Political News - Los Alamos Daily Post

Los Alamos Democratic Party Meets April 8

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 4, 2019

LADP News:

The Los Alamos Democratic Party monthly meeting is 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 8 in Building 5 at UNM-Los Alamos.

New Mexico Democratic State Party Chair Marg Elliston is scheduled to attend.

The meeting is open to the public.

Heinrich Introduces Legislation To Extend Electric Vehicles Tax Credit

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 4, 2019

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, introduced the Electric Cars Act of 2019, bicameral legislation to fully extend the electric vehicle tax credit for 10 years, and help deploy critical alternative fuel charging infrastructure.

“At a time when electric cars are making advances in scale of production and becoming more competitive in the marketplace, we need to continue encouraging the progress we’ve seen–not take our

Secretary Of State Priority Bills Making It Easier For Owners To Conduct Business In NM Signed Into Law

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 3, 2019

Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver

From the Office of the Secretary of State:

SANTA FE – Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver released the following statement after a pair of her priority bills – Senate Bill 162 and 167 – that will improve how business owners interact with the Secretary of State’s Office were signed into law yesterday by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham:

“I’m dedicated to improving the Business Services Division of my Office in every way we can and these bills help provide more convenience and clarity when businesses interact with us. I thank Sen. Clemente Sanchez for working Read More

Udall Opening Statement At Hearing To Examine EPA’s Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Request

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 3, 2019

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, delivered the following opening statement at an Appropriations Committee hearing with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler to examine the EPA’s fiscal year 2020 budget request:

Administrator Wheeler, welcome to your first Appropriations hearing as EPA Administrator.

It sure is a different day from when we sat here one year ago with your predecessor. Read More

House GOP Leader Townsend Resubmits Referendum Petition On Anti-2nd Amendment SB 8 To SOS

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 3, 2019

House Republican Leader Jim Townsend

HOUSE GOP News:

Townsend calls on Toulouse Oliver to let people decide.

SANTA FE—Tuesday afternoon, House Republican Leader Jim Townsend (R-Artesia) renewed his effort to appeal for a public test of Senate Bill 8, legislation passed earlier this year that mandates citizen background checks on firearm sales in New Mexico.

Townsend resubmitted his proposed draft petition to Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver for her office’s review and approval to distribute to voters.

Townsend delivered a preliminary draft petition March 11, 2019 to the Secretary Read More

New Mexico Bans Coyote-Killing Contests

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 3, 2019

STATE News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed bipartisan legislation Tuesday that prohibits organizing, sponsoring or participating in coyote-killing contests in the state.

Several conservation organizations praised the governor for signing the progressive, science-based legislation into law.

During these contests, participants compete to kill the greatest number, the largest or even the smallest coyotes for entertainment and prizes. At least 30 such contests are known to take place annually in New Mexico.

The bill, SB 76, was spearheaded

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall Introduces National Public Health Week Resolution April 1-7

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 3, 2019

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) introduced a resolution in Congress to designate this week, April 1 through 7, as National Public Health Week, as a part of his efforts to continue working toward a healthier New Mexico and healthier America.

A similar resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.).

“National Public Health Week is a time to reflect on the hard work we have done to create healthier communities and to recognize the invaluable work done

Governor Creates New Outdoor Recreation Division

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 2, 2019

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, center, signs into law a new initiative to boost the marketing of New Mexico’s outdoor recreation industries and create a division in the Economic Development Department to grow outdoor businesses. Courtesy photo

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed into law a new initiative to boost the marketing of New Mexico’s outdoor recreation industries and create a division in the Economic Development Department to grow outdoor businesses.

The Legislature has appropriated an initial $200,000 to launch the Outdoor Recreation

Udall, Heinrich Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation To Expand RECA To Include Tularosa Downwinders, Post-1971 Uranium Workers

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 2, 2019

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich reintroduced the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2019.

The legislation would expand coverage of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to cover victims in New Mexico including the Tularosa Downwinders and Post-1971 Uranium Workers, Idaho, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Guam.

“Justice is long, long overdue for the New Mexico families and Tribal members who are victims of radiation exposure as a result of the government’s nuclear testing

‘Pharmaceuticals Purchasing Council’ Bill Signed

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 2, 2019

The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Courtesy/SFNM

STATE News:

SANTA FE ― Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed Senate Bill 131 into law that will establish an “Interagency Pharmaceutical Purchasing Council.”

The Council will be comprised of nine departments and entities that purchase pharmaceutical drugs for state beneficiaries, and task them to evaluate a range of cost containment strategies to try and get a better deal for taxpayers and recipients. The Council will also be required to identify opportunities to provide lower cost drug options to citizens who are not part

Governor Authorizes First Statewide Minimum Wage Increase Since 2009

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 2, 2019

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Monday signed into law the first increase to the statewide minimum wage since 2009, delivering on a promise to New Mexico workers and families.

More than 100,000 New Mexicans stand to benefit from the escalating phased-in raises that will take effect Jan. 1, 2020. Beginning that date, employers in the state must pay workers at least $9 an hour, up from $7.50 an hour.

The rate will subsequently rise in each of the next three years: to $10.50 beginning Jan. 1, 2021; to $11.50 beginning Jan. 1,

Commissioner Garcia Richard, Sen. Ivey-Soto Join Governor At Signing Of Senate Bill 458

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 2, 2019

From left, Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard gather Monday as the governor signs Senate Bill 458 into law. Courtesy photo

STATE News:

SANTA FE ― Monday, Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard and Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto (D-15) joined Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham as she signed Senate Bill 458 into law.

The new state law will require public notice and input prior to the land office taking final action on any proposed land sales, land exchanges and rights-of-way (ROW) permits for large-scale electrical transmission

Local GOP Hosts Monthly Meeting 6 p.m. Thursday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 2, 2019

RPLA News:

The Republican Party of Los Alamos County will hold its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 4 in Wallace Hall at UNM-LA.

All registered Republicans are invited to attend the Central Committee Meeting 6-6:50 p.m., followed by a break for refreshments.

Starting at 7 p.m., the public is invited to attend a special presentation: “Fatal Flaws: Legalizing Assisted Death” Part 2. Physician-Assisted Suicide legislation, HB 90 and SB 153, failed to pass in the 2019 Legislative Session. The community is encouraged to join members of the RPLA to watch the presentation Read More

Commissioner Garcia Richard Signs Executive Order Mandating All 9 million Surface Acres Under State Land Office Adhere To Permanent Daylight Saving Time

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 1, 2019

Longtime champion of year-round daylight saving time Sen. Cliff Pirtle

From the State Land Office:

SANTA FE – Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard announced this morning a new Executive Order mandating all 9 million surface acres under the control of the State Land Office adhere to permanent daylight saving time hours.

Sen. Cliff Pirtle (R-32), leading advocate for making New Mexico a state with year-round daylight saving time said, “I appreciate the land office taking the first step on an important issue that is critical to saving lives.”

Read the full text here: Read More

Ben Ray Luján Announces Campaign For U.S. Senate

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 1, 2019

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján announces his run for the U.S. Senate. Courtesy photo

POLITICAL News:

Nambé – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) this morning announced his campaign for the United States Senate:

“Tom Udall is a champion for New Mexico and has always put our people first. New Mexico needs another champion in the U.S. Senate – someone who has a proven record of fighting to lower health care costs, protecting our environment, connecting communities large and small with the resources needed to thrive, and upholding our New Mexico values. It has been the honor of my life to represent New Mexico in the Read More

New Mexico And National Wildlife Federations Herald U.S. Sen. Tom Udall’s Leadership And Service

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on April 1, 2019

NMWF News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The New Mexico Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation thanks U.S. Sen. Tom Udall for his service to New Mexico and the nation — and on behalf of the nation’s wildlife, public lands and natural resources.

Udall has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2020.

“Every New Mexican has benefited from Udall’s leadership on conservation and wildlife issues,” said Jesse Deubel, executive director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. “We appreciate all he has done for the state.”

“Tom Udall’s conservation legacy

Luján On Legislation To Close Gender Pay Gap

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 31, 2019

Ben Ray Luján

CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) issued the following statement on the passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act:

“The pay gap between men and women has been a burden on families and economy for decades. And when nearly 64 percent of women are the chief earners for their households, we cannot afford to let these pay disparities persist.

“I am proud to strongly support the Paycheck Fairness Act, a critical first step in closing the wage gap and ending pay discrimination, and to meet our commitments to the

Udall, Senate Democrats Press For Commitment To Honor Existing National Monuments Boundaries

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 31, 2019

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), ranking member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, led 16 Senate Democrats in calling on Department of the Interior (DOI) acting Secretary David Bernhardt to make a public commitment to leave existing national monument boundaries intact as originally intended before the Senate votes on his nomination for Secretary of the Interior.

“For more than a century, the Antiquities Act has empowered presidents from both

National Week Of Conversation 2019 Runs April 5-13

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 31, 2019

NWC News:

National Week of Conversation is a bold annual occasion when people with diverse perspectives #ListenFirst to understand.

Through in-person and virtual conversations coast to coast exploring any topic of interest, people of all stripes intentionally convene with the goal of mending our frayed social fabric and revitalizing America together. The first NWOC was in April 2018.

Individuals and organizations are invited to host or join a conversation during NWOC 2019, April 5-13, and use the #ListenFirst hashtag to invite others and spread the message. A map

Democratic Women’s Caucus Unveils Election Results For 116th Congress, Haaland To Serve As Vice Chair

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 30, 2019

Deb Haaland

DWC News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― The Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC), formerly the Democratic Women’s Working Group, announced the results of their leadership elections today for the 116th Congress.

Congresswomen Lois Frankel (FL-21), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), and Jackie Speier (CA-14) will serve as Co-Chairs and Congresswomen Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Deb Haaland (NM-01) will serve as Vice Chairs. The Democratic Women’s Caucus is comprised of all the Democratic women in the U.S. House of Representatives and currently has 91 members.

“With more

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