Jack R. Fox Unanimously Confirmed As Secretary Of New Mexico Department Of Veterans’ Services
Jack R. Fox
STATE News:
SANTA FE—Retired New Mexico Army National Guard Brigadier General Jack R. Fox was unanimously confirmed today by the New Mexico Senate as Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services.
The vote by the full Senate followed Secretary Fox’s confirmation hearing at 8:30 a.m., before the Senate Rules Committee.
Gov. Susana Martinez appointed him to the position following the resignation of Timothy L. Hale in November 2014.
“As a native New Mexican, I am honored and humbled to be given this chance to serve my state’s veterans and their families,” Read More
MapLight: Platts’ Nuclear Conference – $60 Million In Lobbying From Top Five Companies
MAPLIGHT News:
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Top representatives of the nuclear energy industry gathered in Washington, D.C., last week for the Platts’ Annual Nuclear Energy Conference. Scheduled speakers were industry heavyweights like Bill Pitesa, the chief nuclear officer at Duke Energy, and David Brown, the senior vice president for federal government affairs at Exelon.
Since Jan. 1, 2013, the top five U.S. nuclear power operating companies and the Nuclear Energy Institute have spent a combined $60.4 million on lobbying Congress and federal agencies.
MapLight Read More
Udall Announces Support For Investing Portion Of $14B Permanent Fund In Early Childhood Education
Sen. Tom Udall
STATE News:
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., recently challenged state lawmakers to address the needs of New Mexico’s children and he proposed using the Land Grant Permanent Fund to benefit the state’s youngest citizens’ education needs.
Udall has endorsed the constitutional amendment proposal to invest 1.5 percent of the more than $14 billion in the Land Grant Permanent Fund to expand early childhood education in New Mexico. He urged New Mexico legislators to pass the Joint Resolution, which would put the proposal on the statewide ballot allowing voters to decide on this investment Read More
Congressional Delegation Shares Los Alamos Celebration Of Manhattan Project National Historical Park
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall speaks to the importance of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park as Council Chair Kristin Henderson and Los Alamos Historical Society Executive Director Heather McClenahan listen at left. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
From left, former Councilor Fran Berting, paleontologist Ralph Chapman and his wife Linda Deck, director of the Bradbury Science Museum listen to Sen. Tom Udall. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
Members of the New Mexico Congressional Delegation including Sen. Tom Udall, Sen. Read More
President’s Science Advisor Is At Your Fingertips
Dr. John Holdren
WHITE HOUSE News:
Have a question about our changing climate? You’ve got the President’s science advisor at your fingertips.
Since November, Dr. John Holdren has been encouraging the public to ask him anything about climate change on social media using the hashtag #AskDrH.
You’ve been asking — and he’s been answering. Most recently, students asked what the U.S. is doing to prepare for future storms, and how we can cut carbon dioxide emissions without hurting our economy — among other critical questions.
Watch video here.
“No Read More
Udall Asks Legislators To Prioritize Child Well-Being
Sen. Tom Udall
STATE News:
SANTE FE – More than one-third of New Mexico’s children live below the poverty line and U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., called on state lawmakers last week to address this problem during his address to a joint session of the New Mexico Legislature.
“Our state is dead last in overall child well-being and next to last in education, in children’s health and economic well-being. This troubles all of us. It has to change. The future of our state – and not just for our children, but for our economy – depends on changing it,” Udall said. “How do we fix it? It takes money, of course. Read More
Legislation That Bans E-Cigarette Sales To Minors Passes House Floor
Rep. Monica Youngblood
STATE News:
SANTA FE – The State House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation that would make it illegal for minors to buy e-cigarettes.
“It is important that we do not have our kids falling victim to a vaping addiction,” said Rep. Monica Youngblood, the bill’s sponsor.
Currently, state law does not prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to minors, while 39 other states do. This legislation will prevent minors anywhere in New Mexico from buying e-cigarettes.
“This is commonsense change that will go a long way to protect our kids. I am glad the House passed Read More
Cisneros: Rio Grande Trail Proposal Provides Chance To Showcase New Mexico
Sen. Carlos Cisneros
STATE News:
SANTA FE – Sen. Carlos Cisneros offered support of Rep. Jeff Steinborn’s bill to create a Rio Grande Trail Commission.
“This (bill) was introduced to create a Rio Grande Trail Commission to establish a 500-mile trail that will run through New Mexico, from Colorado to Texas,” Cisneros said. This trail, which can be used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, will give us a chance to show off our state.
“It will complement our national monuments, showcase our diverse landscapes and will open up a fresh venue for tourism. It takes vision to carry out a task Read More
Sen. Howie Morales Introduces Legislation to Make Sense of Gasoline Prices
Sen. Howie Morales
STATE News:
SANTA FE – The recent downward fluctuation of oil and gas prices put state lawmakers in a bind for planning next year’s budget but at least one senator is concerned about the general inconsistency in fuel prices statewide as well as within the state’s largest city.
Sen. Howie Morales, D-Catron, Grant and Socorro, introduced “NMSU Retail Gas Prices Study,” which requests that such drastic differences in gasoline retail prices be studied by the New Mexico State University (NMSU) College of Business.
According to Morales’ bill, during the period February Read More
House Bill Will Close ‘Vaccination Loophole’
Rep. Deborah ArmstrongLegislation to protect New Mexico children from loopholes in current law regarding vaccination exemptions was introduced Wednesday.
Long time health-care advocate and member of the House Health Committee Rep. Deborah Armstrong, D-Bernalillo, introduced the bill. The change she proposes would maintain exemptions for documented medical reasons and for members of recognized religious organizations that oppose vaccinations.
However, the so-called “personal beliefs” exemption, which the New Mexico Department of Health estimates accounts Read More
HHS Awards More Than $4 Million To New Mexico Home Visiting Program
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced recently that more than $4 million in grants were awarded to New Mexico to support the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program.
These funds will allow New Mexico to continue to expand voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services to women during pregnancy and to parents with young children. Nationally, $386 million was awarded to states, territories, and nonprofit organizations to support the Home Visiting Program.
“Home visits by a Read More
Regional Coalition Of LANL Communities Meeting Canceled For Lack Of Quorum
RCLC News:
The Regional Coalition of LANL Communities has canceled today’s meeting due to lack of quorum.
The next meeting is scheduled 9-11 a.m., March 20 in Taos. Read More
Bill To Sell Spaceport Launched With Bipartisan No-Recommendation To Senate Finance Committee
Spaceport America. Courtesy/spaceportamerica.com
STATE News:
SANTA FE – A Senate bill to sell the Spaceport America facility moved on to the Senate Finance (SFC) Thursday with a bipartisan no-recommendation.
After a brief debate, the Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee (SCORC) voted to move along Senate Bill 267 (SB267), “Sale of Spaceport America,” sponsored by Senator George K. Muñoz (D-4-Cibola, McKinley & San Juan).
“The Legislature is getting virtually no pertinent financial information regarding the Spaceport or its anchor tenant, Virgin Galactic,” Read More
Bill Reducing Workers’ Comp When Employee Is Drunk Or High On Job Passes House In Bi-Partisan Vote
Rep. Dennis Roch
STATE News:
SANTA FE – Legislation that would significantly reduce workers’ compensation in cases when the employee’s death or injury is the result of being drunk or high on the job passed the House floor by a bi-partisan 64-2.
“Being high or drunk on the job is reckless and puts lives at risk,” said Republican Rep. Dennis Roch, who is sponsoring the bill. “Passing this legislation protects our workers and holds violators accountable for their actions.”
Currently, when alcohol or drugs contributes to injury or death, the employee is eligible to receive 90 percent of his Read More
Luján Delivers Address To NM Legislature
U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján
STATE News:
SANTA FE – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District addressed a joint session of the New Mexico Legislature this afternoon.
Below are his remarks as prepared.
“To the distinguished members of the New Mexico House of Representatives, the New Mexico Senate, Governor Martinez, Speaker Tripp, President Pro-Tem Papen, tribal leaders, honored guests, family, and friends, thank you for welcoming me here today to discuss our shared commitment to the people of New Mexico and our common goal of building a brighter future for the New Mexico families Read More
New Mexico Aviation Day At State Capitol Friday
Jane Lucero, Airport Development Administrator. Courtesy/NMDOT
NMDOT News:
SANTA FE – Come fly with us … and see what’s happening in New Mexico’s skies. Tthe New Mexico Airport Managers Association, in conjunction with the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division, will host Aviation Day Friday in the West Wing of the State Capitol.
The event is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dozens of members of New Mexico’s aviation community will be on hand to discuss the impact and importance of aviation in New Mexico.
There also will be displays from organizations including the New Read More
Legislation Requiring Child-Proof Packaging For E-Cigarette Nicotine Products Passes House
Rep. Sarah Maestas Barnes
STATE News:
SANTA FE – Legislation that would require child-proof packaging for all nicotine liquid products used in e-cigarettes passed the House floor Wednesday by a unanimous vote of 66-0. This bill will help protect New Mexico’s children from accidentally ingesting and overdosing on nicotine.
“Today was an important step to protect our children,” said Rep. Sarah Maestas Barnes, R-Bernalillo, the bill’s sponsor. “The risk of nicotine overdose is extremely high if it falls into the wrong hands. As a mother of two young children, it is an issue Read More
Every Woman Lawmaker Signs Domestic Violence Bill
Rep. Kelly Fajardo
STATE News:
SANTA FE – Every female lawmaker in the New Mexico House of Representatives supported cracking down on domestic abuse as they recently signed Rep. Kelly Fajardo’s bill that allows police officers 24 hours to arrest a domestic violence offender without a warrant.
“This is an important step in improving our laws to further protect victims of violence and abuse,” Fajardo said. “It speaks volumes that every woman in the New Mexico House supports this legislation.”
Under current law, someone who commits domestic violence can flee the scene and an officer Read More
Rep. Garcia Richard Speaks Out For Teachers
Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard speaking at Monday’s rally for teachers in front of the Roundhouse. Courtesy photo
STATE News:
- Watch video of today’s press conference with Rep. Garcia Richard here.
SANTA FE – Throughout Monday and Tuesday evenings, House members took up debate on House Bill 76, the teacher licensure bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Dennis Roch.
House Republicans Pass Legislation To Reward New Mexico’s Best And Brightest Teachers
Rep. Dennis Roch
STATE News:
SANTA FE – Today, House Republicans united together to pass a bill allowing the state’s best teachers to advance through the ranks faster, rewarding outstanding educators with a higher salary much sooner.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Roch, R-Logan, will now head to the Senate. The vote was 37-0, with all Democrats walking out of the chamber.
“Today, we made a huge step toward rewarding New Mexico’s best and brightest teachers,” Roch said. “By allowing them to progress through the career pathway faster, we can reward them with higher pay and encourage them to Read More
