Political News - Los Alamos Daily Post

Sheriff Marco Lucero Testifies At State Capital

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 6, 2016

By Sheriff Marco V. Lucero

Los Alamos County

This year’s 30-Day Legislative Session has been busy for New Mexico sheriffs. I, as your elected sheriff, have again been active in testifying at the State Capital in support of bills that will enhance penalties for crimes against children, support to help protect law enforcement officers and efforts to make the Office of the Sheriff more professional and functional.

I will begin with HB-65. This bill will enhance penalties for sex offenders who are in possession of child pornography. Our current law reads that a person convicted of this crime receives Read More

Soto Pushes Better Pay For Critical School Employees

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 5, 2016

Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto

STATE News:

SANTA FE – Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, D-15-Bernalilo, has introduced legislation to increase the pay of some low paid school district employees to improve their economic circumstances.

Currently, the minimum pay rate for school district cafeteria staff, school bus drivers, and all non-certified school personnel and educational assistants is $6 per hour. The Ivey-Soto bill, SB 152, will increase wages for these employees to $15 per hour and will be heard in Senate Education Committee tomorrow.

“Our school support staff provide invaluable service making Read More

Armstrong Bill To Eliminate Wait-List For Specialized Senior Care Program To Be Heard In Committee

Submitted by Chris Clark on February 5, 2016

Rep. Deborah Armstrong

STATE News:

Rep. Deborah Armstrong’s bill to expand New Mexico’s already successful PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) program for seniors in order to eliminate the waiting list to enroll in the specialized Medicare and Medicaid program will be heard Thursday by the House Health Committee.

“PACE is already working for New Mexico seniors,” Armstrong said. “By providing comprehensive, easy-to-access care for some of our most vulnerable seniors, New Mexico is already helping the elderly receive the services

House Committee Approves Stricter Penalties For DWI Offenders Caught Driving With A Suspended License

Submitted by Chris Clark on February 5, 2016

STATE News:

SANTA FE ― Monday, Feb. 1, legislation to help address New Mexico’s DWI problem passed the House Judiciary Committee by a unanimous, 9-0 vote.

House Bill 81, sponsored by Rep. Paul Pacheco, will toughen the punishment for DWI offenders who continue to get in the driver’s seat after their licenses have been suspended or revoked.

“Recent studies show that we need stricter DWI laws,” Pacheco said. “There is no question in my mind that habitual DWI offenders need tougher punishments. People who continue to get behind the wheel even when their license

Udall Statement Celebrating Black History Month

Submitted by Chris Clark on February 5, 2016

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Tom Udall released the following statement in honor of Black History Month, which is celebrated in February:

“During Black History Month, we remember the African American champions of equality who sacrificed and fought for liberty and justice as well as the countless contributions by African American scientists, artists, business people, explorers, civic leaders and others who have made our communities, state and nation richer and stronger.

House Committee Approves FY17 Budget

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 5, 2016

STATE News:

SANTA FE – The House Appropriations and Finance Committee passed House Bill 2 Thursday afternoon by a vote 12 to 5. The bill authorizes funding for fiscal year 2017 state operations and set state agency spending levels.

“Given the decline in revenue due to the drop in oil prices, we had to carefully prioritize our spending decisions,” said Rep. Larry Larrañaga, chairman of House Appropriations and Finance Committee. “This is a responsible budget. It maintains funding for important public services and addresses critical needs in the areas of public safety, education Read More

Steinborn Seeks More Solar Power On State Buildings

Submitted by Chris Clark on February 4, 2016

Rep. Jeff Steinborn

STATE News:

SANTA FE ― Rep. Jeff Steinborn has teamed up with a bi-partisan group of legislators to introduce legislation exploring the idea of putting solar power on more state buildings.

House Memorial 51 directs the General Services Department (GSD) to work with the state Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) and the solar industry to “evaluate the potential energy and cost savings for expanding the use of solar power in state facilities.”

The General Services Department

Ahead of Super Bowl 50, Udall And Others Lead Bill To Protect Young Athletes From Concussions

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 4, 2016

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

From Sen. Tom Udall’s Office:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representatives Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) and Tom Rooney (R-Fla.) introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting young athletes from the dangers of sports-related traumatic brain injuries.

The Youth Sports Concussion Act would help ensure that safety standards for sports equipment, including football helmets, are based on the latest science and curb false advertising claims

House Unanimously Passes HM3 Supporting Naming Of Submarine The USS Los Alamos

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 4, 2016

HB3, sponsored by Dist. 43 Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard passes the House of Representatives Thursday in an enthusiastic 67-0 vote. Photo by Rick Carver

STATE News:

Dist. 43 Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard introduced House Memorial 3 supporting the naming of a United States Naval submarine the USS Los Alamos.

House members voted 67-0 Thursday to support HB3.

“The comments were enthusiastically supportive and encouraging,” said Jim Nesmith of Los Alamos who has been promoting the measure for more than a year. “Being able to stand next to Rep. Garcia Richard on the floor of the House as the

Heinrich Supports Emergency Funding Bill To Address Opioid And Heroin Abuse Epidemic

Submitted by Chris Clark on February 4, 2016

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., is supporting emergency funding legislation to address the heroin and opioid abuse epidemic that is devastating communities in New Mexico and across the country.

The bill S.2423, introduced by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, would provide supplemental appropriations totaling $600 million for drug prevention and treatment programs.

“Prescription drug and heroin

Democratic Party Of Los Alamos County Holds Ward; Pre-Primary Convention Feb. 22 At UNM-LA

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 4, 2016

DPLA News:

Notice is hereby given by the Democratic Party of Los Alamos County that there will be a combined Ward and County Pre-Primary Convention at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22 at UNM-Los Alamos, Building 5 (Wallace Hall), 4000 University Dr. in Los Alamos.

Los Alamos County Democrats will meet to elect 15 Delegates to the State Pre-Primary Convention. Delegates will attend the State Convention in Albuquerque Saturday, March 12.

Challenges to ward elections must be presented to the credentials committee when it meets immediately after the ward meetings.

For further information, contact Read More

Dems File Ethics Complaint Against Would-Be GOP Secretary Of State Candidate

Submitted by Chris Clark on February 4, 2016

DPNM News:

The Democratic Party of New Mexico, filed an ethics complaint Monday with the Secretary of State’s Office in response to Rep. Nora Espinoza’s publicly using her legislative website – an official government resource – to promote her potential candidacy for the very office that oversees and enforces campaign ethics rules.

“It is more important than ever that New Mexicans have candidates whom they can trust,” DPNM Chair Debra Haaland said. “With the scandal that landed the last secretary of state in jail and the federal investigations that continue to plague the

GOP Women Meet Noon Thursday Feb. 11

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on February 4, 2016

LAFRW News:

The Los Alamos Federated Republican Women will hold its regular monthly meeting at noon Thursday, Feb. 11.

The meeting is at 1001 Oppenheimer Dr., behind the Betty Ehart Senior Center, downstairs in the Patio Room.

For further information, contact Donna MacDonald at 505.662.4001. Read More

Udall Bill To Childproof E-Cigarettes Signed Into Law

Submitted by Chris Clark on February 3, 2016

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

SENATE News:

WASHINGTON D.C. ― Friday Jan. 29, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall welcomed news that a bill he championed to improve e-cigarette safety has been signed into law by the president.

The Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act of 2015 requires manufacturers to put childproof caps on the small bottles of liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes. The number of e-cigarette users — especially young users — has soared in recent years, and this is the first piece of national legislation to help regulate the impact on public

Lujan Grisham On Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

Submitted by Chris Clark on February 3, 2016

By U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham

Mothers, grandmothers, sisters, cousins, or aunts shouldn’t have to wait any longer for equal pay.

Wage discrimination based on gender has been a priority of mine in Congress since the moment I took office, because we have a responsibility to ensure economic security for millions of women in this country. But I am frustrated that we still haven’t done enough to make sure women in this country have equal pay for equal work.

Today marks the seventh year anniversary of The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, an incredible step forward

Bill To Protect Law Enforcement Officers Passes House Safety And Civil Affairs Committee

Submitted by Chris Clark on February 3, 2016

STATE News:

SANTA FE ― Legislation to amend the New Mexico Hate Crimes Act to include law enforcement officers passed the House Safety and Civil Affairs Committee Tuesday, Jan. 26, by a vote of 4-3. The bill, HB 95, is sponsored by Representatives Nate Gentry and Paul Pacheco.

“Assaulting a person specifically because they wear law enforcement badge should qualify as a hate crime,” Gentry said. “Law enforcement officials patrol the streets and maintain order in our communities, but sometimes our protectors need protection.”

The bill

Legislation To Consider DWI Felons As Habitual Offenders Passes House Committee

Submitted by Chris Clark on February 2, 2016

Rep. Jim Dines

NMLEGIS News:

SANTA FE ― Legislation sponsored by Rep. Jim Dines allowing judges to impose stricter penalties on DWI felons passed the House Safety and Civil Affairs Committee today by a vote of 5-2.

The bill, HB 82, would expand New Mexico’s Habitual Offender law to include DWI felonies.

“Four or more DWI convictions ought to qualify an individual as a habitual offender,” Dines said. “This bill closes a gap in the existing law so DWI felony offenses can be considered for enhanced sentencing under the Habitual Offender statute.

Los Alamos Chamber Legislative Positions For 2016

Submitted by Chris Clark on February 2, 2016

CHAMBER News:

Economic Development

Support

HB34 (Rep. Adkins) Post-Thanksgiving Gross Receipts Deduction (Small BusinessSaturday)
HB63 (Rep. Dennis Roche) No indemnity/medical benefits under workman’s compensation if worker’s injury or death resulted from alcohol/drug use at the time.
HB139 (Rep. Garcia Richard) Changing the criteria to allow LEDA for Retail Projects
HB194 (Rep. Cathrynn Brown) “Employer Responsibility” legislation for worker’s compensation
HB195 (Rep. Randal Crowder) Clarifying workers comp that

Independent Ethics Commission Proposal Passes House Committee On 8-0 Vote

Submitted by Chris Clark on February 2, 2016

NMLEGIS News:

SANTA FE ― Saturday, Jan, 29, the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee unanimously passed a proposed constitutional amendment to establish an independent state ethics commission.

House Joint Resolution 5, sponsored by Rep. Jim Dines, would give New Mexico voters the option to approve this process to uphold ethical standards in state government.

“An independent ethics commission will help ensure that public officials are adhering to ethical standards,” Dines said. “This resolution provides a transparent

Udall Introduces Amendment To Give All Americans An Opportunity To Invest In Clean Energy Future

Submitted by Chris Clark on February 2, 2016

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

SENATE News:

WASHINGTON D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Tom Udall announced an amendment that he has filed to energy legislation that would ultimately enable all Americans to buy Clean Energy Victory Bonds, allowing regular people across the country to do their part to invest in our nation’s clean energy future.

Modeled after war bonds, which raised billions of dollars during World War I and World War II, Clean Energy Victory Bonds would help local, state and federal governments raise billions of dollars in capital that they could

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