Gov. Lujan Grisham Appoints New Racing Commission
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 26, 2019
Gov. Michelle Lujan GrishamSTATE News:
SANTA FE ― Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Wednesday appointed five new members to the state Racing Commission effective immediately.
“Fair and equitable regulation is my expectation for this commission,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “These five individuals are experienced and knowledgeable, and I have every confidence they will ably regulate and promote the continued development of this industry.”
Per state statute, at least three members of the commission must be practical breeders of racehorses within New Mexico, and no
Read More Luján Receives School-Based Health Care Award
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 25, 2019
U.S. Rep. Ben Ray LujánCONGRESSIONAL News:
SANTA FE ― Tuesday evening, U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, received the “School-Based Health Care Champion” award from the New Mexico Alliance for School-Based Health Care organization at their 20th Anniversary Award Ceremony.
This award recognizes leaders in the advancement of health care programs and services for students in their school environments, and highlights Congressman Luján’s efforts to expand health care access and improve health care services for New Mexicans.
County Council Approves $199.3 Million Budget
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 25, 2019
Los Alamos County Council Chair Sara Scott By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
After several fiscal years of having to make tough decisions regarding Los Alamos County’s budget due to uncertainties with Los Alamos National Laboratory’s gross receipts tax, the County Council was able to break that cycle Monday night.
The council unanimously voted to approve the $199,328,646 budget.
The relief came when Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed SB 11, which states prime contractors operating a laboratory facility in New Mexico are indeed subject to gross receipt Read More
NM GOP Calls For Secretary Of State To Resign
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 25, 2019
RPNM News:The Republican Party of New Mexico Wednesday called for the immediate resignation of Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate.
“As the state’s chief election officer, Toulouse Oliver should not make voters question the integrity of this election by overseeing a high-stakes primary election in which she is a candidate for another office,” states the New Mexico GOP. “For this reason, we’re sure that all voters, regardless of party, would agree with us that she must resign immediately.”
Read More Heinrich Urges Increased Funding For Affordable Housing
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 25, 2019
U.S. Sen. Martin HeinrichU.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined 40 of his colleagues on a bipartisan letter urging increased funding for the Section 4 Capacity Building program.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Section 4 Program works with local community development organizations to improve affordable housing, finance small businesses, and provide for other community needs. Last year alone, New Mexico organizations received over $215,000 in funding under Section 4 and recipients included organizations
Read More Gov. Lujan Grisham Signs Executive Order Establishing Complete Count Commission For 2020 Census
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 24, 2019
Gov. Michelle Lujan GrishamSTATE News:
SANTA FE ― Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Tuesday ordered the establishment of the New Mexico 2020 Complete Count Commission for the 2020 U.S. Census in an effort to ensure an accurate and complete count.
The 2020 Census will be the first to gather a majority of responses online. This poses a particular challenge to New Mexico, already considered a “hard-to-count” state, as many rural areas do not have adequate or reliable internet access. The Complete Count Commission will convene quarterly and serve as a resource for local community
Read More Council Special Session Canceled Due To Efficiency
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 23, 2019
GAO Study Finds Agencies Tribal Consultation Policies For Infrastructure Projects Inconsistent, Inadequate
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 23, 2019
U.S. Sen. Tom UdallU.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), along with Representatives Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-Calif.) and Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), announced the release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report entitled “Tribal Consultation: Additional Federal Actions Needed for Infrastructure Projects.”
The report is the first-ever comprehensive review of 21 federal agencies’ Tribal consultation processes for the development and implementation
Read More LAFRW Invites Community To Personali-TEA April 27
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 23, 2019
LAFRW News:Ever wonder why people do the things they do? Want to discover who you are? Join the Los Alamos Federated Republican Women (LAFRW) for a Personali-TEA.
Walk away with your own teacup, and a new understanding of yourself and others. We invite you to bring any tween or teen girls who may also benefit from understanding more about personalities.
The Personali-TEA is 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at the Christian Church of Los Alamos, 92 East Roa in Los Alamos. Tickets are available for $15 in advance or $20 at the door while supply lasts.
To purchase tickets or for questions,
State Auditor: Warning For Vulnerable Populations
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 22, 2019
State Auditor Brian ColónSTATE News:
On the heels of a national $1.2 Billion Medicare scheme, State Auditor Brian Colón is calling for vigilance in ensuring New Mexico’s most vulnerable populations are protected.
Health care fraud results in higher health care costs for New Mexicans and takes away from funding intended to support those who need it most. The OSA is committed to identifying fraud, waste, and abuse to save taxpayer money by cracking down on fraudulent schemes and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid programs.
“Trust is broken. We need to protect New
Read More Dist. 43 Rep. Christine Chandler Speaks At Rotary
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 22, 2019
Rotary Club President Vincent Chiravalle thanks Dist. 43 Rep. Christine Chandler for her service to District 43 and Northern New Mexico. Rep. Chandler recently spoke at Rotary, describing the legislative session that ended last month. Education and energy were primary topics. Rep. Chandler remarked that her previous experience in Los Alamos local government was an important factor in understanding state processes. She also mentioned the legislators’ bi-partisan congeniality and camaraderie. Photo by Linda Hull Read More
Udall, Heinrich, Luján, Torres Small Announce $24 Million For Construction Projects At BIE Schools In NM
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 21, 2019
U.S. Sen. Tom UdallU.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and lead Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), and Sen. Martin Heinrich, along with Rep. Ben Ray Luján, Assistant Speaker of the House, and Rep. Xochitl Torres Small, announced that the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) has awarded more than $24 million in funding for construction projects at two New Mexico BIE schools — $9,000,000 to replace the gym at Pine Hill School in Pine Hill and
Read More Udall, Luján, NM Delegation Introduce Legislation To Address Health Disparities For Native Americans
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 20, 2019
New Mexico Delegation News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― April 15, U.S. Senators Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Representative Ben Ray Luján, Assistant Speaker of the House, along with U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Deb Haaland and Xochitl Torres Small, introduced bicameral legislation to improve Medicaid for Native patients who receive services at Urban Indian Health Programs.
The Urban Indian Health Parity Act is also cosponsored by 10 other U.S. Senators and 13 other members of the House of Representatives.
Read More CVNM Announces Key Administrative Policy Priorities
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 20, 2019
CVNM News:SANTA FE ― Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM), the leading statewide environmental advocacy organization in the state, announces key administration priorities under the new administration.
As Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration continues its transition, CVNM will focus on three major public policies which the organization has been engaged in for years.
“Now that we have the right people in office who are listening to their constituents and reflecting their deeply-rooted, shared conservation values, the door is finally open to make
Read More Sierra Club: Albq. Moves Beyond Plastic Bags; Straws & Takeout Containers Will Still Contaminate Air & Water
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 19, 2019
SIERRA CLUB News:Late Monday night, the Albuquerque City Council voted 5-3 to pass a weakened Clean and Green ordinance that will end single-use plastic bags in retail but allows restaurants to distribute single-use plastic bags, plastic straws and Styrofoam takeout containers.
Sierra Club’s Global Warming Emergency (formerly Global Warming Express) kids, who have been advocating for such an ordinance since the beginning of the year, waited for four hours to speak on the importance of ending the proliferation of single-use plastic bags, plastic straws and Styrofoam takeout
Read More County Notice Of Possible Quorum At Tour Today
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 19, 2019
Lt. Gov. Howie Morales Addresses League
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 17, 2019
Lt. Gov. Howie Morales addresses the LWV Tuesday in the upstairs meeting room at Mesa Public Library, touching on education, energy and other topics. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Los Alamos County Councilor Pete Sheehey was on hand to discuss County issues such as energy and infrastructure. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
By REBECCA CHAIKEN
League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters welcomed Lt. Gov. Howie Morales to its monthly Lunch with a Leader community event Tuesday at Mesa Public Library.
Lt. Gov. Morales is a former Democratic
Read More State GSD To Begin Green Building Project
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 17, 2019
STATE News:SANTA FE ― The General Services Department, in partnership with other state agencies, will soon begin a $32 million project to improve the energy efficiency of state buildings in Santa Fe, including installation of solar power and government’s first battery storage of solar power.
GSD also will be purchasing the first electric vehicles for the government motor pool, and it will build charging stations for the vehicles in Santa Fe.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has made building a clean energy future for New Mexico and reducing the state’s impact on climate change
Read More Udall, Heinrich Unveil Legislation To Cut Taxes For Workers And Families In New Mexico
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 17, 2019
U.S. SENATE News:WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Ahead of Tax Day and the IRS Commissioner’s annual appearance Monday before the Senate and House, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich,along with 46 Senate Democrats, introduced the Working Families Tax Relief Act.
At a time when wages are stagnant and the cost of childcare has exploded, the Working Families Tax Relief Act would cut taxes for workers and families by expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). EITC and CTC are two of the most effective tools we have to put money back in the pockets of working
Read More Funding Secured For State Poet Laureate Program
Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on April 17, 2019
Sen. Bill O’NeillSTATE News:
SANTA FE ― Landmark Legislation. 282 bills signed into law. A $7 billion budget. Unprecedented capital outlay dollars for statewide infrastructure spending.
The 2019 session was one for the books. But among the marquee accomplishments of the legislature were several measures that, while receiving fewer headlines, also will have a lasting impact on the state. One such accomplishment was securing the funding to establish a state Poet Laureate program.
The idea to establish a state Poet Laureate program dates back several years. During
Read More 
