Employment

Paid Leave Bill Clears First Hurdle, But Opposition Remains

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By GABRIELLE PORTER
The Santa Fe New Mexican

A proposal to create a state-run paid family and medical leave program in New Mexico cleared its first hurdle Wednesday after passing a committee on a party-line vote.

But if the debate before the House Health and Human Services Committee was any indication, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act seems poised to face much of the same opposition that has stalled it for the past five years: criticisms that the plan will hurt small businesses, that it’s written too broadly, and that it leaves itself open to abuse.

The proposed program, which has been reintroduced Read More

County Names Melissa Dadzie New Chief Financial Officer

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New County CFO Melissa Dadzie

COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Administrative Services Department has announced  Melissa Dadzie as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the County. Her promotion was effective Dec.r 24, 2023.

After posting the job announcement nation-wide last fall, the County interviewed four highly qualified individuals last month. Dadzie, who was serving as the Interim CFO, rose to the top.

Former CFO and now Administrative Services Director, Helen Perraglio, reflects that, “the role of the County CFO holds a tremendous amount of responsibility for all finance Read More

New Mexico State Agencies Request 1,600 More Positions Despite High Vacancies

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By DANIEL J. CHACON
Santa Fe New Mexican

State agencies continue to struggle to fill vacancies. But that isn’t stopping them from asking for more positions.

“On top of the existing 19.4% vacancy rate statewide, we’re seeing agencies asking for another about 1,600 positions,” Micaela Fischer, deputy director of the Legislative Finance Committee, told lawmakers Tuesday.

“They’re asking for an additional $157.4 million to help fund those positions and also sometimes there’s a little extra on top to give increases to existing positions,” she said during a presentation on employee compensation Read More

New Board Members Join NMFOG Transparency Group

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Wende Schwingendorf

NMFOG News:

ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government (NMFOG) has elected two new members to its Board of Directors. They are: Wende Schwingendorf, the managing editor of Albuquerque Business First, and Barbara Vigil, former Supreme Court Justice and District Court Judge.  

Schwingendorf has extensive experience in the business sector and is also deeply passionate about addressing transparency issues that impact the lives of New Mexicans. She is a lifelong New Mexican with strong ties to media, business and government decision-makers, nonprofits, Read More

Calgon Carbon Corp. Picks New Mexico For Expansion

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Courtesy/Calgon Carbon

EDD News:

BLOOMFIELD — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and executives from Calgon Carbon Corporation announced today that the company is expanding to New Mexico through an asset purchase of its new Bloomfield location.  

The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has finalized an agreement with Calgon Carbon. Headquartered in Pennsylvania with a parent company in Tokyo, Calgon has acquired two existing businesses, retaining all 42 current employees with plans to hire nine new employees in 2024 and a total of 16 new employees over the next several years.  Read More

ENMU Board Of Regents Announces 4-Year Contract Extension For Chancellor James Johnston

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ENMU Chancellor James Johnston

ENMU News:

PORTALES — The Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) Board of Regents has announced a 4-year contract extension running through Jan. 1, 2028, for ENMU Chancellor James Johnston.

ENMU Board of Regents President Trish Ruiz made the announcement on behalf of the ENMU Board of Regents, which unanimously supported the extension of Johnston’s agreement with the University.

“The Board of Regents continues to witness enrollment increases as evidenced by the largest enrollment growth in over a decade on our campuses,” said ENMU Board of Regents President Read More

New Mexico Judiciary Launches Rural Justice Initiative Clerkship Program To Help Increase Legal Services Providers

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NMSC News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Judiciary is launching the Rural Justice Initiative Clerkship Program Thursday to help provide more legal services providers in rural New Mexico.

The program will create four paid law clerk positions in Farmington, Aztec or Gallup, Clovis and Portales under the guidance and mentorship of state judicial district Chief Judges. 

“The Rural Clerkship Program addresses the dire need for lawyers in rural areas,” New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon said. “We’re creating career opportunities for new lawyers who can provide more access to justice Read More

County Council To Hold Closed Session Jan. 23

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COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Council will hold a Closed Session at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23 in the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave.

The purpose of this Closed Session is Pursuant to NMSA 1978, Section 10-15-1 (H) (5)) – Collective Bargaining Negotiations with the International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 611.

Find the agenda to this meeting here. Read More

Rapid Hire Event Today For CYFD Recruitment In Roswell

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NMDWS News:

ROSWELL — Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD), in conjunction with the Department of Workforce Solutions, will hold a Rapid Hire event to fill positions in Roswell, New Mexico. The event is from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, at the New Mexico Workforce Connection, 67 University Blvd.

“CYFD provides services focused on strengthening families across the state,” Cabinet Secretary Designate, Teresa Casados said. “We have several levels of positions available, and our rapid hire events are a great way to join the incredible team at CYFD. I encourage everyone Read More