Political News - Los Alamos Daily Post

FY19 Presidential Budget Request For NNSA Released

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 13, 2018

NNSA News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) has released details of its portion of the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Budget Request.

The President’s $15 billion FY 2019 Budget Request for NNSA represents an increase of $2.2 billion – or 16.8 percent – above the FY 2017 enacted level, representing the Administration’s commitment to NNSA’s unique and diverse missions: maintaining the safety, security, reliability, and effectiveness of the nuclear weapons stockpile; reducing the threat of nuclear

Udall, Lujan Grisham Introduce Bill To Help Native Students Access Healthy Foods

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 13, 2018

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs; Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.); and U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) reintroduced legislation in the Senate and House to give Tribes an important tool to address the pervasive and serious problem of child hunger and nutrition-related diseases.

The Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2018 acknowledges that Tribes better understand the needs of their communities and are better positioned to ensure children

Secretary Zinke Prioritizes Conservation And Big Game Migration Corridors

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 13, 2018

DOI News:

SALT LAKE CITY ― Friday, at the Western Conservation and Hunting Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke signed Secretarial Order 3362, which will improve habitat quality and western big game winter range and migration corridors for antelope, elk, and mule deer.

The order fosters improved collaboration with states and private landowners and facilitates all parties using the best available science to inform development of guidelines that helps ensure that robust big game populations continue to exist.

The order seeks

Heinrich To Question Top Intelligence Officials In Senate Intel Committee Hearing Tuesday Morning

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 13, 2018

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 a.m. MT/ 9:30 a.m. ET, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will question top intelligence officials during a Senate Select Committee on Intelligence open hearing on Worldwide Threats.

Appearing before the committee will be Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, NSA Director Michael Rogers, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Defense Intelligence Agency Director Robert Ashley and National Geospatial Intelligence Agency Director Robert Cardillo. Read More

Unite For New Mexico Opens Campaign Office

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 13, 2018

U.S. Rep. and gubernatorial candidate Steve Pearce and his wife Cynthia at the grand opening of the Unite For New Mexico campaign office Saturday in Albuquerque. Courtesy photo

U.S. Rep. and gubernatorial candidate Steve Pearce, U.S. Senate candidate Mick Rich, U.S. House candidate Janice Arnold-Jones, Lt. Gov. candidate Michelle Garcia Holmes and New Mexico Attorney General candidate Michael Hendricks were among those in attendance at the grand opening of the Unite For New Mexico campaign office Saturday in Albuquerque. Courtesy photo

New Mexico Republican candidates and volunteers Read More

San Juan Representatives Honor Aztec Heroes Emery Hill And Kathleen ‘Katie’ Potter

Submitted by Chris Clark on February 12, 2018

Reps. Bandy and Montoya with representatives from Aztec School District. Courtesy photo

LEGISLATIVE News:

SANTA FE — This morning, the House of Representatives honored Aztec High School employees Emery Hill and Kathleen “Katie” Potter for their brave actions to protect students after a disturbed shooter entered the school and began firing a weapon.

Hill and Potter were formally recognized in House Memorial 98 sponsored by Rep. Paul Bandy (R-Aztec), Rep. Rod Montoya (R-Farmington), Rep. James Strickler (R-Farmington), and Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage (R-Kirtland).

House Labor And Economic Committee Recognizes Importance Of NAFTA

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 12, 2018

HOUSE DEMOCRATS News:

SANTA FE ― Friday, the House Labor and Economic Development Committee recognized the importance of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) by passing a memorial introduced by Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces).

The introduction of HM 86 comes after the current federal administration has expressed their desire to pull out of the agreement, a decision that would have negative impacts on New Mexico’s economy.

“We have made great strides expanding exports, particularly with Mexico. Despite the threats to this agreement by the federal administration,

Measure To Improve Outcomes For NM Children Moves Through Senate Committee For First Time

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 12, 2018

SENATE News:

SANTA FE ― Friday, House Joint Resolution 1 (HJR1) was passed by a Senate Committee for the first time. HJR 1 a constitutional amendment that seeks to uplift New Mexico children by increasing funding for early childhood education.

Sponsored by Representatives Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque) and Antonio “Moe” Maestas (D-Albuquerque), HJR1 invests in our state’s most precious resource, our children, by increasing enrollment in early childhood education and providing a strong return on investment to New Mexicans.

“This is a big step for an initiative that

Rep. Sarah Maestas Barnes Statement On House Approval Of DWI Blood Test Bill

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 12, 2018

Rep. Sarah Maestas Barnes

SENATE News:

SANTA FE — Thursday, the House of Representatives unanimously approved House Bill 71, legislation sponsored by Rep. Sarah Maestas Barnes (R-Albuquerque) to allow law enforcement officers obtain warrants for blood testing of suspected DWI violators in non-felony DWI cases.

The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Joanne Ferrary (D-Las Cruces) and Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto (D-Albuquerque).

Rep. Maestas Barnes made the following statement after House passage of the bill:

“This bill will make it easier for

Chamisa Students Meet Gov. Susana Martinez

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 12, 2018

Chamisa Elementary School 4th grade students meet Gov. Susana Martinez and pose for a photo during a visit Feb. 6 to the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Photo by Trisha Sanchez

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez speaking with 4th grade students from Chamisa Elementary School in White Rock during a visit Feb. 6 to the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Photo by Omar Sanchez Read More

Heinrich Statement On Bipartisan Budget Agreement

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 12, 2018

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement regarding the passage of the bipartisan budget agreement:

“This two-year budget deal is the result of months of bipartisan negotiations and finally puts an end to the unacceptable series of short-term spending bills and fiscal crises that have held our nation’s priorities hostage to Washington’s gridlock and dysfunction.

“This bipartisan agreement is the right path forward for a long-term budget that strengthens our military and funds desperately needed

Priority Bill To Expand Roswell Air Center Passes House

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 12, 2018

LEGISLATIVE News:

SANTA FE ― Thursday, a bill sponsored by Rep. Candy Spence Ezzell (R-Roswell) and supported by the Speaker of the House Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe) to expand the Roswell International Air Center passed the House Floor with broad support.

HB 197 would support the air center, bringing economic growth and development to the area.

“I took a tour of this facility during our statewide jobs tour and it is far more than an airport. I was astounded by the potential, the resources, and the vision of this community. It is an example of a region unified around an economic development

Pearce Statement On Suspending Debt Limit

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 12, 2018

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted on the amended continuing resolution and budget that also suspends the debt limit:

“Any piece of legislation that suspends the debt limit is simply an excuse for Congress and the government to spend at will, without regard for the consequences down the road. Just as businesses and families have a borrowing limit on their credit card, so does the federal government. By suspending the debt limit through

House Passes Plan For Counties To Sell Abandoned Real Property For Which Delinquent Tax Is Due

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 12, 2018

SENATE News:

SANTA FE — Saturday, the House of Representatives passed a plan to make it easier for the state to sell abandoned real property for which delinquent property tax is due.

The legislation, House Bill 88, is backed by Rep. Alonzo Baldonado (R-Los Lunas), Rep. Kelly Fajardo (R-Los Lunas), Rep. Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena), and Sen. Greg Baca (R-Belen).

HB 88 creates an online marketplace for the sale of delinquent or abandoned properties. It gives the NM Tax and Revenue Department the flexibility to lower tax penalties and interest on properties if it will make

Lunch With A Leader: Andrew Harnden Feb. 20

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 11, 2018

County Housing & Special Projects Manager Andrew Harnden

LEAGUE News:

This month’s Lunch with a Leader, an event for the community hosted by the League of Women Voters is 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20 at Mesa Public Library.

The speaker will be Andrew Harnden who has been working as the County’s Housing & Special Projects manager since July 2016. He has B.A. honors and M.A. degrees in Urban Geography from Queen’s University and University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Harnden moved to the Southwest in 2001 and worked in community planning and affordable housing development Read More

State Highway Poised To Be Named For Lucky Varela

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 11, 2018

Former State Rep. Luciano ‘Lucky’ Varela

STATE News:

SANTA FE – State Highway 50 is poised to be named for former State Rep. Luciano “Lucky” Varela after a memorial passed the House Floor with unanimous consent.

House Memorial 71 was introduced by the Speaker of the House Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe) and Rep. Patricia Lundstrom (D-Gallup).

“Representative Lucky Varela’s service should serve as example for all legislators. Naming Highway 50 after him will commemorate his work for New Mexico and honor his service,” Speaker Egolf said.

“Highway 50 runs straight through the heart of where Representative Read More

Bill To Boost Small Business Passes House

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 11, 2018

Rep. Doreen Gallegos

HOUSE DEMOCRATS News:

SANTA FE – Rep. Doreen Gallegos’ (D-Las Cruces) bill to boost small business passed Saturday the New Mexico House.

House Bill 79 would promote small, local businesses by making Small Business Saturday tax free at small businesses in New Mexico.

“We know that 68 cents of every dollar spent in a small business stays in the community. This bill encourages economic growth in our communities and supports our mom and pop shops. We have to do all we can to ensure that our small businesses can thrive,” Rep. Gallegos said.

House Democrats support local entrepreneurs Read More

County Council Holds Closed Session Tuesday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 11, 2018

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Council will hold a closed session at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave.

Agenda:

1. OPENING/ROLL CALL
2. BUSINESS

A. Discussion of the Purchase, Acquisition or Disposal of Real Property: NMSA 1978, Section 10-15-1(H) (8). Presenters: County Council – Closed Session
B. Closed Session Pursuant to NMSA 1978, 10-15-1 (H) (2) Discussion of Limited Personnel Matters Presenters: County Council – Closed Session

3. ADJOURNMENT

Individuals with a disability who are in need of a reader, Read More

Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard Seeks To Increase Quality Classroom Time For Students

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 11, 2018

Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard

HOUSE DEMOCRATS News:

SANTA FE – A memorial to increase quality classroom time for students Saturday passed the New Mexico House.

HM 34, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard (D-Los Alamos), would convene a task force to study the feasibility of a reduction in paperwork required of education employees, and would modify the New Mexico administrative code to aid in that reduction.

“Quality time in the classroom is so important, and this memorial prioritizes that time. Our children are our top priority and anything we can do to provide more opportunity Read More

House Approves Rep. Nate Gentry’s Innovative Plan To Boost New Mexico Student Performance

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 11, 2018

Rep. Nate Gentry

HOUSE REPUBLICAN News:

SANTA FE—By a vote of 64 to 3, the House of Representatives endorsed House Bill 332, a plan advocated by Rep. Nate Gentry (R-Albuquerque) to notify parents via text message if their child has an upcoming required assessment or if their child’s grade point average falls below 2.0.

Rep. Gentry offered this idea as a low-cost way to improve student outcomes. A 2017 study by Columbia University found that weekly text message alerts to parents about missed assignments, grades, and class absences Read More

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