Politics

Gov. Susana Martinez Signs Ride-Sharing Bill

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From The Governor’s Office:
 
ALBUQUERQUE —  Gov. Susana Martinez signed legislation today that makes it crystal clear that ride-sharing companies, like Uber, are allowed to operate in the state.
 
Job creators and economic developers welcome this legislation since allowing ride sharing can help attract high-tech companies and grow the state’s workforce. 
 
“Anytime we open the door to innovation and new ideas, our state wins,” Economic Development Secretary Jon Barela said. “By embracing ride sharing, we are sending a message that New
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Luján Discusses Easement Issues With Secretary Jewell

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U.S. Rep. Ren Ray Luján
 
STATE News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District attended a Natural Resources Committee hearing earlier last week to discuss important easement issues impacting Santa Fe County and San Ildefonso Pueblo. 
 
While Luján is not a member of the committee, he attended the hearing in order to bring up this important matter with Interior Secretary Jewell. Below are his remarks as delivered. Click here to watch his remarks and to access the documents submitted into the committee record
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NM Delegation Urges EPA To Address Compensation Delays For Gold King Mine Spill Victims, Work With State To Monitor Water Quality

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SENATE News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― In a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed concerns with delays in compensation for costs and damages in New Mexico caused by the EPA’s Gold King Mine spill in Colorado six months ago.
 
They urged the EPA to process reimbursement claims submitted by the state and the Navajo Nation and to set up an Office of Gold King
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Attorney General Announces New Mexico Theme For National Consumer Protection Week: ‘Be An Informed Consumer’

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Attorney General Hector Balderas
 
STATE News:
 
ALBUQUERQUE ― Attorney General Hector Balderas has announced that New Mexico’s theme for National Consumer Protection Week, March 6-12, is “Be an Informed Consumer.”
 
Anyone can fall victim to fraud and scams, and even legitimate businesses can provide incomplete contractual information, omit important details or present misleading advertising. Being an informed consumer is your best defense to protect yourself and your family. Scammers are constantly looking for new ways to take advantage of New Mexicans, and that
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Statement On Signing Of SB72 Into Law

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STATE News:
 
On Thursday, March 3, Gov. Susana Martinez signed into law Senate Bill 72, another effort by New Mexico’s industrial dairy industry to immunize itself from responsibility for the pollution and nuisance created by these operations.
 
Many homeowners who live near dairies and other agricultural operations bought their homes decades ago, when nearby operations were much smaller and had little or no noticeable impact on surrounding areas. Now, the average New Mexico dairy has the largest herd size in the nation and produces more waste each day than a typical small city
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New Mexico Wine Growers Get Federal Help For Marketing Efforts

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USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner
 
USDA News:
 
ALBUQUERQUE ― Saturday March 5, USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner presented a certificate of obligation to the New Mexico Wine and Grape Growers Association (NMWGGA) during the association’s annual conference. 
 
During the conference banquet Brunner commented, “We are excited to support one of New Mexico’s terrific home grown industries, “These funds will help market New Mexico wines and let folks know what many of us already know—New Mexico wines are
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Governor Orders Flags Flown At Half-Staff In Memory of Secretary Retta Ward

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STATE News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Susana Martinez issued an executive order Tuesday for flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Wednesday, March 9, 2016, in memory of New Mexico Department of Health Secretary Retta Ward, who recently passed away.

The text of the order is below:

EXECUTIVE ORDER 2016-02
FLAGS FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF IN MEMORY OF SECRETARY RETTA WARD

     WHEREAS, New Mexico Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Retta Ward passed away on March 3, 2016; and

     WHEREAS, Secretary Ward served as a cabinet secretary since 2011, Read More

Interior Department Names Jeff Klein Executive Director Of Natural Resource Investment Center

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DOI News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior Michael L. Connor announced Monday that the Department has tapped business leader Jeffrey D. Klein to lead the Natural Resource Investment Center (The Center) as its first executive director.
 
Klein is charged with fostering partnerships with the private sector to develop creative financing opportunities that support economic development goals while advancing the Department’s resource stewardship mission. The announcement will be highlighted later today at a meeting at the
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Los Alamos County Council Hears About NMAC

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New Mexico Associations of Counties (NMAC) President Sharon Stover and NMAC Executive Director Steve Kopelman brief the Los Alamos County Council this evening in Council Chambers on their organization’s history, mission and recent efforts. NMAC was established in 1936 to strengthen New Mexico counties’ ability to govern their affairs and to improve the well-being and quality of life of their constituents. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Los Alamos County Council in session this evening, from left, Kristin Henderson, Steven Girrens, Vice Chair Susan O’Leary, Read More

Sharon Stover Files For Dist. 43 House Seat

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Sharon Stover

POLITICAL News:

Sharon Stover of Los Alamos filed by proxy today at the Secretary of State’s Office in Santa Fe for the Dist. 43 House seat.

Stover, a republican, ends her position as Los Alamos County Clerk Dec. 31. She also serves as president of the New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC), a term that also ends Dec. 31.

Stover issued the following statement about her desire to serve in the New Mexico Legislature:

I am wholeheartedly ready to take the next step in public service, and would be honored to serve as State Representative for District 43. Born and raised in the Pojoaque Read More