Politics

HHS Awards More Than $4 Million To New Mexico Home Visiting Program

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Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell

STATE News:

Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced recently that more than $4 million in grants were awarded to New Mexico to support the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program.

These funds will allow New Mexico to continue to expand voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services to women during pregnancy and to parents with young children. Nationally, $386 million was awarded to states, territories, and nonprofit organizations to support the Home Visiting Program.

“Home visits by a Read More

Bill To Sell Spaceport Launched With Bipartisan No-Recommendation To Senate Finance Committee

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Spaceport America. Courtesy/spaceportamerica.com

 

STATE News:

SANTA FE – A Senate bill to sell the Spaceport America facility moved on to the Senate Finance (SFC) Thursday with a bipartisan no-recommendation.

After a brief debate, the Senate Corporations and Transportation  Committee (SCORC) voted to move along Senate Bill 267 (SB267), “Sale of Spaceport America,” sponsored by Senator George K. Muñoz (D-4-Cibola, McKinley & San Juan).

“The Legislature is getting virtually no pertinent financial information regarding the Spaceport or its anchor tenant, Virgin Galactic,” Read More

Bill Reducing Workers’ Comp When Employee Is Drunk Or High On Job Passes House In Bi-Partisan Vote

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Rep. Dennis Roch

STATE News:

SANTA FE – Legislation that would significantly reduce workers’ compensation in cases when the employee’s death or injury is the result of being drunk or high on the job passed the House floor by a bi-partisan 64-2.

“Being high or drunk on the job is reckless and puts lives at risk,” said Republican Rep. Dennis Roch, who is sponsoring the bill. “Passing this legislation protects our workers and holds violators accountable for their actions.”

Currently, when alcohol or drugs contributes to injury or death, the employee is eligible to receive 90 percent of his Read More

Luján Delivers Address To NM Legislature

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U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

STATE News:

SANTA FE – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District addressed a joint session of the New Mexico Legislature this afternoon. 

Below are his remarks as prepared.

“To the distinguished members of the New Mexico House of Representatives, the New Mexico Senate, Governor Martinez, Speaker Tripp, President Pro-Tem Papen, tribal leaders, honored guests, family, and friends, thank you for welcoming me here today to discuss our shared commitment to the people of New Mexico and our common goal of building a brighter future for the New Mexico families Read More

New Mexico Aviation Day At State Capitol Friday

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Jane Lucero, Airport Development Administrator. Courtesy/NMDOT

NMDOT News:

SANTA FE – Come fly with us … and see what’s happening in New Mexico’s skies. Tthe New Mexico Airport Managers Association, in conjunction with the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division, will host Aviation Day Friday in the West Wing of the State Capitol. 

The event is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dozens of members of New Mexico’s aviation community will be on hand to discuss the impact and importance of aviation in New Mexico. 

There also will be displays from organizations including the New Read More

Legislation Requiring Child-Proof Packaging For E-Cigarette Nicotine Products Passes House

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Rep. Sarah Maestas Barnes

STATE News:

SANTA FE – Legislation that would require child-proof packaging for all nicotine liquid products used in e-cigarettes passed the House floor Wednesday by a unanimous vote of 66-0. This bill will help protect New Mexico’s children from accidentally ingesting and overdosing on nicotine.

“Today was an important step to protect our children,” said Rep. Sarah Maestas Barnes, R-Bernalillo, the bill’s sponsor. “The risk of nicotine overdose is extremely high if it falls into the wrong hands. As a mother of two young children, it is an issue Read More

Every Woman Lawmaker Signs Domestic Violence Bill

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Rep. Kelly Fajardo

STATE News: 

SANTA FE – Every female lawmaker in the New Mexico House of Representatives supported cracking down on domestic abuse as they recently signed Rep. Kelly Fajardo’s bill that allows police officers 24 hours to arrest a domestic violence offender without a warrant.

“This is an important step in improving our laws to further protect victims of violence and abuse,” Fajardo said. “It speaks volumes that every woman in the New Mexico House supports this legislation.”

Under current law, someone who commits domestic violence can flee the scene and an officer Read More

Rep. Garcia Richard Speaks Out For Teachers

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Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard speaking at Monday’s rally for teachers in front of the Roundhouse. Courtesy photo

STATE News:

  • Watch video of today’s press conference with Rep. Garcia Richard here.

SANTA FE – Throughout Monday and Tuesday evenings, House members took up debate on House Bill 76, the teacher licensure bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Dennis Roch.

During Monday’s hearing, Democratic Rep. Stephanie Maez offered the Fair Pay of Teachers amendment to guarantee all New Mexico teachers
Read More

House Republicans Pass Legislation To Reward New Mexico’s Best And Brightest Teachers

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Rep. Dennis Roch

STATE News:

SANTA FE – Today, House Republicans united together to pass a bill allowing the state’s best teachers to advance through the ranks faster, rewarding outstanding educators with a higher salary much sooner.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Roch, R-Logan, will now head to the Senate. The vote was 37-0, with all Democrats walking out of the chamber.

“Today, we made a huge step toward rewarding New Mexico’s best and brightest teachers,” Roch said. “By allowing them to progress through the career pathway faster, we can reward them with higher pay and encourage them to Read More