Politics

Gessing: New Mexico And The Film Industry Recession

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By PAUL GESSING
Executive Director
Rio Grande Foundation

Since the days of Bill Richardson’s Administration, the Rio Grande Foundation has opposed New Mexico’s generous film subsidies. Back in Richardson’s day, the primary subsidy was a 25 percent “refundable” tax credit, meaning that anyone filming in New Mexico received up to 25 percent of what they spent to film in the Land of Enchantment (courtesy of New Mexico’s taxpayers).

Gov. Susana Martinez attempted to rein in the subsidy program. Along with the Legislature, she placed a $50 million annual spending cap on film subsidies. When Lujan Read More

Heinrich Urges USDA And Interior Department To Provide Adequate Resources And Support To Wildland Firefighters

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From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:

  • Heinrich to DOI and USDA Secretary: “In addition to carrying out their own duties and responsibilities, firefighters reportedly have been thrown into serving in administrative and janitorial roles – ranging from cleaning campground bathrooms to answering front desk calls to mowing lawns.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary (USDA) Brooke Rollins and U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Read More

RPLA Announces Meeting On Aug. 21, 2025

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By LISA SHIN
Chair, Republican Party of Los Alamos

July 30, 2025

Dear Friends:

RPLA will have a table at the County Fair on Friday, Aug. 1, and Saturday, Aug. 2. Please come by and say hello!

Mark your calendars for our next Central Committee meeting at 6 p.m., Aug. 21, at Open Door. All registered Republicans are invited to attend.

Two local issues:

  1. As a small business owner, I am aghast that our County blew $13 million on “economic development” with very little to show for it. We still have many empty storefronts and local businesses struggling to keep their doors open. Building a canyon rim trail,
Read More

Senator Brantley Reacts To Governor’s Legislative Priority For Potential Special Session

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NMSR News:

MESCALERO — During Wednesday’s Courts, Corrections, and Justice Committee (CCJ) hearing, a presentation from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Chief Counsel revealed the likelihood of a special legislative session this fall and what priorities the Governor wishes to accomplish. Among the topics discussed was the Governor’s intent to ban Immigration Detention Facilities in New Mexico.

Following Wednesday’s committee presentation, Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) issued the following reaction:

“New Mexico is under a clear and present danger from within our own state Read More

Luján, Markey, Peters, Carter Unveil Bicameral Legislation To Modernize Gas Pipeline Safety Standards, Cut Methane Leaks

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), along with U.S. Reps. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) introduced the Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair Act of 2025 to modernize decades-old gas pipeline leak detection and repair requirements. The bill would codify a Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) rule that enhances the safety of natural gas pipelines by reducing methane emissions.

“In New Mexico and across the country, stronger gas leak detection and repair standards are critical Read More

Luján Delivers Nearly $45 Million In Federal Investments To Strengthen State Infrastructure, Support Housing Projects

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced over $44 million in federal funding secured for New Mexico through the Appropriations Committee’s bipartisan passage of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations bill and Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

In both Committee-passed appropriations bills, Sen. Luján successfully secured $44,654,000 for New Mexico projects that strengthen roadways, boost affordable housing, and Read More

Council Proclaims: ‘Distracted Driving Awareness Month’

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Los Alamos County Councilor Suzie Havemann, on behalf of the Council, presents a proclamation designating August 2025 as ‘Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Los Alamos County’ to Los Alamos Chief of Police Dino Sgambellone, left, and Cmdr. Christopher Ross, during the July 29 meeting this evening in Council Chambers. Courtesy/LAC Read More

Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance Approved For New Mexico Storm Recovery

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NMDWS News:

ALBUQUERQUE — President Donald Trump approved disaster aid for New Mexico, authorizing unemployment assistance for Lincoln County residents and businesses affected by severe storms, flooding, and landslides that struck June 23 at the request of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. 

The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) from workers and self-employed individuals in Lincoln County who have been unable to work due to this disaster. Applications may be filed by calling the Unemployment Insurance Operations Read More

Tell DPU How You Really Feel About Electrification

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COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) wants to better understand community perspectives on electrification, or the gradual transition away from natural gas usage to electricity only.

An online survey on the topic was emailed to DPU’s utility customers today. The survey seeks feedback on DPU’s goal of achieving zero natural gas usage by 2070. A collaborative effort, the survey is being distributed by DPU while research and analysis is being conducted by the University of New Mexico (UNM) and New Mexico State University (NMSU).

Achieving the goal largely depends Read More

LACDC Recognizes Cindy Rooney And David Horpedahl For Longtime Service And Dedication During 2025 Board Retreat

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At its 2025 Board Retreat, July 21 at the Research Park, the Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation (LACDC) Board of Directors, including Immediate Past Chair Bill Wadt, left, with Executive Director Lauren McDaniel, right, recognized former UNM-LA Chancellor Cindy Rooney, center, and Realtor David Horpedahl for their longtime dedication and service as they step off the board. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Shown here at the 2025 Board Retreat, July 21 at the Research Park, the LACDC Board of Directors, including Bill Wadt, left, with Executive Director Lauren McDaniel, Read More