Political News - Los Alamos Daily Post

Lujan Grisham Secures Tech Transfer, Diversity Provisions In Military Legislation

Submitted by Chris Clark on July 18, 2017

U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham/Courtesy photo

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham successfully included two provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act, one that encourages more tech transfer to create jobs and one that promotes more diversity within the Air Force civilian workforce.

Both provisions are important to the large national laboratory and military presence in New Mexico.

The defense policy bill passed today. The Senate is considering its version of the legislation.

“The national laboratories

Net Neutrality Activists Set Sights On Congress: Plan To Unleash New Wave Of Billboards And Scorecard For Lawmakers Following Historic Day Of Action

Submitted by Chris Clark on July 18, 2017

Generation Justice members in New Mexico speak out for net neutrality. Courtesy photo

FFTF News:

Digital rights group Fight for the Future unveiled today the next steps in the battle for the future of the Internet: turning the focus on Congress — who have oversight over the FCC and whose actions will determine whether Ajit Pai’s unpopular plan moves forward — with a wave of crowdfunded billboards and a “Congressional Scorecard” on BattleForTheNet.com showing where lawmakers stand.

The group has already raised more than $50,000

House Passes National Defense Authorization Act

Submitted by Chris Clark on July 18, 2017

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018:

“Each year, I examine every aspect of the NDAA to ensure it supports the critical missions taking place at our bases in New Mexico and provides the vital protections our service members need when fighting for our freedom. Equal in importance, the NDAA has the responsibility to support and assist military families. The legislation we passed toady not only accomplishes

Pearce On Individual Unemployment For Veterans

Submitted by Chris Clark on July 18, 2017

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to reverse the Individual Unemployment (IU) termination for Social Security (SS) recipients in the budget proposal:

“When soldiers return from serving our nation, they deserve quality care and the benefits they were promised. We must honor our pledge to support our soldiers, especially those who return wounded. I’m pleased to see the Trump Administration reverse their initial stance on IU benefits, which

State Auditor Tim Keller Releases Special Audit Of City Water Deal In Jal

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 18, 2017

New Mexico State Auditor Tim Keller

STATE News:

More than $650,000 in unsupported water credits given away to a water customer in rural town near Hobbs

SANTA FE – State Auditor Tim Keller released a special audit today of water issues in Jal, a rural community near Hobbs. The audit was initiated after the Office of the State Auditor (OSA) received information suggesting that water utility credits were provided to a private customer in violation of the state’s Constitution.

The audit covers the period from 2008 through 2016 and found improper adjustments and billings totaling more than Read More

Governor: Facebook To Double Investment In New Mexico Data Center, Bringing Total To Half A Billion

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 18, 2017

Gov. Susana Martinez

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Susana Martinez announced this morning that Facebook will double its investment in the high-tech data center the company is building in Los Lunas, bringing the project’s total to nearly half a billion dollars.

Facebook will build a second building of 460,000 square feet, in addition to the more than 510,000 square-foot facility already underway at the site.

“This is exciting news for New Mexico,” Martinez said. “We’re proud to have a cutting-edge high-tech company like Facebook as a partner as we move forward in diversifying New Mexico’s economy. Read More

Attorney General Balderas Sues Six Generic Drug-Makers For Putting Profits Over New Mexico Patients

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 18, 2017

Attorney General Hector Balderas

STATE News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― Attorney General Hector Balderas has announced that New Mexico has joined with four other states in filing a lawsuit in federal court alleging that six generic drug-makers entered into illegal conspiracies in order to unreasonably restrain trade, artificially inflate and manipulate prices and reduce competition in the United States for two generic drugs.

“I will continue to hold big out-of-state corporations accountable when then they rip off New Mexico consumers, and when companies put profits

Council Approves Trash And Recycling Rate Increase

Submitted by Kirsten Laskey (ladp admin) on July 17, 2017

During the regular County Council meeting July 11, Los Alamos resident Brady Burke, left, speaks during the public comment period regarding the proposed rate ordinance that would result in increased refuse, recycling and solid waste facility fees for commercial and residential customers. Environmental Services Division Manager Angelica Gurule and Public Works Director Philo Shelton listen to Burke, who opposed the proposed rate increases and advised sending the ordinance back for further review. County Council approved the ordinance 6-1. Councilor James Chrobocinski Read More

EPA Recertifies WIPP’s Continued Compliance With Radioactive Waste Disposal Standards

Submitted by Chris Clark on July 17, 2017

WIPP News:

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced July 13 the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) has been recertified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and remains in full compliance with applicable EPA regulations for transuranic radioactive waste disposal.

“This decision reconfirms WIPP’s long-term ability to safely isolate transuranic waste from the environment,” Todd Shrader, DOE Carlsbad Field Office Manager said. “I want to thank everyone who worked on the EPA Compliance Recertification Application. The recertification

Letter To The Editor: Selling Rope On Credit To Hang Capitalism

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 16, 2017

By PETR JANDACEK

Los Alamos

Lenin said: “When the time is right we will make great concessions and overtures of peace to the capitalists and they will sell us the rope with which we will hang them.”

Capitalists are bidding to sell Putin the rope on credit.

Go Hillary! Go Donald! Read More

CIR Panel On Human Migration And The Border July 26

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 16, 2017

CIR News:

Join the Santa Fe Council on International Relations at 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 26 at the Drury Plaza Hotel, 828 Paseo de Peralta, for a panel of three experts who will discusses human migration and the border.

Featured Panelists:

Allegra Love

Allegra Love is the attorney and director of SF Dreamers. She began her career at Santa Fe Public Schools in 2005 as a bilingual elementary school teacher and followed her passion for working with immigrants to law school.

After graduating from the University of New Mexico School

Governor Susana Martinez Announces More Than 2,000 ‘Chile Capital Of The World’ License Plates Issued

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 16, 2017

The ‘Chile Capital of the World’ License Plate. Courtesy photo

STATE News:

SANTA FE ― Gov. Susana Martinez has announced that more than 2,000 Chile Capital of the World” license plates have now been issued.

The plates are available at all MVD offices and online. The license plate declares New Mexico as the “Chile Capital of the World”, reflecting New Mexico’s status as the world leader in chile quality and production.

“We have the best chile in the world – period; whether you’re going for red, green or Christmas, you can’t go wrong with New

New Mexico Department Of Information Technology Launches New Mexico Business Portal

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 16, 2017

DoIT News:

SANTA FE ― The New Mexico Department of Information Technology (DoIT), along with state agency partners, recently launched the New Mexico Business Portal (NMBP).

The new portal serves as a one-stop online resource for New Mexico businesses to streamline their transactions with the state.

“Establishing this new online portal is part of Governor Martinez’s efforts to make New Mexico more competitive and business friendly,” DoIT Cabinet Secretary Darryl Ackley said. “By reducing red tape and helping entrepreneurs streamline their transactions

Letter To The Editor: To U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 16, 2017

By that concerned citizen

Los Alamos

Mr. Pearce, we know in which direction you will be taking New Mexico. As a member of the Freedom Caucus you stood for a Republican Party that wants to push all governmental responsibility to the states while reducing their funding. With politicians like you, New Mexico will have the choice between higher state taxes or less services for New Mexicans.

On Health Care: You voted for the first version of the new healthcare bill – and as part of the Freedom Caucus were among a group of congressmen that wanted it to be even worse. With politicians like you, New Mexico will Read More

County Council Holds Closed Session July 18

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 16, 2017

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Council will hold a closed session at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, at the White Rock Fire Station.

The meeting is closed to the public.

Agenda:

1. OPENING/ROLL CALL

2. BUSINESS

Closed Session Pursuant to NMSA 1978, 10-15-1 (H) (2) Discussion of Limited Personnel Matters, Discussion Regarding Threatened or Pending Litigation.

3. ADJOURNMENT
Read More

U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham Visits Los Alamos

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 16, 2017

From left, Publisher Carol A. Clark, U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is running for governor of New Mexico on the Democratic ticket, and Dist. 43 Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard this afternoon at the Los Alamos Daily Post on Central Avenue. The Congresswoman stopped by to visit the paper with Garcia Richard during her tour of ScienceFest activities. She mentioned that she was born in 1959 at Los Alamos Medical Center and attended Canyon School. Her father Buddy Lujan was a dentist in Los Alamos for some 40 years. The family first lived on Sage Loop and later were the third family to move into White Read More

Santa Fe Mayor Elected Chair Of Regional Coalition Of LANL Communities During Meeting In Los Alamos

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 15, 2017

Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales, left, was elected the new chair of the Regional Coalition of LANL Communities Committee (RCLC), taking over from Rio Arriba County Commissioner Barney Trujillo, right, who was elected vice-chair. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com

RCLC Executive Director Andrea Romero listens as LANL Deputy Director of Acquisition Services Warren Finch speaks about dollars spent with New Mexico businesses. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com

By BONNIE J. GORDON

Los Alamos Daily Post

The Regional Coalition of LANL Communities Committee Read More

Udall, Heinrich Work To Improve Access To Comprehensive Care For Patients With Diabetes

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 15, 2017

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich introduced bipartisan legislation to improve patient access to podiatrists in Medicaid and improve care for patients with diabetes who need therapeutic shoes via Medicare.

The Helping Ensure Life- and Limb-Saving Access to Podiatric Physicians (HELLPP) Act would recognize podiatrists as physicians under Medicaid as they are defined under Medicare. The bill would bring Medicaid in line with Medicare and a majority of U.S. health-care delivery systems, and ensure that Medicaid

Alan Webber Endorses Michelle Lujan Grisham

Submitted by Chris Clark on July 15, 2017

U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Courtesy photo

POLITICAL News:

SANTA FE ― Former Democratic candidate for governor and One New Mexico founder Alan Webber has announced his endorsement of U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham for governor.

Alan Webber

In his endorsement Webber, a successful author who co-founded Fast Company magazine highlighted his belief that Congresswoman Lujan Grisham is the best candidate to help our economy bounce back and create economic opportunities for future generations of New Mexicans.

“Four years ago I ran for Governor because

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall Advances Key Funding For New Mexico Military Bases And Veterans

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 14, 2017

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has announced that the committee has advanced legislation providing strong funding for military construction projects in New Mexico and for veterans’ care across the state.

In total, Udall secured more than $63 million in funding for projects at New Mexico’s military bases and facilities. In addition, the legislation includes a Udall-authored measure to bolster veterans’ access to care in rural areas, and provides an overall increase of $4 billion for veterans’

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