NM Senate Passes Senate Bill 84, The Community Benefit Fund, Investing In Local Projects And Resilient Communities
NMSD News:
SANTA FE — Tuesday, the New Mexico Senate has passed Senate Bill 48, the Community Benefit Fund (CBF), a groundbreaking investment in locally-driven projects that will strengthen communities, create jobs, and help New Mexicans adapt to increasing climate challenges.
The Community Benefit Fund is a key component of the state’s long-term vision for resilience and economic growth, directs funding toward projects that enhance energy reliability, modernize infrastructure, and safeguard public health.
The CBF provides $340 million in direct investments to New Mexico communities, Read More
Lawmaker Takes Unfair Shots At Nascent Business
The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo
By Milan Simonich
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Legislators live to talk. Truth is the first casualty of their off-the-cuff orating.
Here’s what state Sen. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces, publicly said this week about a film and production company in his hometown.
“A couple years ago we had a nice announcement for a big film production studio coming to Las Cruces, 828 Productions. They were going to film their first production in May of 2022,” Cervantes said during a public hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Wrong. Not until August Read More
Governor Announces Partnership With BorderPlex Digital
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Feb. 25 a partnership with BorderPlex Digital Assets, LLC that will position New Mexico as a leader in digital infrastructure to power the technology of tomorrow.
This partnership will bring 1,000 jobs to New Mexico, drive renewed investment in digital infrastructure, and spur economic growth in the region. The announcement includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State of New Mexico and BorderPlex Digital Assets.
BorderPlex Digital’s first integrated Digital Infrastructure Campus Read More
Senate Floor Debate Heats Up Over Measure To Fight Climate Change, But Bill Succeeds
By DANIEL J. CHACÓN
The Santa Fe New Mexican
The temperature in the Senate grew hot at times Tuesday over a bill designed to make communities across New Mexico more resilient to the effects of a warming planet.
Senate Bill 48, which would create a community benefit fund to pay for projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, passed the Senate on a party-line 23-15 vote after Republicans introduced a series of amendments the Democrat-controlled chamber rejected one by one.
“This bill is about giving New Mexico a fighting chance at a cleaner, safer and Read More
Legislative Roundup: 25 Days Remaining In Session
Ashley Sanchez, a dancer with the Ballet Folklorico Orgullo from New Mexico State University, swirls her colorful skirt while performing with the group of dancers and Mariachi Orgullo to close the presentation made for New Mexico Higher Education Day in the Rotunda at the state Capitol Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. Photo by Gabriela Campos/The New Mexican
Rep. Michelle Paulene Abeyta, D-To’hajilee, kneels down to pet Oakley, an Albuquerque Police crisis dog who works with the Crisis Intervention Team who was touring the Capitol with Det. Josh Isler Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. Photo by Gabriela Campos/The Read More
House Passes Legislation To Help Reduce Utility Costs
Rep. Kristina Ortez (D-Taos)
NMDP News:
SANTA FE — Legislation to help reduce utility costs for New Mexicans is now headed to the Senate after passing the House Tuesday by a vote of 42-25.
House Bill 91 allows public utilities in the state to implement additional rate structures intended to reduce utility costs for low-income customers. These rate changes could decrease or eliminate balances for customers and allow for them to pay lower amounts more frequently.
“No one in our state should have to live without running water, electricity, or make impossible choices about which necessities to Read More
NMDOH Raises Awareness To Keep Kids’ Teeth Healthy
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — Throughout February, the New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMDOH) Office of Oral Health Program is raising awareness about the importance of starting healthy dental habits at an early age.
“Healthy teeth are essential to a child’s overall well-being and success in life” said Leisha D. Ortiz, Interim Director of the NMDOH Office of Oral Health. “As we celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month, we want to remind families that dental health outcomes are mainly determined by daily habits. Regular dental visits and healthy habits that begin early in life help to Read More
Deb Haaland Attracts Crowd To Los Alamos Campaign Event
New Mexico Gubernatorial Candidate Deb Haaland, center, speaks to a crowd of some 200 community members gathered at her Meet & Greet event Sunday afternoon at Cottonwood on the Greens. Haaland is traveling the state to meet and hear from New Mexicans at stops in 19 small towns and cities throughout February and into March. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Scene of the crowd gathered at hear New Mexico Gubernatorial Candidate Deb Haaland speak Sunday afternoon at Cottonwood on the Greens. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Staff Report:
Gubernatorial Candidate Deb Haaland held Read More
State Child Welfare Officials Decry Slashed Spending; Lawmakers Demand Results
The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo
By Esteban Candelaria
The Santa Fe New Mexican
While House Democrats touted the $10.8 billion spending plan they sent to the Senate on Monday, one state agency sent a dire message: The proposal “will jeopardize essential child welfare services and put the state at risk of costly federal penalties.”
The budget proposal, which heads to the Senate Finance Committee for scrutiny after a House vote of approval, leaves the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department with relatively flat spending — about 11% less than it had requested. Read More
Advancing The Science Of Reading Act Passes Senate, Moves On To House
NMED News:
SANTA FE — Monday, Feb. 24, the New Mexico Senate passed Senate Bill 242 (SB 242), the Advancing the Science of Reading Act, by a vote of 32-6.
If signed into law, it would require teacher licensing candidates to demonstrate competency in structured literacy and the science of reading.
“The science of reading is a game changer for New Mexico’s students,” said Public Education Secretary Designate Mariana D. Padilla. “When we invest in proven reading strategies, we empower our students with the skills to thrive—not just in school, but in life.”
The science of reading Read More
Senate President Pro Tempore Issues Statement After Finance Committee Fails To Pass Clear Horizons Act
NMSD News:
SANTA FE — Monday, the Senate Finance Committee failed to advance Senate Bill 4, the Clear Horizons Act, legislation designed to provide a clear pathway for New Mexico’s energy transition while ensuring long-term economic and environmental stability. The bill was tabled on a vote of 6-5.
Senate Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), sponsor of the bill, issued the following statement:
“The cost of inaction on climate is devastating. New Mexico’s communities are already reeling from wildfires, drought, and extreme weather, with billions spent in recovery while we fail to Read More
$10.8 Billion State Budget Clears House; Heads To Senate
By Daniel J. Chacón
The Santa Fe New Mexican
New Mexico’s $10.8 billion spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year is headed to the Senate with promises of a thorough review.
Budget allocations for a number of high-profile proposals have either been watered down or not included at all.
“We’re going to dig into it,” Senate Finance Committee Chair George Muñoz said after the House passed the measure on a 50-18 vote Monday. He noted the proposed budget, House Bill 2, cleared the House Appropriations and Finance Committee in less than 15 minutes Friday.
“It kind of Read More
Governor Lujan Grisham Announces Statewide Support For Laid Off Federal Workers
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Monday that the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, in partnership with the State Personnel Office and the Economic Development Department, is launching comprehensive support initiatives to assist individuals recently separated from federal employment.
This initiative includes a dedicated resource web page, recruitment events, and access to education and training opportunities.
“We are committed to ensuring that New Mexicans who have been abruptly dismissed from federal jobs have Read More
Legislative Roundup: 26 Days Remaining In Session
Santa Fe New Mexican Staff Report:
Another win for Padilla: A proposal to enshrine the Early Childhood Education and Care Trust Fund in the New Mexico Constitution got another thumbs up Monday when it was endorsed by Senate Education Committee.
But voters will have the ultimate say if Senate Joint Resolution 6 clears both chambers because it would amend the constitution.
Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque, the bill’s sponsor, celebrated Monday’s milestone by posting photos with supporters on X, formerly Twitter.
“The landmark decision we made to create the early childhood trust fund Read More
Public Meeting On Fire Station 4 Replacement Project
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Public Works and the Los Alamos Fire Department invite the public to an in-person meeting regarding the Fire Station 4 replacement project.
The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6, in the Fire Department training room on the third floor of the LAFD Administrative Offices at 999 Central Ave.
The project is in the design phase after the Council’s decision last November to build the new facility adjacent to the existing structure at 4401 Diamond Drive.
The upcoming March 6 meeting will permit the County’s project team to present the new fire station’s Read More
Luján Named Ranking Member Of Commerce Subcommittee On Telecommunications And Media
STATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) was named Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media for the 119th Congress. Luján previously served as Chair, formerly named the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, since 2021.
“New Mexicans know the difference between fast internet, slow internet, and no internet. Broadband is a necessity for daily life, and I am proud to once again represent New Mexico on this critical subcommittee to ensure every household in our state and across the country has affordable, Read More
Bill To Increase Top Oil And Gas Royalty Rate On NM State Lands Passes Senate
NMSLO News:
SANTA FE — For the first time, legislation pushed by New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard to increase the top royalty rate offered for new oil and gas development on the best state lands from 20% to the market rate of 25% passed the passed the full New Mexico Senate today.
Senate Bill 23, sponsored by Sen. George Muñoz and co-sponsored by Speaker of the House Javier Martinez, Sen. Liz Stefanics and Rep. Matthew McQueen, would bring New Mexico’s royalty rate in line with what is offered in Texas and on private lands in New Mexico and would generate millions more Read More
Talent-Dry Republicans Hope For A Turnabout
The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo
By Milan Simonich
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Maybe the New Mexico Bounce qualifies as a trend. Maybe not. We’ll know soon enough.
The Bounce has nothing to do with pop culture or the price of oil. I made up the term. It’s shorthand for how the party out of power for eight years rebounded three times this century to win the Governor’s Office.
Origins of the Bounce began in the 1990s with Republican Gary Johnson. He was a newcomer to politics who ousted Bruce King, New Mexico’s longest-serving governor. King, a Democrat, won three nonconsecutive Read More
Lawmakers Tout Progress On Crime At Halfway Mark But Want To Do More
By Daniel J. Chacón and Margaret O’Hara
The Santa Fe New Mexican
As she raced to her office on the fourth floor of the state Capitol early Thursday, Linda Trujillo barely had time to talk.
Trujillo, a Santa Fe Democrat, granted a reporter an interview, but it was in motion and over in 40 seconds.
“They’re going fast and furious,” she said when asked about the first 30 days of the 60-day session.
Trujillo’s assessment sums up the first half of this year’s session, which officially reached its midway point Thursday.
Even longtime lawmakers say the session is Read More
Low National Ranking On Lobbyist Disclosure And High Lobbyist Spending Drive Push For Transparency With SB 248
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Senate Bill 248 updates the Lobbyist Regulation Act to improve public access to information on the activities of the hundreds of lobbyists working in the legislature each session.
The bill addresses a longstanding issue that has placed New Mexico among the lowest-ranked states for lobbyist disclosure. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Harold Pope and Sen. Natalie Figueroa, will be heard in the Senate Rules Committee at 8:30 a.m., Monday, Feb. 24. The Rules Committee meets in Room 321 of the Capitol. SB 248 “Lobbyist Regulation and Expenditure Reports” is a bill that would require Read More
