Politics

Governor Susana Martinez Signs Bipartisan Agreement On Budget, Vetoes Massive Tax Increases

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New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Susana Martinez signed a bipartisan agreement Friday on the state budget, and vetoed hundreds of millions of dollars in tax increases.

“I’ve long said that budgets are about priorities, and this package is no different. I’m pleased to sign this bipartisan agreement on our budget that funds our colleges, universities and legislature. It also enacts my plan to invest more money in cancer treatment and research and help more New Mexicans go to college – while dipping into legislative retirement accounts and pork projects. Read More

AG Keeps Serial Murderer Clifton Bloomfield In Prison

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Clifton Bloomfield

ALBUQUERQUE – In December 2016, the office of Attorney General Hector Balderas appeared before Judge Benjamin Chavez to argue to keep five-time convicted murderer Clifton Bloomfield in prison for the rest of his life.

Balderas has announced that Judge Chavez agreed with the Office of the Attorney General by denying Bloomfield’s attempt to get out of prison. Bloomfield, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to murdering five people in New Mexico, filed a writ of habeas corpus to withdraw his guilty plea. The Office of the Attorney General Criminal Appeals Division argued to the court Read More

House Passes Capital Outlay Sweeps Bill

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Rep. Jason Harper

STATE News:

Santa Fe  – The House of Representatives has passed Senate Bill 1, legislation to sweep money from various state funds to the general fund and public school capital outlay fund. The bill includes a provision to sweep $71 million from the state fund earmarked for use on legislative pet pork projects.

During the regular session, Rep. Jason Harper (R-Sandoval) proposed suspending pet pork projects for one year to help the state meet its funding needs for this upcoming fiscal year. His proposal was roundly rejected by House Democrats at that time.

This time, Senate Read More

AFT-NM On PED’s Proposed Evaluation Changes

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Stephanie Ly

AFT-NM News:

Santa Fe – American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President, Stephanie Ly, released the following statement:

“Nearly two months after Governor Martinez and Secretary Skandera announced changes to the State’s educator evaluation system at a closed press conference, the New Mexico Public Education Department is finally holding hearings for public input to the changes.

“Secretary Skandera and Governor Martinez once again have disrespected New Mexico’s public educators by announcing changes to an already flawed system, and then are pretend to involve stakeholders Read More

Senators Tom Udall And Martin Heinrich Urge Trump Administration To Address Tourism Slump

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Friday, ahead of Memorial Day weekend, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich called on the Trump administration to take concrete steps to address the reported decline in tourism to the United States as a result of President Trump’s hostile rhetoric and harmful travel policies, which have created the perception that the United States is not a welcoming place for foreign visitors. 

In a letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Udall and Heinrich said that this “Trump effect” threatens to hurt the economy of the United States and of New Mexico, Read More

Heinrich To Highlight Community-Driven Economic Development, Meet With Veterans In Los Alamos

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U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

From the Office Of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

  • Heinrich to discuss importance of national parks and small businesses, meet with local veteran groups

SANTA FE – Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will travel to Los Alamos and Española. During his visit, he will make a special announcement about the Manhattan Project National Historical Park and host a discussion on the economic impact of New Mexico’s growing craft beer and wine industries to highlight new ways to diversify the local economy.

Heinrich also will meet with local veteran Read More

State Auditor’s Office Confirms Ongoing Investigation Into UNM Athletics Department Expenses

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State Auditor Tim Keller

STATE News:

SANTA FE – State Auditor Keller has confirmed that the Office of the State Auditor (OSA) has an ongoing investigation into financial practices at the UNM Athletics Department. 

The investigation, which has been underway for the last three weeks, is in response to numerous concerns that have been raised. These issues include a 2015 golf trip, financial controls and practices of executive management, credit card transactions, payments to non-UNM employees, and possible violation of the Anti-Donation Clause as well as other legal restrictions on Read More

State And National American Federation Of Teachers Representatives Argue For Public Education Funding

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STATE News:

In advance to the New Mexico legislature’s special session, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Stephanie Ly, American Federation of Teachers New Mexico Executive Vice President Kathy Chavez, and Albuquerque Teachers Federation President Ellen Bernstein released the following statements:

Randi Weingarten

“I am so honored to be in Santa Fe standing shoulder to shoulder with New Mexico’s educators and legislators who are making educational funding for our students- Pre-K through college Read More

Letter To The Editor: Thank You Los Alamos … I Will See You Around!

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By JAMES ROBINSON
Los Alamos

Wow! What a couple days Los Alamos has experienced.

I want to first begin by thanking my fellow officers on the Republican Party of Los Alamos Executive Board. As stated in my resignation email, their hard work and diligence was uncanny and lead to great success.

James Chrobocinski was always willing to provide us with whatever we needed. Kelly Benner not only planned our events by herself, but also kept us all in line. Lisa Shin brought a new energy into the party from national campaign. Jane Gordon could always make us laugh, and make sure we were spending our money wisely. Read More

Letter To The Editor: Saddened We’ve Lost Two Valuable And Involved Members Of Our Community…

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By ROBYN SCHULTZ, Chair
Democratic Party of Los Alamos County
 
I was saddened to read that James Robinson and James Chrobocinski have stepped down from local Republican Party leadership. Saddened, because it appears that they were attacked for their efforts to improve Los Alamos.
 
While both men hold different views than I do on many issues, I recognize them as valuable and involved members of our community. I have long been impressed with James Robinson’s graciousness when he has run for office or applied for board positions. In addition, I respect Councilor Chrobocinski’s
Read More