Politics

Luján Announces Nearly $4.2 Million For Health Clinics In Northern New Mexico

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U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District announced Monday that El Centro Family Health has received a nearly $4.2 million grant to support its efforts to provide health care to rural communities across Northern New Mexico. 

The grant through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will help El Centro Family Health reach families at its 13 medical clinics, 11 school-based clinics, and three dental clinics.

“Community health centers provide vital health services in many rural communities throughout Read More

A Look On The Brighter Side Of Global Warming

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Scientist Chick Keller speaks at a symposium on climate change held at St. John’s College in Santa Fe. Photo by Roger Snodgrass
 
Audience members listen to speakers at the symposium on climate change. Photo by Roger Snodgrass
 
By ROGER SNODGRASS

The threat of catastrophic global warming is still very much upon us, but according to some knowledgeable speakers on the eve of Earth Day 2015, there are a few new grounds for encouragement despite the prevailing gloom.

“I don’t think there is any serious debate about the science anymore,” said former U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, a Democrat Read More

Luján Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

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Courtesy/hqmc.marines.mil

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District released the following statement on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which is celebrated in May.

“For generations, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have forged a proud legacy through enduring contributions to our nation. From the immigrants who came through Angel and Ellis Islands to those who continue to immigrate here today, this community has persevered in pursuit of the American Dream.

“The Asian Pacific American community is an invaluable part Read More

Letter To The Editor: Words Do Matter

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By NANCY SCHICK
McMinnville, Ore.
(Former LAPS Teacher)

Words matter.

In our public and personal discourse, there are some words that must be used only with the utmost care. One is “Nazi.” Another is “slavery.” Both refer to horrific historic chapters in human history that called into question our humanity.

Unfortunately, we sometimes carelessly inject these words into our conversations in reference to something else entirely. By corrupting the meanings of these words, we disrespect those who suffered under fascism and slavery.

I read that the Los Alamos Republican Party has recently elected Read More

Conservation Groups Ask New Mexico Game Commission To Oppose Cougar Trapping Proposal

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Courtesy/TrapFree New Mexico

TFNM News:

  • Trapping Plan Would Increase Cruelty, Put Other Wildlife, Pets at Risk

SILVER CITY—Eight conservation organizations in the TrapFree New Mexico coalition have sent a letter urging state game commissioners to reject the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish’s proposed cougar trapping season.

The coalition letter highlights the dangers traps pose to outdoor enthusiasts, nontarget animals and pets like the dog caught in a trap last month in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains.

Owners of accidentally trapped pets can face extensive veterinary Read More

Udall And Heinrich Issue Statements On Proposed Interim Nuclear Waste Facility In New Mexico

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich issued the following statements on the proposal for New Mexico to become an interim storage site for high-level nuclear waste:

“I don’t think we should be talking about this at all while the state and the Department of Energy are still addressing the serious accident and radiation release at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. I have helped secure hundreds of millions in vital funding for WIPP for many years, and my focus now is ensuring WIPP can reopen safely and the workers are protected,” said Read More

Rep. Ben Ray Luján Cosponsors Raise The Wage Act

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U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District announced Thursday that he is cosponsoring legislation to raise the minimum wage and put more money in the pocket of New Mexicans. 

The Raise the Wage Act would increase the national minimum wage from $7.25 to $12 by 2020.

“New Mexico’s workers want to receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. They want to work hard so they can send their children to college and save for a dignified retirement,” Luján said. “Yet at today’s minimum wage, many full-time workers and their Read More

Governor And DOE Secretary Announce WIPP Settlement

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WIPP News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz released the terms Thursday of a $73 million settlement of the State’s claims against the U.S. Department of Energy and its contractors related to the February 2014 incidents at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in Carlsbad, including the associated activities at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

“The Department of Energy and the State of New Mexico have worked together to identify projects at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and the Los Alamos National Laboratory that are mutually beneficial and Read More

Udall On DOE Settlement For WIPP Radiation Release

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U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a statement released Thursday, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall welcomed the $73 million settlement between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the state of New Mexico.

Investigations by DOE and the state have found that numerous violations at Los Alamos National Laboratory led to the radiation release at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) that put at risk the health of workers and the nearby community.

Udall statement:

“New Mexicans are rightly disturbed by the violations at Los Alamos and WIPP, which led to the radiation release and put Read More

Heinrich, Udall Applaud Federal Funding For Homeless Veterans Housing Program

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U.S. SENATE News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Wednesday, April 29 U.S. Senators Tom Udall, D-N.M. and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. applauded the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarding $301,174 to public housing agencies in New Mexico to provide permanent supportive housing opportunities to veterans experiencing homelessness.
 
A total of almost $65 million will go to agencies across the United States to provide housing and services for 9,333 homeless veterans nationwide. This supportive housing
Read More