers from Acting Secretary McAleenan about CBP’s program to target and monitor individuals reporting on or providing assistance to migrants at the border

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) wrote to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Kevin K. McAleenan demanding answers on reports of targeted government surveillance of journalists, activists, Read More

Liberty On The Rocks Meets May 16

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 10, 2019

Liberty on the Rocks News:

Liberty on the Rocks Los Alamos Chapter is hosting a meeting 6 p.m. Thursday, May 16 at Cottonwood on the Greens, 4244 Diamond Dr. in Los Alamos.

The community is invited to join the fun, have a drink and discuss the ideas of liberty, limited government and the free market.

For more information, contact Chris Luchini at cbluchini@gmail.com.

About Liberty on the Rocks:

Liberty on the Rocks is a non-profit libertarian organization designed to educate, connect, and activate liberty enthusiasts around the world. Through local chapters

Haaland, Luján Introduce Buffalo Tract Protection Act

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 10, 2019

U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland

STATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Vice Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee Deb Haaland and Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján introduced the Buffalo Tract Protection Act Thursday to address the local Sandoval County community’s concerns about the negative impacts of a proposed gravel mine in the area.

The bill will withdraw four parcels of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, including the Buffalo Tract and the Crest of Montezuma, from any mineral development, including gravel mining.

“The Placitas area is already home to numerous

LANL Director And Higher Education Dept. Cabinet Secretary To Speak At UNM-LA Convocation Ceremony

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 9, 2019

LANL Director Dr. Thom Mason

By CAROL A. CLARK

Los Alamos Daily Post

caclark@ladailypost.com

Los Alamos National Laboratory Director Dr. Thom Mason is the honored guest speaker and Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Higher Education Department Dr. Kate O’Neill is the keynote speaker at the 38th UNM-Los Alamos (UNM-LA) Convocation Ceremony at 6 p.m. May 10, in Duane Smith Auditorium.

“We are excited that both Dr. Mason and Dr. O’Neill have accepted our invitation to speak to our graduates,” UNM-LA CEO Dr. Cindy Rooney said. “Their willingness to participate in the ceremony

Plame Launches Congressional Campaign Website

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 9, 2019

POLITICAL News:

Valerie Plame has launched her Democrat for Congress website dispeling any doubt that she is running for the seat held by Rep. Ben Ray Luján who is running for the seat held by retiring Sen. Tom Udall.

Plame lives in Santa Fe and is a writer, spy novelist and former operations officer who worked at the United States Central Intelligence Agency.

In Plame’s own word:

I hope to represent Northern New Mexico as your Democratic Congressional Representative. Over 10 years ago, I chose to make New Mexico my home and it has become my heart. I have lived all over the world and have never Read More

Senators Heinrich, Ernst Introduce Legislation To Help Small Businesses Gain Footing In Defense Industry

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 8, 2019

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) introduced the Defense Small Business Advancement Act, which would reauthorize and improve the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) that expired last year.

This program increases participation of small, disadvantaged businesses performing as suppliers to DoD, civilian agencies, and private industry by encouraging mentorships from established DoD contractors.

The Mentor-Protégé Program functions

Red River Celebrates Sewer Project Completion

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 7, 2019

USDA News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― USDA Rural Development State Director Arthur A. Garcia will present a Certificate of Completion Wednesday to Red River Mayor Linda Calhoun for the community’s successful completion of a $3.9 million upgrade of its wastewater treatment system.

The financial investment made by USDA Rural Development was used to replace the existing Rotating Biological Contacts (RBC) system with new equipment. The RBC machinery is used to remove contaminants from sewage water before the treated wastewater is discharged. The funding also paid for the installation

Letter To The Editor: About Regional Coalition…

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 7, 2019

By CAMILLE MORRISON

Los Alamos

Last year I told someone who was on the Regional Coalition of LANL Communities that it was our Congressional Delegation’s job to get money for the State and if they aren’t doing their job then we should vote them out. His reply was that they reached out to Udall’s staff and they were unresponsive.

Both Senator Heinrich and Representative Lujan were reelected. If Representative Lujan is elected Senator he will continue the good job Senator Udall is doing.

Now that Stephanie Garcia Richard is NM Commissioner of Public Lands

Udall & Wyden Call For End To Doping Of Racehorses

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 7, 2019

U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Ron Wyden are introducing the Racehorse Doping Ban Act of 2019. Courtesy/Tuesdayshorse.wordpress.com

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Ahead of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) announced that this week they will introduce the Racehorse Doping Ban Act of 2019, which would establish consistent medication rules across the industry and strict doping penalties for horse races already governed by federal law.

“It is past time that Congress stop rewarding the horse racing industry for its

Fences And Walls: How About Our Wildlife?

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 7, 2019

By NATHAN ‘NATE’ COTE, PhD

Former State Representative

Board of Directors, New Mexico Voices for Children

Executive Committee, Rio Grande Chapter, Southern Group, Sierra Club

Recently, while traveling on a rural road in our state, the new wire fences lining both sides peaked my interest.

On one side of the road there was an old wooden post fence alongside the new metal fencing and there were man-made obstacles blocking the underpasses.

As these fences went on for miles, I began to question how wildlife is to travel across our land for survival with these barriers in place.

Luján Taps Brad Elkins To Manage Senate Campaign

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 6, 2019

Brad Elkins

POLITICAL News:

Nambé – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján, the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, announced today that Brad Elkins will serve as campaign manager for his U.S. Senate bid.

Elkins starts in the role immediately and will oversee operations for the campaign.

“Brad is an experienced hand with strong roots in New Mexico politics. I’m thrilled he’ll lead our campaign team as we work to earn the support of all New Mexicans and help present my bold vision to champion expanding health care, protecting our environment, and bringing new opportunities to our state,” Luján said. Read More

U.S. Senators Udall And Heinrich Seek Applicants For Upcoming Vacancy On US District Court

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 6, 2019

CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Honorable Judith C. Herrera announced Sept. 28, 2018 her intention to assume senior status after 15 years of distinguished service on the federal bench.

Judge Herrera’s announcement, effective July 1, 2019, will create a vacancy in Albuquerque for a U.S. District Judge for the District of New Mexico.

In accordance with their constitutional responsibility as senators to provide advice and consent with respect to federal appointments, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich will recommend to the president a short list of qualified Read More

Councilors Host Booth At Farmers Market Thursday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 6, 2019

County Councilors will host a booth 9-11 a.m., Thursday to chat with community members at the Farmers Market. File photo

COUNTY News:

Two Los Alamos County Councilors will host a booth 9-11 a.m. Thursday at the local Farmers Market in the Mesa Public Library parking lot on Central Avenue.

Market-goers are welcome to stop by and chat with thethe councilors about current issues, projects or other topics.

the Los Alamos Farmers Market is open 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., every Thursday in the Los Alamos Library Parking lot.

Los Alamos Farmers Market is a Los Alamos MainStreet program and part of the Los Alamos

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall Fights To Boost Benefits, Recruitment, Retention For Teachers At Native Schools

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 5, 2019

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, joined Committee Chairman John Hoeven (R-N.D.) to convene the committee’s first legislative hearing of the 116th Congress to receive testimony on three bills, including S.279, the Tribal School Federal Insurance Parity Act, which Udall co-sponsored.

The Tribal School Federal Insurance Parity Act would create equitable access to the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) for all

Udall, Haaland, Luján Introduce Bill To Increase Access To Nutritious Meals For Native Students

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 5, 2019

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Representatives Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced legislation Thursday to give Tribes the authority to directly provide Child Nutrition Programs.

The Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2019 recognizes that Tribes understand the needs of their communities best, especially when it comes to ensuring children have consistent, healthy, and nutritious meals all year long.

Udall also introduced

Balderas Secures Default Judgement Against Out Of Compliance Charity In First-Of-Its-Kind Order

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 4, 2019

Attorney General Hector Balderas

AG News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― Attorney General Hector Balderas has announced the default judgement against an out-of-state non-profit organization that was not complying with state law.

This judgement against the “For All Kids” Foundation is the first of its kind in New Mexico, and the first as part of a statewide charity compliance sweep being conducted by the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General.

“New Mexican families and consumer trust non-profits in our state to serve the benevolent purposes that they claim,” Balderas said.

AFTNM Reacts To Temporary Evaluation Structure

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on May 4, 2019

AFTNM News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Stephanie Ly released the following statement:

“News that NM PED Secretary Trujillo will provide a ‘Transition Teacher Evaluation Report’ is welcome news for thousands of public educators. We applaud the Secretary for executing Governor Lujan Grisham’s Executive Order Two, and not including student achievement as part of the transitional report.

“During this transition, educator evaluations will consist mainly of classroom observations and planning, preparation, and professionalism.

LOS ALAMOS

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