Right-To-Work Compromise Legislation Passes Judiciary Committee, Heads To House Floor
Rep. Nate Gentry
STATE News:
SANTA FE — In order to come up with a fair compromise to promote commonsense, job-creating legislation, the right-to-work bill was amended Friday to increase the minimum wage to $8 per hour.
The compromise legislation cleared the House Judiciary Committee by a 7-6 vote and will now head to the House floor. Raising the minimum wage to $8 per hour will make New Mexico’s minimum wage the third highest in the region.
“We think it’s important to put politics aside in order to avoid Washington-style gridlock,” said Rep. Nate Gentry, R-Bernalillo, who introduced Read More
Los Alamos School Board Members Study 2015 Legislative Agenda With Rep. Garcia Richard
From left, Los Alamos School Board member Nan Holmes, Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard School Board President Judy Bjarke-McKenzie and newly elected member Jenny McCumber discussed legislative agenda Friday at the Roundhouse. Courtesy photo
LAPS News:
Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard met Friday with Los Alamos School Board members Nan Holmes, Judy Bjarke-McKenzie and newly elected member Jenny McCumber to review the legislative agenda.
The Los Alamos women conversed on a number of legislative bills including HB 41 (better known as 3rd Grade Promotion), SB 91 (Teacher Licensure) and HB 144 Read More
Luján Introduces RECA Legislation To Expand Compensation For Those Exposed To Radiation
U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján
U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District introduced legislation in the House of Representatives today that expands compensation for those exposed to radiation while working in uranium mines or living downwind from atomic weapons tests.
Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by a bipartisan coalition of Senators, including New Mexico Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich.
Among the provisions in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Amendments of 2015 are much needed changes Read More
House Passes Bill With Bi-Partisan Vote To Repeal Law Allowing Illegal Immigrants To Obtain Driver’s Licenses
STATE News:
SANTA FE — The House voted to repeal a law Thursday that allows illegal immigrants to receive a New Mexico driver’s license. The vote was a bi-partisan 39-29.
The bill, sponsored by Reps. Paul Pacheco and Andy Nunez, has support from every member of the House Republican caucus, and previously received bipartisan support in the House.
“A vast majority of New Mexicans want this dangerous law off the books,” Pacheco said. “I am glad that we were able to pass this legislation and hope that the Senate will vote on this issue soon.”
Since the policy was put into place, illegal immigrants Read More
ACI, Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard Introduce Legislation For New Mexico Business
Dr. Beverlee McClure
STATE News:
The New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry (ACI) partnered with Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, D-43, to introduce HB 130, a bill to strengthen the procurement process in New Mexico and modernize the state’s definition of small business.
ACI President and CEO Dr. Beverlee McClure praised Garcia Richard for working closely with ACI and ACI member businesses to develop this legislation.
“Rep. Garcia Richard’s bill takes much-needed steps to strengthen our state’s procurement process,” McClure said. “A better, more accountable procurement
ACI, Sen. Rue And Rep. Garcia Richard Introduce Transparency Bill
Sen. Sander Rue
STATE News:
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry (ACI), New Mexico’s statewide chamber of commerce and pro-business advocacy group, applauded New Mexico Sen. Sander Rue, R-23, and Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, D-43, for introducing a bipartisan proposal to enhance the state Sunshine Portal by requiring that additional information on state contracts be available publicly through the portal.
“Countless New Mexico businesses have approached ACI about strengthening the process by which the state handles procurement and contracts,” ACI President/CEO Read More
Governor Declares YMCA Day In New Mexico
Espanola Y Teen Center representative Christian Cordova meets Lt. Gov. John Sanchez Thursday at the State Capitol. Courtesy/YMCA
YMCA representatives gather Thursday at the State Capitol to celebrate Y Day in New Mexico. Front row from left, YMCA of the USA Resource Director of Public Policy Judy Barrett Miller; YMCA of Central NM Board Chair Rob Maruca; YMCA Board Member David Foster; CEO Linda Daly of The Family YMCA. Back row, YMCA Board Member Dr. Warren Wilhelm; Los Alamos Board Chair Christine Sierk; YMCA CEO Zizi Fritz and Y-USA Government Relations and Policy Director Neil Denton.Mandatory Flunking Bill Clears House Floor
Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard
SANTA FE – House Bill 41, the controversial mandatory flunking bill passed the House Floor by a vote of 38-30.
Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, D-Los Alamos: “This particular piece of legislation is problematic for many reasons. Mandatory flunking is a sweeping measure that does not account for the individual circumstances of each student when they are faced with retention. As an educator, I prefer to work with parents and students individually when faced with this decision, and as a parent I believe it is a decision that is best made between parents and teachers Read More
Letter to the Editor: Domenici Says Right-To-Work Bill Good For New Mexico
I am writing in response to those who oppose the proposed right to work legislation. While I respect those who oppose, they are flat out wrong on this issue.
The truth is, passing right-to-work legislation would be good for New Mexico’s workers and our economy. But unfortunately, some politicians are trying to turn this into a partisan battle even though a majority of Americans support it.
It’s not hard to see why.
At the heart of this issue is the freedom of choice. In New Mexico, our workers can be forced to join a union or financially contribute
YDI Receives $1.5 Million For Early Head Start
Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham
CONGRESSIONAL News:
Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., has announced that Youth Development, Inc. was selected to receive $1.5 million in early childhood education funding that will provide opportunities for 80 young children to attend Early Head Start.
YDI earned the Early Head Start Expansion and Child Care Partnership grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The money will be used to train child care staff in the principles of Early Head Start services. The money also will pay for 80 slots to serve infants and toddlers ages six weeks to three Read More
Heinrich Urges U.S. To Fund DHS, Support DREAMers
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., delivered a speech on the Senate floor this week urging Senate Republicans to pass a clean appropriations bill to fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The House-passed DHS funding bill includes a number of anti-immigrant provisions, including deporting DREAMers. Funding for DHS is set to expire Feb. 27.
“With threats emerging everyday both at home and abroad, casting doubt on future funding for the Department of Homeland Security is a terrible idea,” Heinrich Read More
Senators Sponsor Bills To Protect Young Athletes From Brain Injuries
Sen. Bill Soules
STATE News:
SANTA FE – Sen. Bill Soules, D-Dona Ana and Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Bernalillo & Valencia, recently introduced bills to protect young athletes who suffer concussions and brain injuries. Both bills would strengthen existing measures to protect young athletes by ensuring parents and coaches take the proper safety precautions for their children.
Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez
Soules’ bill would require brain injury training for student athletes. It also mandates that schools provide brain injury information, to be signed by Read More
New Mexico House In Bipartisan Vote Passes Bill To End Failed Policy Of Social Promotion
Rep. Monica Youngblood
STATE News:
- Republicans Highlight President Bill Clinton’s Call To End Social Promotion
SANTA FE—Legislation that would end the failed policy of social promotion cleared the House floor today by a bipartisan vote of 38-30.
Social promotion passes kids onto the next grade even when they cannot read. On the House floor, Rep. Monica Youngblood, R-Bernalillo, pointed out that Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama both favor ending social promotion.
“Improving our schools and helping struggling students learn continues to be one of our top priorities,” Read More
Congressional Delegation: Right-to-Work Legislation Has Consequences For New Mexico Working Families
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION News:
U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following against right-to-work legislation in the legislature:
As the national economy shows signs of real improvement, New Mexico’s recovery has been challenging and slow. Working families want to know when we will see more jobs, higher salaries and access to quality education at every level. The state legislature has an opportunity to put New Mexico in a position to provide that economic security and rebuild the Read More
Legislation Filed To Protect Working Women
Rep. Terry McMillan
STATE News:
SANTA FE – Rep. Terry McMillan, R-Doña Ana County announced today that he has filed legislation that will protect pregnant women in the workplace and ensure that New Mexico meets federal guidelines. The legislation makes employers provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, such as more flexibility with their schedules, shorter hours or leave time.
“We can do a better job protecting pregnant women in the workplace,” McMillan said. “This bill is commonsense and will bring us in line with federal standards.”
The legislation mirrors language Read More
Legislation To Expand State’s Voyeurism Law Clears Safety And Civil Affairs Committee Vote
Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage
STATE News:
- Bi-partisan Vote Passes Committee – Bill Heads To House Floor
SANTA FE – Legislation that would crack down on sexual predators attempting to secretly view or record a person’s intimate areas has passed the House Safety And Civil Affairs Committee with a bi-partisan vote.
The legislation sponsored by Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage, R-San Juan County, is headed to the House floor for a vote. Current law fails to bring justice to predators who, despite their best effort to view or record the victim, fail to do so.
“We have the right to our privacy Read More
USDA Announces Funding For Renewable Energy Projects
Geothermal heating and cooling equipment being installed by the Central Valley Electric Cooperative in Artesia. The equipment was partially paid for by the REAP program. Courtesy/USDA
USDA News:
- REAP Program Reduces Energy Costs for 47 Ag Producers and Small Rural Businesses in NM Since 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that rural agricultural producers and small business owners can now apply for resources to purchase and install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements.
These efforts help farmers, ranchers and other Read More
Sierra Club Hosts Citizen Lobby Training Wednesday
SCRGCSierra Club Rio Grande Chapter (SCRGC) will offer lobbying trainings 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday during its Lands, Water and Wildlife Day at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe.
Citizens who would like to learn how to make their voice heard at the New Mexico Legislature can join the free trainings at the Sierra Club table near the Rotunda and trainers will help them identify their own legislators and the best ways to find and speak to them at the Roundhouse.
For training times and other details, RSVP to Diane Reese at DianeAbqNM@gmail.com.
Lands, Water and Wildlife Lobby Day at the Read More
Governor Proclaims Feb. 11 ‘2-1-1 Day’
STATE News:
Gov. Susana Martinez has officially proclaimed Feb. 11 as “2-1-1 Day” in recognition of the free, confidential, easy to use service that connects callers to essential services in their area.
Self Help, Inc. operates the 2-1-1 information and referral line for Los Alamos as well as Taos, Mora, Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and San Miguel.
With approximately 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the U.S. plus scores of government agencies, finding help can be confusing and intimidating. 2-1-1 centers are staffed by trained specialists who quickly assess the callers’ needs and refer Read More
New Mexico Corrections Department Receives Secretary Of State Award For Service Excellence
NMCD Secretary Gregg Marcantel
NMCD News:
The New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) has been honored as the second agency in the United States to receive the service excellence award from the State Department and Secretary of State John Kerry.
The New York Police Department is the only other agency to receive the award.
Secretary of State John Kerry
Assistant Secretary of State William Brownfield presented the award to NMCD Secretary Gregg Marcantel at a ceremony Monday in Long Beach, Calif.
“This award praises NMCD for the work of our training academy to mentor and train fellow correctional Read More
