House Committee Halts Measure That Would Eliminate Personal Income Tax
The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo
By Mike Easterling
The Santa Fe New Mexican
State Rep. Rod Montoya acknowledged Monday he had no illusions about the likely fate of a measure that would eliminate the personal income tax in New Mexico.
“I don’t believe anyone expected this bill to get serious consideration for this budget this year,” Montoya, R-Farmington, told fellow lawmakers on the House Taxation and Revenue Committee on Monday, referring to House Bill 275.
He and other Republican supporters said their real aim in introducing the bill was simply to initiate a discussion Read More
Aging Department Welcomes Angelina Flores-Montoya As New Deputy Secretary
ALTSD News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) is proud to announce that Dr. Angelina Flores-Montoya will be joining the department as a Deputy Cabinet Secretary Monday, Feb. 24.
“Angelina’s deep knowledge of healthcare systems and her proven track record in policy and program leadership make her an invaluable addition to our team” Emily Kaltenbach, ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Designate said. “She brings an important clinical perspective and passion to the agency that will help strengthen our efforts to better serve New Mexico’s older adults.” Read More
New Mexico Supreme Court Renews Commitment To Diversity, Equity And Inclusion In The Justice System
Supreme Court of New Mexico: (from left) Justice Julie J. Vargas, Justice Michael E. Vigil, Chief Justice David K. Thomson, Justice C. Shannon Bacon, and Justice Briana H. Zamora. Courtesy/Supreme Court
NMSC News:
SANTA FE — The state Supreme Court Feb. 18 reaffirmed its commitment to a diverse, inclusive and equitable justice system in New Mexico.
In an open letter to the public, the Court noted that the words “Dedicated to the Administration of Equal Justice Under Law” are carved in the wood above where justices sit in the courtroom in the Supreme Court Building.
“For 123 years, these words Read More
Increase To New Mexico’s Top Oil And Gas Royalty Rate On State Lands Passes Senate Finance Committee
NMSLO News:
SANTA FE — 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 Senate Finance Committee on a 6-3 vote 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 each year and Read More
Bill Sets Sights On Immigration Detention Centers With Histories Of Inhumane Treatment
By Esteban Candelaria
The Santa Fe New Mexican
About 1,500 people facing deportation are being held in three New Mexico detention centers with long track records of accusations of inhumane conditions, according to New Mexico Immigrant Law Center managing attorney Sophia Genovese.
Immigration detention at those facilities is based on intergovernmental agreements between the federal government and Torrance, Cibola and Otero counties. The counties in turn hire private contractors to actually manage the detention centers. It’s an arrangement that lets the federal government Read More
Proposal To Pay Lawmakers Stalls In Key Senate Committee
Sen. Natalie Figueroa
By CORMAC DODD
The Santa Fe New Mexican
Sen. George Muñoz said he opted to seek election to the Legislature years ago because he wanted to “serve”.
“Now we are going to have people running for a paycheck, and that’s going to be a completely different scenario,” Muñoz, who chairs the influential Senate Finance Committee, said at a meeting of the committee Tuesday afternoon.
The committee deadlocked in a 5-5 vote on an amendment to the New Mexico constitution that would provide salaries for legislators, a plan its supporters maintain would make it easier for a more diverse group Read More
Legislative Roundup: 32 Days Remaining In Session
The Santa Fe New Mexican Staff:
Top prosecutor resigns at Trump’s request: The U.S. Attorney for New Mexico, Alexander M.M. Uballez, stepped down Friday at the request of President Donald Trump.
Uballez, who was nominated by former President Joe Biden in January 2022 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate that May, is among more the 20 U.S. attorneys who the Trump administration asked to resign.
“Today, I say farewell to a Department that I love,” Uballez said Friday in a statement.
“Together, we have made our community safer by delivering swift and certain justice to the most prolific violent offenders, Read More
U.S. Attorney’s Office Charges Mexican National For Attempted Bribery Of U.S. Border Patrol Agent
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — A Mexican national faces federal charges for allegedly attempting to bribe a U.S. Border Patrol Agent after being apprehended for illegal re-entry into the United States.
According to court records, on February 8, 2025, Samuel Mendoza-Torres, 29, was taken into custody along with another individual near the Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station. While being transported to the station, Mendoza-Torres allegedly asked the agent, “Can we fix this?” and offered $400 for his release.
During a post-arrest interview, Mendoza-Torres admitted to escorting Read More
History Of Chiricahua Apaches Online Lecture March 5
NMHS News:
Join Bill Cavaliere, President of the Cochise County (Arizona) Historical Society, for an online lecture about the history of the Chiricahua Apaches 12 – 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 5.
This month’s Friends of History First Wednesday Lecture Series features the presentation, “The Chiricahua Indians: A Concise History” by Bill Cavaliere. The presentation will provide a summary of the history of the Chiricahua Apaches, covering their culture, origins, arrival in the American Southwest, conflicts with Mexicans and Whites, major battles, notable chiefs, and their ultimate surrender Read More
New Mexico Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program Returns
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — The Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program, which provides benefits for eligible seniors and families in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC) has returned.
This seasonal program, provided by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), helps connect income-eligible seniors (60 and older, or 55 and older for Native Americans) and WIC families with locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. The program for seniors also includes local honey.
“Eating a healthy diet is key to thriving at every stage of life,” said Read More
