Politics

NM Delegation Announces $13.8 Million Loan To Improve Internet Service

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CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham have announced a $13.8 million loan for Sacred Wind Communications to improve service for its 20,000 Northwest New Mexico and Navajo Nation subscribers by upgrading parts of its telecommunications system.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service is awarding the loan under the Substantially Underserved Trust Area (SUTA) provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill, which amended the Rural Electrification Read More

NM Delegation Introduces Bill To Prevent Suspension Of Medicaid Services Without Thorough Investigation

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New Mexico Congressional Delegation News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham introduced the Medicaid Program Integrity Enhancement Act of 2016.

The bill protects Medicaid patients by establishing clear guidelines that ensure that state agencies investigating allegations of fraud do so in a manner that both protects health care consumers and affords due process of law to the health care provider.

The introduction of the bill comes after the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD)

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Letter to the Editor: Governor’s Vetoes Show Who She Doesn’t Stand For

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By Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez
Democrat, Bernalillo and Valencia

Vetoes handed out by Gov. Susana Martinez at the end of the 2016 Session of the Legislature were fewer than in years past, but they singled out the most vulnerable in our state for harsher treatment than ever before.

In previous years there might have been dozens of bills that fell under the Governor’s veto ax. But this year we are talking about Native Americans in the poorest communities, small farmers in rural communities, the developmentally disabled, non-English speakers, and students from low and middle income Read More

Democratic Party Of New Mexico Brings New Communications Director On Board

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Felicia Salazar

DPNM News:

ALBUQUERQUE – The Democratic Party of New Mexico announced today, that they will bring New Mexican, Felicia Salazar on board as the Party’s new communications director.

“We are excited for Felicia to join our team. Her dedication to our state and strong democratic values will be an asset to the Party. With New Mexico ranking last in almost every category, it’s imperative that voters are reminded how damaging this administration has been for working families and that Democrats are on their side.” said Debra Haaland, Chairwoman of the Democratic Party of New Read More

Victim’s Advocacy Group Honors Rep. Garcia Richard

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From left, Sen. Bill O’Neil, Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard and Legislative Advocate Juliana Koob of the New Mexico Sexual Assault Coalition today at the Crime Victims Reparation – Advocacy in Action training underway this week in Bernalillo. Garcia Richard was honored with the AIA Service Award, which ‘Recognizes individuals whose work has been particularly noteworthy and that exemplify commitment that characterizes many of our State’s victim service providers. It also recognizes individuals who champion the efforts or enforce crime victim’s rights throughout our State.’ Read More

Garcia Richard Delivers Fourth Annual Talk To MOWW

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Dist. 43 Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard visits with Military Order of World Wars (MOWW) members in her fourth annual legislative wrap up following the New Mexico legislative session. Garcia Richard presented her talk Tuesday evening at the Los Alamos Research Park. Courtesy photo

Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard receives a proclamation of appreciation Tuesday evening  from Senior Vice Commander LTC Norm Wilson following her talk to the group gathered at the Los Alamos Research Park. Courtesy photo Read More

USDA-NMSU Cooperative Extension Service Seek Applications To Create Economic Development Regions

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Terry Brunner

ALBUQUERQUE – USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner and Dr. Michael Patrick, of New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service have announced the Stronger Economies Together (SET) program is seeking applications from rural communities wanting to strengthen existing regional development efforts.

Dr. Michael Patrick

Today’s announcement is the sixth SET initiative as part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen rural economies by providing training and technical assistance.

The program will help interested communities work together to Read More

AFT New Mexico Responds To Audit Of PED

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American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Stephanie Ly

AFTNM News:

ALBUQUERQUE – In response to this morning’s release of the PED audit findings by the Office of the State Auditor, American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Stephanie Ly released the following statement:

“While we would like to pretend we are surprised at the results of the recent PED audit by the office of the State Auditor, the findings confirm what we have feared for some time – the PED simply has lost control over State-licensed charter schools through their inability to adequately monitor their Read More

State Auditor Releases Public Education Department’s Latest Annual Audit

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From The State Auditors Office

  • Finds poor financial management and lack of oversight of charter schools

SANTA FE – Today, State Auditor Tim Keller released the Public Education Department’s (PED) most recent annual financial audit. The audit report, completed by independent accounting firm Axiom, LLC, examines the fiscal year 2015 finances of PED and the charter schools it is responsible for overseeing.

The audit report identifies more than 200 weaknesses in PED and charter school financial management, the most findings of any state agency. Issues include a $21 million understatement, Read More

Attorney General & MADD Urge New Mexicans To Plan Ahead For St. Patrick’s Day

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MADDNM Executive Director Aisha Smith

From The Attorney General’s Office:

ALBUQUERQUE – Attorney General Hector Balderas and Mothers Against Drunk Driving New Mexico (MADDNM) are teaming up to urge New Mexicans to plan ahead for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and not drive after drinking.

Attorney General Hector Balderas

“I am asking all New Mexicans to plan ahead this St. Patrick’s Day and not drive after drinking,” Attorney General Hector Balderas said. “Please keep our communities safe Read More