Senators Luján, Booker, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Prevent Politicization Of Public Safety Grants
SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced the Federal Grant Neutrality Act, legislation designed to stop the politicization of Department of Justice (DOJ) federal grants and prevent the DOJ from imposing unfair conditions on jurisdictions represented by Democrats.
The bill ensures that grants cannot be withheld to punish jurisdictions for refusing to enforce partisan federal immigration policies.
For years, DOJ grants have been essential for state, local, Read More
NMDOT Cabinet Secretary Ricky Serna To Resign
Secretary Ricky Serna
From the Office of the Governor:
SANTA FE – New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Secretary Ricky Serna will resign his position effective Feb. 20 after three-and-a-half years in the role.
Before leading NMDOT, Serna served as acting secretary of the Department of Workforce Solutions and the acting director of the State Personnel Office.
“I thank the Governor for the confidence she put in me to serve my fellow New Mexicans,” Cabinet Secretary Serna said. “You have my commitment to a strong transition and my assurance that a capable and engaged team Read More
Update On 1,000 Acre Wildfire In Quay County
New Mexico Forestry Division News:
The New Mexico Forestry Division has issued an update on a wildfire that is requiring the attention of suppression resources in New Mexico.
The 352 Fire was discovered at 12:30 p.m. today, Feb. 9, near I-40, mile marker 352, north of San Jon in Quay County.
The fire is wind-driven from the southwest and moving through grass and brush. Structures are threatened, and smoke is visible from Interstate 40 and the surrounding areas.
State Road 469 is closed north of San Jon. Residents should take caution and avoid the area.
The fire is estimated Read More
Friends Of History Calling For Volunteers To Become Walking History Tour Docents—Register Now For Training
FOH News:
The Friends of History of the New Mexico History Museum invite you to become a docent for our Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Santa Fe. Our docents use their training and personality to engage visitors and locals for two hours with insights into the major events, real-life characters, important landmarks and diverse cultures that have shaped Santa Fe and New Mexico for more than 400 years. You’ll do this while walking the picturesque streets of historic downtown Santa Fe.
Friends of History is a volunteer nonprofit organization championing New Mexico since 2017. Our signature Read More
House Unanimously Passes Behavioral Health Compacts To Expand Access To Care
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Feb. 6, the House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 32: the Counseling Licensure Compact and House Bill 33: the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to expand access to behavioral and mental healthcare in New Mexico.
HB 32 and HB 33 round out the list of 10 compact bills introduced this session, all of which have unanimously passed the House, with two signed into law by the Governor this morning (SB 1, HB 50). These important pieces of legislation enter New Mexico into interstate compacts, which allow licensed, qualified healthcare providers in other Read More
Senate Approves $92 Million For State Fairgrounds Project
STATE News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Senate approved Senate Bill 48 on Feb. 6, which would authorize $92 million in bonds for the State Fairgrounds project and advance the next phase of redevelopment in Albuquerque’s International District.
The legislation, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart and Representative Janelle Anyanonu, now moves to the House of Representatives.
“Today’s Senate vote moves us one step closer to a historic revitalization of the International District and central Albuquerque,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “This bonding authority Read More
New Mexico 2026 ProStart Invitational To Highlight Student Culinary Skills
NMRA News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The Hospitality Industry Education Foundation (HIEF) and New Mexico Restaurant Association (NMRA) will host the 23rd Annual New Mexico ProStart Invitational in Albuquerque, New Mexico on March 9, 2026, at the Albuquerque Convention Center. More than 90 top ProStart students from across the state will demonstrate their mastery of restaurant leadership skills in Culinary and Management in a fast-paced competition to win their share of generous post-secondary scholarships. The 1st place team in each category will be crowned the State Champions and represent New Read More
Rep. Vasquez Supports Funding to Protect Women & Kids From Abuse
Rep. Vasquez with Angelica Calderon, Executive Director of La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services in Las Cruces. Photo courtesy of the Office of Rep. Vasquez
STATE News:
LAS CRUCES — Feb. 6, U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) visited La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services in Las Cruces, where he met with the Executive Director, program directors, and other staff. During the visit, La Piñon staff reported that the Administration’s actions and current political climate have eroded community trust, causing a 50% drop in local residents seeking their services — particularly in southern Doña Read More
Denish: Why Local Journalism Is Worth A Tax Credit
By DIANE D. DENISH
Corner To Corner
diane@dianedenish.com
As is usually the case in 30-day legislative sessions, far more bills are introduced than can realistically be read, debated in committee, and passed by two chambers. One estimate puts the combined total at roughly 600 bills between the House and Senate—excluding “dummy bills,” which are empty shells that can become substantive after the introduction deadline.
Relatively few of those bills will reach the governor’s desk, and some won’t even receive a committee hearing. That doesn’t mean they’re bad ideas; it simply means they aren’t Read More
Scenes From International Women’s Forum-New Mexico’s 2026 Legislative Luncheon
International Women’s Forum-New Mexico (IWF-NM) President Barbara Vigil, standing at left, welcomes legislators, members and guests to the IWF-NM 2026 Legislative Luncheon and first quarter membership meeting on Thursday at the New Mexico State Land Office in Santa Fe. To learn more about IWF-NM, click here. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
At Thursday’s IWF-NM 2026 Legislative Luncheon, legislators briefed members and guests on key legislative activities and priorities, from left, Rep. Christina Parajón Dist. 25-Bernalillo, Rep. Meredeth Dixon Dist. 20-Bernalillo, House Read More
