Politics

Udall: End-of-Year Legislation Includes Hard-Fought Wins Supporting NM Jobs, Environment

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U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

  • As lead Democrat on Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, Udall blocked harmful anti-environment policy riders

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, ranking Democrat on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, released the following statement Wednesday on the finalized appropriations and tax bills released late last night, which will fund the government for the next year and extend a number of tax provisions.

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote first on the bills — Read More

Heinrich Secures Delay Of Cadillac Tax

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U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., worked to secure a two-year delay of a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) known as the “Cadillac Tax,” which would tax high-cost health insurance plans and impact health benefits for thousands of New Mexicans workers. 

The provision to delay the tax was included in the “omnibus” spending bill that was announced last night by Democratic and Republican leaders that Congress will soon vote on.

“Delaying this excise tax is a victory for the middle Read More

Top 10 Most Wanted DWI Fugitive Captured

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Adam Gutierrez

SANTA FE — Gov. Susana Martinez announced that Adam Gutierrez, one of New Mexico’s most wanted DWI fugitives, has been captured.

His arrest comes just days after the Governor announced that the state would ramp-up efforts to locate and capture repeat DWI offenders – including those who have killed or seriously injured families on the road – who have skipped out on parole or probation and are now hiding from the law.

“Criminals like Adam Gutierrez have no place out on our streets where they put our families in danger,” Martinez said. “I’m proud of our State Police and Corrections Department Read More

Council Unanimously Approves Resolution Endorsing Naming US Naval Submarine USS Los Alamos

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James Nesmith is leading the effort to have a nuclear submarine named after Los Alamos and he presented details of that effort Tuesday evening to the County Council. Print Screen/LAC

 

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post

The Los Alamos County Council voted 7-0 Tuesday evening to approve a resolution endorsing the naming of a US Naval submarine as the USS Los Alamos.

Los Alamos resident James Nesmith recently approached Los Alamos County to inquire about a resolution of support for naming a future nuclear powered submarine the USS Los Alamos. Councilor David Izraelevitz and County Manager Read More

Heinrich Calls On DHS To Immediately Require Social Media Background Checks In Visa Screening Process

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U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

  • Letter Signed By 22 Senate Democrats Comes After Reports That Female San Bernardino Assailant May Have Expressed  Support For Terrorism On Social Media Before Applying For Visa

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter Tuesday to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson urging the agency to immediately conduct social media background checks as a part of the screening process for U.S. visa determinations. Read More

Governor Taps Brad Winter For Secretary Of State

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Brad Winter

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Today, Gov. Susana Martinez appointed Albuquerque City Councilor and long-time public schools administrator Brad Winter as New Mexico Secretary of State.

Winter is serving his fourth term as an Albuquerque City Councilor and was council president in 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2008. Most recently, he served as the interim superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools after working for the school district for more than 20 years in various positions such as chief operations officer, executive director of facilities and operations, and director of capital master Read More

Udall Hires Greg Bloom To Direct His NM Offices

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Greg Bloom

STATE News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall announced that Greg Bloom has joined his staff as state director and will lead his New Mexico operations.

Bloom worked from 2009-2012 as state director for former U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, where he focused on energy, public lands, health and education issues. Bloom will be based in Albuquerque and supervise staff in Udall’s field offices in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Carlsbad and Portales.

“Greg is a dedicated public servant, and I’m very pleased to bring him on to lead my team in New Mexico,” Udall said. “The Read More

Garcia Richard Shares Capital Outlay History

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Dist. 43 Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard

STATE News:

Recent media attention, from Think New Mexico and others, has focused on the process of capital outlay in New Mexico including increased scrutiny on how public money is appropriated and ideas on how the system can be reformed.

In an effort to continue to champion good government and transparency, Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard has released a statement and a full list of capital outlay projects she has directly funded.

Although the amount fluctuates year to year, New Mexico House representatives have been able to fund $500,000-700,000 in approved Read More

Attorney General On Dianna Duran’s Sentencing

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Attorney General Hector Balderas

STATE News:

SANTA FE – Today, Attorney General Hector Balderas released the following statement regarding former Secretary of State Dianna Duran’s sentencing hearing:

“The swift adjudication of this matter rectifies the public harm done by the criminal conduct of Ms. Duran and saved tremendous taxpayer impeachment resources. The Office of the Attorney General thoroughly investigated the case, which resulted in felony convictions and jail time. With this matter coming to a close, this Office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute Read More