Political News - Los Alamos Daily Post

Governor Signs Bipartisan Legislation To Keep New Mexico In Interstate Nursing Compact

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 19, 2018

Gov. Susana Martinez

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Thursday, Gov. Susana Martinez was joined by legislative leaders from both parties and the bill’s sponsors as she signed bipartisan legislation to ensure that nurses certified in other states can continue to work in New Mexico.

“The efficient passage of this bill shows what is possible when the Legislature has the desire to move forward,” Martinez said. “This legislation will keep New Mexico current with the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact so nurses from other states will be able to continue to come to our state and provide valuable

New Mexico Legislature Adopts Comprehensive, Updated Harassment Policy

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 19, 2018

STATE News:

SANTA FE ― Monday, the bipartisan effort to update the New Mexico Legislature’s harassment policy was adopted unanimously by the Legislative Council.

The policy ensures that training is regularly provided to legislators and staff, that individuals who have experienced harassment have a clear process to follow for reporting of harassment without fear of personal or political retribution, and that every complaint brought forward is addressed swiftly and fairly.

An initial draft of the policy was presented at the Legislative Council meeting

As Solar Tariff Decision Looms, Heinrich Says Trump Has Opportunity To Stand Up For American Workers

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 19, 2018

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, issued the following statement ahead of President Trump’s decision on whether to impose tariffs on imported solar panels and modules that would negatively impact the growing solar industry in New Mexico and the American solar industry as a whole.

“President Trump has an opportunity to actually stand up for American workers. I hope he will look at the bigger picture of the American solar industry and its role as a major employer

Horne: Los Alamos County Politics

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 18, 2018

By JOHN L. HORNE

Formerly of Los Alamos

Since my departure from Los Alamos in November, I have missed so many people that I was blessed to know for the past 44 years that I lived there.

No place we live is perfect, but there are certain elements that seriously detract from the good. Those elected or appointed to government positions should listen to and serve the people in their community. I personally do not miss that faction of Los Alamos County.

I believe there are many devious, self-serving individuals who have previously and currently hold positions on the Los Alamos County

AFT New Mexico On State Of The State Address

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 18, 2018

AFT News:

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

“The Governor’s farewell ‘State of the State’ address was an attempt to issue a parting shot at public educators – and their unions – for rejecting her so-called reforms which would have weakened the profession of education, hurt students, and erode hard-earned rights in their places of work.

“By doubling down on discredited reform policies – which other states are already moving away from, she does a disservice to not only our students, public

Pearce On DOJ And DHS New Security Report

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 18, 2018

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce released the following statement after the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security issued a new report showing an overview of how many convicted terrorists entered the United States through the nation’s flawed homeland security policies:

“We can all agree that our policies to keep the border and our homeland secure has significant flaws. It doesn’t reflect life in the 21st Century and Congress has a job to change it. It is not only in our best interest

County Transportation Board Recruiting New Members

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 18, 2018

Nate Gentry On 2018 State Of The State Address

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 18, 2018

Rep. Nate Gentry

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Statement from House Republican Leader Nate Gentry (R-Albuquerque), following the 2018 State of the State Address delivered Tuesday at the State Capitol by Gov. Susana Martinez:

“New Mexicans are expecting results from their state leaders. With a projected additional $330 million in new revenue, we have a chance during these 30 days to pass laws that will make New Mexico a better place to live and raise a family.

“We must do more to protect the safety of New Mexicans, improve student achievement,

Los Alamos High School Student Miriam Wallstrom Selected For United States Senate Youth Program

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 18, 2018

Miriam Elizabeth Wallstrom. Photo by Don Taylor

EDUCATION News:

Washington, D.C. — The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) announces that Los Alamos High School student Miriam Elizabeth Wallstrom will join Sen. Tom Udall and Sen. Martin Heinrich in representing New Mexico in the nation’s capital, March 3-10, during the 56th annual USSYP Washington Week.

Wallstrom was selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104 national student delegation who also will each receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study. She serves as president Read More

Closing Briefs Filed In Landmark Education Lawsuit Against State Of New Mexico

Submitted by Chris Clark on January 18, 2018

NMCLP News:

SANTA FE ― Attorneys from MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty (the Center) have filed closing briefs for their consolidated lawsuit (Martinez v. State of New Mexico and Yazzie v. State of New Mexico) against the State of New Mexico for its failure to provide all public school students a sufficient education as mandated by the New Mexico Constitution.

The consolidated lawsuits claim the state’s arbitrary and inadequate funding of public schools, and lack of necessary monitoring and

NM Representatives Break Stalemate On Fisher House

Submitted by Chris Clark on January 18, 2018

LEGISLATIVE News:

SANTA FE ― Last week, officials from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Fisher House Foundation, and other stakeholders agreed on final plans to build a Fisher House on the campus of the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque.

The agreement provides the framework for construction to proceed on the proposed facility that will house the families of military personnel and veterans while their loved ones are receiving medical care.

The agencies and the foundation

Governor Announces $250,000 To Help NM Small Businesses Grow

Submitted by Chris Clark on January 18, 2018

Gov. Susana Martinez

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Last week, Gov. Susana Martinez announced another tool to help New Mexico small businesses grow and thrive. The Small Business Innovation Research matching grant will help New Mexico companies commercialize their research and innovation as marketable products and services.

“Helping our small businesses grow and thrive – particularly those centered around science and technology – is a top priority in growing and diversifying our economy,” Martinez said. “New Mexico is well-positioned to be a hub for high-tech jobs tied to

Heinrich Opposes House Short-Term Spending Bill Without Dream Act

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 17, 2018

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the proposed House Republican short-term spending bill:

“Members on both sides of the aisle have been working to reach agreement and meet our basic responsibilities, including veterans funding, disaster relief, and finally passing the Dream Act, but President Trump and his right-wing supporters in Congress seem intent on steering the country off a funding cliff. Their latest 30-day spending bill leaves bipartisan, must-pass Read More

Pearce Signs Amicus Brief Upholding First Amendment

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 17, 2018

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce signs the Amicus Brief. Courtesy photo

From the Office of U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce:

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce released the following statement after signing on to an Amicus Brief recommending the Supreme Court of the United States reverse the Ninth Circuit’s decision in National Institute of Family and Life Advocates v. Xavier Becerra, Attorney General, challenging the constitutionality of California’s Reproductive Freedom, Accountability, Comprehensive Care and Transparency (FACT) Act.

“The American people have a Constitutional right Read More

Udall To Lead Two Events On Indian Country Priorities In The Upcoming Farm Bill Reauthorization

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 17, 2018

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, will lead an oversight hearing to discuss agribusiness in Indian Country and will co-host a roundtable discussion on advancing Native food traditions.

Today the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will hold an oversight hearing entitled, “Breaking New Ground in Agribusiness Opportunities in Indian Country.” Successes in Native agribusiness have created job opportunities and contributed

CVNM Responds To 2017 State Of State Address

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 17, 2018

CVNM News:

SANTA FE ― Gov. Susana Martinez delivered her final State of the State address Jan. 16, to the legislature. During her speech, Martinez applauded New Mexico’s oil and gas industry repeatedly and mentioned our burgeoning tourism industry. In response, Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM) Executive Director Demis Foster released the following statement:

“The oil and gas industry is pouring billions into new drilling projects in New Mexico. These investments remain critical to our undiversified economy, and it makes action to curtail methane waste and pollution

Supreme Court Issues Rulings Providing Guidance On Motions For Pretrial Detention Of Criminal Defendants

Submitted by Chris Clark on January 17, 2018

NMSC News:

SANTA FE ― The New Mexico Supreme Court issued two unanimous opinions Thursday addressing the evidence required for the pretrial detention of criminal defendants.

A constitutional amendment adopted by voters in 2016 gave judges the authority to order the pretrial detention of a defendant if a prosecutor files a written motion with the court and proves by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant should be held in jail to assure public safety.

The opinions by the court provide guidance to judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys on evidence

Governor Honors Ofc. Simpson Whose Badge Saved His Life When A Criminal Fired A Gun At His Chest

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 17, 2018

Gov. Susana Martinez honors State Police Officer Dwayne Simpson today at the opening of the 30-Day Legislative Session in Santa Fe. She held up his damaged badge and explained that during an August traffic stop, Ofc. Simpson encountered William Wilson, a criminal who had been in and out of prison 16 times for various offenses: aggravated burglary, committing a crime with a firearm, resisting arrest, parole violations and drug charges. Most recently, he was charged with 17 felonies, including aggravated burglary and firearm possession – and a judge let him bond out with very little accountability, Read More

SGR At Opening Day Of Legislative Session

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 17, 2018

Dist. 43 Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard of Los Alamos met with various officials today at the 2018 opening of the 30-Day Legislative Session at the State Capitol in Santa Fe. Garcia Richard is a native New Mexican and lifelong educator who has worked both abroad and in Northern New Mexico. She is a curriculum coordinator for Pojoaque schools and has served for six years in the Legislature and chairs the House Education Committee. She is running for State Land Commissioner. Photo by Mary Beth Maassen/ladailypost.com

Rep. Eliseo Lee Alcon, Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard and DOE Intergovernmental

NNSA Manager Updates Regional Coalition Board

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on January 16, 2018

NNSA Los Alamos Field Office Manager William S. ‘Steve’ Goodrum addresses the RCLC board Friday at Ohkay Owingeh. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com

By MAIRE O’NEILL

Los Alamos Daily Post

maire@ladailypost.com

“I’m a firm believer in transparency. I’m a firm believer in partnering,” said William S. “Steve” Goodrum, manager of the National Nuclear Safety Administration’s Los Alamos Field Office, at the Regional Coalition of LANL Communities board meeting Friday at Ohkay Owingeh Casino and Resort Hotel.

Goodrum was responding to comments and questions Read More

LOS ALAMOS

ladailypost.com website support locally by OviNuppi Systems