Politics

Lujan Grisham Secures Tech Transfer, Diversity Provisions In Military Legislation

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U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham/Courtesy photo
 
U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham successfully included two provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act, one that encourages more tech transfer to create jobs and one that promotes more diversity within the Air Force civilian workforce.
 
Both provisions are important to the large national laboratory and military presence in New Mexico.
 
The defense policy bill passed today. The Senate is considering its version of the legislation.
 
“The national laboratories
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Net Neutrality Activists Set Sights On Congress: Plan To Unleash New Wave Of Billboards And Scorecard For Lawmakers Following Historic Day Of Action

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Generation Justice members in New Mexico speak out for net neutrality. Courtesy photo
 
FFTF News:
 
Digital rights group Fight for the Future unveiled today the next steps in the battle for the future of the Internet: turning the focus on Congress — who have oversight over the FCC and whose actions will determine whether Ajit Pai’s unpopular plan moves forward — with a wave of crowdfunded billboards and a “Congressional Scorecard” on BattleForTheNet.com showing where lawmakers stand.
 
The group has already raised more than $50,000
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House Passes National Defense Authorization Act

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U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018:
 
“Each year, I examine every aspect of the NDAA to ensure it supports the critical missions taking place at our bases in New Mexico and provides the vital protections our service members need when fighting for our freedom. Equal in importance, the NDAA has the responsibility to support and assist military families. The legislation we passed toady not only accomplishes
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Pearce On Individual Unemployment For Veterans

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U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce
 
U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to reverse the Individual Unemployment (IU) termination for Social Security (SS) recipients in the budget proposal:
 
“When soldiers return from serving our nation, they deserve quality care and the benefits they were promised. We must honor our pledge to support our soldiers, especially those who return wounded. I’m pleased to see the Trump Administration reverse their initial stance on IU benefits, which
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State Auditor Tim Keller Releases Special Audit Of City Water Deal In Jal

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New Mexico State Auditor Tim Keller

STATE News:

  • More than $650,000 in unsupported water credits given away to a water customer in rural town near Hobbs

SANTA FE –  State Auditor Tim Keller released a special audit today of water issues in Jal, a rural community near Hobbs. The audit was initiated after the Office of the State Auditor (OSA) received information suggesting that water utility credits were provided to a private customer in violation of the state’s Constitution.

The audit covers the period from 2008 through 2016 and found improper adjustments and billings totaling more than Read More

Governor: Facebook To Double Investment In New Mexico Data Center, Bringing Total To Half A Billion

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Gov. Susana Martinez

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Susana Martinez announced this morning that Facebook will double its investment in the high-tech data center the company is building in Los Lunas, bringing the project’s total to nearly half a billion dollars.

Facebook will build a second building of 460,000 square feet, in addition to the more than 510,000 square-foot facility already underway at the site.

“This is exciting news for New Mexico,” Martinez said. “We’re proud to have a cutting-edge high-tech company like Facebook as a partner as we move forward in diversifying New Mexico’s economy. Read More

Attorney General Balderas Sues Six Generic Drug-Makers For Putting Profits Over New Mexico Patients

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Attorney General Hector Balderas
 
STATE News:
 
ALBUQUERQUE ― Attorney General Hector Balderas has announced that New Mexico has joined with four other states in filing a lawsuit in federal court alleging that six generic drug-makers entered into illegal conspiracies in order to unreasonably restrain trade, artificially inflate and manipulate prices and reduce competition in the United States for two generic drugs.
 
“I will continue to hold big out-of-state corporations accountable when then they rip off New Mexico consumers, and when companies put profits
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Council Approves Trash And Recycling Rate Increase

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​​During the regular County Council meeting July 11, Los Alamos resident Brady Burke, left, speaks during the public comment period regarding the proposed rate ordinance that would result in increased refuse, recycling and solid waste facility fees for commercial and residential customers. Environmental Services Division Manager Angelica Gurule and Public Works Director Philo Shelton listen to Burke, who opposed the proposed rate increases and advised sending the ordinance back for further review. County Council approved the ordinance 6-1. Councilor James Chrobocinski  Read More

EPA Recertifies WIPP’s Continued Compliance With Radioactive Waste Disposal Standards

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WIPP News:
 
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced July 13 the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) has been recertified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and remains in full compliance with applicable EPA regulations for transuranic radioactive waste disposal.
 
“This decision reconfirms WIPP’s long-term ability to safely isolate transuranic waste from the environment,” Todd Shrader, DOE Carlsbad Field Office Manager said. “I want to thank everyone who worked on the EPA Compliance Recertification Application. The recertification
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