Politics

Sheriff Marco Lucero Testifies At State Capital

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By Sheriff Marco V. Lucero
Los Alamos County

This year’s 30-Day Legislative Session has been busy for New Mexico sheriffs. I, as your elected sheriff, have again been active in testifying at the State Capital in support of bills that will enhance penalties for crimes against children, support to help protect law enforcement officers and efforts to make the Office of the Sheriff more professional and functional.

I will begin with HB-65. This bill will enhance penalties for sex offenders who are in possession of child pornography. Our current law reads that a person convicted of this crime receives Read More

Soto Pushes Better Pay For Critical School Employees

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Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto

STATE News:

SANTA FE – Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, D-15-Bernalilo, has introduced legislation to increase the pay of some low paid school district employees to improve their economic circumstances.

Currently, the minimum pay rate for school district cafeteria staff, school bus drivers, and all non-certified school personnel and educational assistants is $6 per hour. The Ivey-Soto bill, SB 152, will increase wages for these employees to $15 per hour and will be heard in Senate Education Committee tomorrow.

“Our school support staff provide invaluable service making Read More

Armstrong Bill To Eliminate Wait-List For Specialized Senior Care Program To Be Heard In Committee

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Rep. Deborah Armstrong
 
STATE News:
 
Rep. Deborah Armstrong’s bill to expand New Mexico’s already successful PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) program for seniors in order to eliminate the waiting list to enroll in the specialized Medicare and Medicaid program will be heard Thursday by the House Health Committee.
 
“PACE is already working for New Mexico seniors,” Armstrong said. “By providing comprehensive, easy-to-access care for some of our most vulnerable seniors, New Mexico is already helping the elderly receive the services
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House Committee Approves Stricter Penalties For DWI Offenders Caught Driving With A Suspended License

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STATE News:
 
SANTA FE ― Monday, Feb. 1, legislation to help address New Mexico’s DWI problem passed the House Judiciary Committee by a unanimous, 9-0 vote.
 
House Bill 81, sponsored by Rep. Paul Pacheco, will toughen the punishment for DWI offenders who continue to get in the driver’s seat after their licenses have been suspended or revoked.
 
“Recent studies show that we need stricter DWI laws,” Pacheco said. “There is no question in my mind that habitual DWI offenders need tougher punishments. People who continue to get behind the wheel even when their license
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Udall Statement Celebrating Black History Month

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U.S. Sen. Tom Udall
 
SENATE News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Tom Udall released the following statement in honor of Black History Month, which is celebrated in February: 
 
“During Black History Month, we remember the African American champions of equality who sacrificed and fought for liberty and justice as well as the countless contributions by African American scientists, artists, business people, explorers, civic leaders and others who have made our communities, state and nation richer and stronger. 
 
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House Committee Approves FY17 Budget

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STATE News:

SANTA FE – The House Appropriations and Finance Committee passed House Bill 2 Thursday afternoon by a vote 12 to 5. The bill authorizes funding for fiscal year 2017 state operations and set state agency spending levels. 

“Given the decline in revenue due to the drop in oil prices, we had to carefully prioritize our spending decisions,” said Rep. Larry Larrañaga, chairman of House Appropriations and Finance Committee. “This is a responsible budget. It maintains funding for important public services and addresses critical needs in the areas of public safety, education Read More

Steinborn Seeks More Solar Power On State Buildings

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Rep. Jeff Steinborn
 
STATE News:
 
SANTA FE ― Rep. Jeff Steinborn has teamed up with a bi-partisan group of legislators to introduce legislation exploring the idea of putting solar power on more state buildings.
 
House Memorial 51 directs the General Services Department (GSD) to work with the state Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) and the solar industry to “evaluate the potential energy and cost savings for expanding the use of solar power in state facilities.”
 
The General Services Department
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Ahead of Super Bowl 50, Udall And Others Lead Bill To Protect Young Athletes From Concussions

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U.S. Sen. Tom Udall
 
From Sen. Tom Udall’s Office:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representatives Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) and Tom Rooney (R-Fla.) introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting young athletes from the dangers of sports-related traumatic brain injuries.
 
The Youth Sports Concussion Act would help ensure that safety standards for sports equipment, including football helmets, are based on the latest science and curb false advertising claims
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House Unanimously Passes HM3 Supporting Naming Of Submarine The USS Los Alamos

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HB3, sponsored by Dist. 43 Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard passes the House of Representatives Thursday in an enthusiastic 67-0 vote. Photo by Rick Carver
 

STATE News:

Dist. 43 Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard introduced House Memorial 3 supporting the naming of a United States Naval submarine the USS Los Alamos.

House members voted 67-0 Thursday to support HB3.

“The comments were enthusiastically supportive and encouraging,” said Jim Nesmith of Los Alamos who has been promoting the measure for more than a year. “Being able to stand next to Rep. Garcia Richard on the floor of the House as the

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Heinrich Supports Emergency Funding Bill To Address Opioid And Heroin Abuse Epidemic

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U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
 
SENATE News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., is supporting emergency funding legislation to address the heroin and opioid abuse epidemic that is devastating communities in New Mexico and across the country.
 
The bill S.2423, introduced by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, would provide supplemental appropriations totaling $600 million for drug prevention and treatment programs.
 
“Prescription drug and heroin
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