Political News - Los Alamos Daily Post

Governor Signs House Bill 85 Into Law … A Victory For New Mexico Working Families

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 27, 2019

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, center, today signed HB 85 – the Union Security Agreements. Courtesy photo

AFL-CIO News:

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO today released the following statement:

The passage of HB 85 Union Security Agreements (Ely/A Romero/Cervantes) is a victory for all working families in New Mexico. Deceptive and divisive “right to work” laws have no place in our state.

During multiple legislative sessions, working people mobilized to stop so-called right to work laws from passing in the Roundhouse. Despite this, out-of-state special

Forty Seven Senate Democrats Introduce ‘For the People’ Act To Put Power Back In Hands Of American People

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 27, 2019

U.S. SENATE News:

Entire Senate Democratic caucus co-sponsors companion legislation to H.R. 1

Udall & Merkley’s landmark bill would help repair our broken politics, restore the promise of American democracy, and make government work for the people

Sweeping package of pro-democracy and anti-corruption reforms makes it easier — not harder — to vote, ends the dominance of big money in politics, and ensures public officials work for the public interest

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) today joined by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, led Read More

Santa Fe World Affairs Forum: Symposium April 11-12

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 27, 2019

SFWAF News:

Santa Fe World Affairs Forum – Annual Symposium “Rising Authoritarianism: Can Democracy Meet the Challenge” Thursday and Friday, April 11-12 in the Jemez Rooms of the Main Administration Building at Santa Fe Community College.

As a new era of international strongmen emerges, this symposium, focuses on Europe, Latin America and the US to examine the global authoritarian threat, its underlying causes, and how authoritarianism can be countered.

LACACIS members are eligible for the two-day $95 member discount, which includes breakfasts and lunches

New Mexico House Leadership Commends Bronze Star Medal Recipient Rep. Eliseo Lee Alcon

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 27, 2019

Rep. Eliseo Lee Alcon (D-Milan)

HOUSE DEMOCRATS News:

SANTA FE ― New Mexico Speaker of the House Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe) released the following statement Friday in recognition of Rep. Eliseo Lee Alcon (D-Milan) receiving his Bronze Star medal for his service as a combat medic in Vietnam:

“Representative Eliseo Lee Alcon has spent his career serving others – in Vietnam and now in the State Legislature. Decades following his service in the military, Rep. Alcon still didn’t receive his Bronze Star, but now his medal is safely under his guard. Throughout my time

Sen. Martin Heinrich, Rep. Xochitl Torres Small Introduce White Sands National Park Establishment Act

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 27, 2019

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) introduced the White Sands National Park Establishment Act, a bill to designate White Sands National Monument as New Mexico’s newest national park.

U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.)

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

Udall Speaks Out Against Plans For 46 Miles Of New Mexico Border Wall … $1 Billion Transfer

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 26, 2019

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall. Courtesy photo

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, along with every Democratic member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, pressed the Department of Defense (DOD) for information on how DOD’s transfer of $1 billion in military personnel funding to the Drug Interdiction and Counter-narcotics Activities account in order to build part of President Trump’s wall along the southern border – even though Read More

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich Comments On Udall Announcement To Not Seek Re-election

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 26, 2019

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement on Sen. Tom Udall’s announcement not to seek re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2020:

“It is an honor and a pleasure to work alongside my colleague and friend, Sen. Tom Udall. Over his decades-long career working for the people of New Mexico, Sen. Udall has shown what it means to be a true public servant. His principled leadership has been a guiding light for me.

“Over the next two years, we have an incredible opportunity to stand up

RSF: China’s Pursuit Of A New World Media Order

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 26, 2019

In a report titled ‘China’s Pursuit of a New World Media Order’, Reporters Without Borders investigates Beijing’s strategy to control information beyond its borders, a project that poses a threat to press freedom throughout the world. Courtesy/RSF

RSF News:

In a report titled “China’s Pursuit of a New World Media Order”, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) investigates Beijing’s strategy to control information beyond its borders, a project that poses a threat to press freedom throughout the world.

China, ranked 176 out of 180 in the 2018 World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Read More

Udall Announces He Will Not Seek Re-election

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 25, 2019

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.)

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

“I see these next two years as an incredible opportunity … to help reverse the damage done to our planet, end the scourge of war, and to stop this president’s assault on our democracy and our communities.”

SANTA FE — Today, in a message to New Mexicans, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) announced that he will not seek re-election to a third term in the U.S. Senate in 2020.

“I’m confident that we could run a strong campaign next year to earn a third term, because of all the work you and I have done together, along with Read More

Secretary Of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver Determines Petition To Overturn Background Check Law Does Not Meet Strict Legal Requirements

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 25, 2019

Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver

From the Office of the Secretary of State:

SANTA FE – After a thorough review, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver determined Thursday that the proposed petition referendum to overturn New Mexico’s background check law does not satisfy the necessary technical and legal requirements of New Mexico law.

On March 7, 2019, the Secretary of State’s Office received a letter from House Republican Floor Leader James Townsend and House Minority Whip Rod Montoya informing the Office of their desire to initiate a referendum petition to overturn the recently-enacted Read More

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich Presents Recovered Vietnam Service Medals To State Rep. Eliseo Lee Alcon

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 24, 2019

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich presents service medals Thursday to Vietnam veteran and New Mexico State Rep. Eliseo Lee Alcon of Milan. Courtesy photo

U.S. SENATE News:

FARMINGTON ― U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) presented service medals Thursday to Vietnam veteran and New Mexico State Rep. Eliseo Lee Alcon of Milan.

“It is my honor to recognize a great New Mexican for his military and public service,” Heinrich said. “Representative Alcon spent over a year on the battlefield working to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. However, like so many of his fellow Vietnam veterans,

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján Attends Presentation Of Mortgage-Free Home To Wounded Army Veteran

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 24, 2019

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

CONGRESSIONAL News:

RIO RANCHO ― U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) spoke Wednesday during the presentation of a newly-renovated, mortgage-free home to injured veteran Army Spc. Jason Thompson.

He was joined by Erin Dominguez, U.S. Bank District Manager; Len McMorrow, Senior Vice President REO & Special Asset Servicing at U.S. Bank; Chiquita Martin, Assistant Vice President Customer Analytics (U.S. Army Veteran) at U.S. Bank; and Tom Kilgannon, President of Freedom Alliance.

The home – the second of its kind in New

New Mexico Environment Department Seeks To Withdraw From 2015 Waters Of The U.S. Rule Lawsuit

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 24, 2019

NMED News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) filed a motion Thursday in Federal Court in North Dakota to withdraw from litigation challenging the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) Rule.

NMED believes the positions taken in the 2015 lawsuit are inconsistent with its current position on the proposed rule issued by the U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in February, in which the EPA seeks to revise the definition of a “Water of the United States.”

“New Mexicans understand the value of water as a natural and cultural resource,” said Environment Department

New Mexico Delegation Announces Nearly $3 Million In HHS Funding To Fight Opioid Crisis

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 23, 2019

STATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― New Mexico’s congressional delegation announced Friday nearly $3 million in Health and Human Services (HHS) funding to fight the opioid crisis in New Mexico. The $2,770,397 in funding comes from grants released to states through the State Opioid Response Grant Program.

“Substance abuse knows no boundaries, and the opioid epidemic has left its tragic mark on all communities across New Mexico, including urban, rural, and Tribal areas,” Sen. Tom Udall said. “Federal funding is an important step in bolstering prevention efforts but in order to truly

Luján Statement On Special Counsel Report

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 23, 2019

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

CONGRESSIONAL News:

NAMBE ― U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) issued the following statement on Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report to Attorney General William Barr:

“The Special Counsel report must be immediately submitted to Congress. A declassified version of the report must also be made available to the public without delay.”

Governor Signs Landmark Energy Legislation

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 22, 2019

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham today signs the Energy Transition Act, landmark legislation that sets bold statewide renewable energy standards and establishes a pathway for a low-carbon energy transition away from coal while providing workforce training and transition assistance to affected communities. Courtesy photo

Surrounded by dozens of advocates and statewide leaders, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham today signed Senate Bill 489. Courtesy photo

STATE News:

SB489 establishes New Mexico as a national leader in renewable transition efforts

SANTA FE – Surrounded by dozens of advocates Read More

Change In Grading Schools Dies In Legislature

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 22, 2019

Kevin Mccullough, a dual-language fifth-grade teacher at Sweeney Elementary School, gives a lesson March 13 about state finances. Students discussed how they’d spend an expected $1.1 billion budget surplus. Photo by Luis Sánchez Saturno/The New Mexican

By DILLON MULLAN

dmullan@sfnewmexican.com

Two bills that would have created new guidelines for grading New Mexico’s teachers stalled during the just-completed legislative session, but the state Public Education Department will continue to transition away from the evaluation system implemented by the

AG Hector Balderas Releases NCAA Tournament Bracket; Picks Aggies To Upset #5 Auburn

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 22, 2019

Attorney General Hector Balderas

AG News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― Attorney General Hector Balderas has released his 2019 NCAA Tournament bracket.

His March Madness picks include the 12th-seeded New Mexico State Aggies springing the upset on 5th-ranked Auburn in the Midwest Regional, and a Western Regional final that pits 4-seed Florida State against 7-seed Nevada.

Ultimately, AG Balderas has chosen a Tobacco Road showdown in the National Championship Game; pitting North Carolina against Duke for the fourth time this season.

Scenes From BSMA Night With A Nerd

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 22, 2019

Community members gather March 14 at Fuller Lodge for the Bradbury Science Museum Association (BSMA) presentation of Night With A Nerd. Featured speaker Tim Koeth presented ‘The Physicists in the Basement of the High Castle’, an intriguing talk about the race between WW2 United States and Germany to build the world’s first atomic weapon and how the United States succeeded where others failed. www.bradburyassociation.org for more information about the BSMA. Photo by KayLinda Crawford/ladailypost.com

Community members at Fuller Lodge for the BSMA presentation of Night With A Nerd. Read More

NM Could Join States That Renamed Columbus Day

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on March 22, 2019

By ANDREW OXFORD

aoxford@sfnewmexican.com

Goodbye, Christopher Columbus.

New Mexico may observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead.

The Senate voted 22-15 Friday, March 15 to send Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham a bill that would rename the holiday commemorating the Italian explorer.

The legislation comes as the holiday that took off in the late 19th century as a celebration of Italian-American heritage has in recent decades spurred debate over the real legacy of a man who represents the beginning of European colonialism in the Americas and how best to tell

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