Politics

Letter to the Editor: Do The Research … Then Let Legislators Know What You Really Think

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By Dr. JESSICA MCCORD
New Mexico Educator

A wise man once told me that people vote for politicians as they do in well-funded popularity contests. It is questionable that the current and impending actions of some policymakers represent the wider public’s interest, and it is difficult when some view election or re-election as unbridled support for their stance on important issues in our state.

There are many people in New Mexico who feel like they have no voice beyond the voting booth, myself included. I continue to have serious concerns about the current state of our education system and how it Read More

President’s Budget Request For National Parks Includes $3 Billion For Conservation, Preservation, Recreation

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BANDELIER News:

President Obama’s budget request for fiscal year 2016 – the centennial year of the National Park Service (NPS) – includes $3 billion for the bureau’s critical conservation, preservation and recreation mission.

This provides a boost of $432.9 million toward the NPS’s essential programs and operations. The NPS was established in 1916 to administer America’s national parks, monuments, and related areas. In 2016, its 100-year anniversary, the system preserves 405 areas, 23 national scenic and national historic trails and 60 wild and scenic rivers.

The budget proposal would Read More

Luján Statement On Black History Month

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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 released the following statement today in recognition of Black History Month, which is celebrated in February.

“This month we celebrate Black History Month and reflect on the enduring contributions of a community whose vibrant culture and rich traditions are an integral part of the fabric of our great nation.  In all sectors of American society – as business owners, educators, members of the armed services, and more – the African American community has played a leading Read More

Letter to the Editor: Why Right-To-Work Is Wrong For New Mexico

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By Sen. WILLIAM “BILL” SOULES
D-37-Dona Ana

SANTA FE – When I ran for public office, I made a commitment to make decisions based on facts, accurate information, and data and not on emotions, word-spin, and marketing.

The so-called “right-to-work” bills moving through the New Mexico Legislature are perfect examples of laws where spin and marketing are used to obfuscate, obscure, and confuse people about the real effects and purposes of the legislation.

The very name, “right-to-work,” was carefully chosen to affect public opinion when, in fact, the legislation has nothing to do with the rights Read More

Legislation That Ends Failed Policy Of Social Promotion Passes Education Committee

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Rep. Monica Youngblood

STATE News:

  • Bill Provides Intervention For Struggling Students To Help Catch Up To Peers

SANTA FE — Legislation that would end the failed policy of social promotion cleared the House Education Committee today. Social promotion passes kids onto the next grade even when they cannot read.

Among other things, the bill would help teachers identify struggling readers and provide them with the targeted instruction they need to catch up to their peers. The bill will now go to the House floor.

Rep. Nora Espinoza

“Improving our schools and helping struggling students Read More

Heinrich, Flake Applaud Bipartisan Senate Gathering

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U.S. Senators Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., left, and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., checking out the border with Mexico. Courtesy photo

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., today issued the following statement applauding the announcement that Senate Republicans and Democrats would gather together Wednesday for a bipartisan lunch.

“We believe that regular bipartisan gatherings, such as the one scheduled for Wednesday, can help foster the productive relationships necessary for the Senate to be effective again. These gatherings Read More

Importance Of Earth Science Recognized In President’s Budget Proposal

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By CHRISTINE MCENTEE, ED/CEO
American Geophysical Union
  • Cuts to Planetary Research Remain a Concern, says American Geophysical Union

WASHINGTON, D.C.— American Geophysical Union Executive Director/CEO Christine McEntee has announced that the AGU is very pleased to see the President’s budget proposal recognize the transformative power of science to drive American prosperity and to protect our communities.

“After years of underfunding for non-defense discretionary science and the destructive impacts of sequestration, the President’s proposed budget would repair the damage Read More

Letter to the Editor: Please Support Nan And Jenny Today!

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By ASHLEY MAMULA
Los Alamos

I hope everyone will take some time today to vote in our school board elections.

I strongly support Jenny McCumber and Nan Holmes. I have worked with both on the Mountain PTA over the years. For as long as I have known Nan and Jenny, they have devoted the majority of their time serving the children in our district, not because of any political aspirations, but because they are committed to Los Alamos and want it to be a great place for not only their kids but all the children who are a part of our community.

Anyone who knows them knows how hard they both have worked for our kids. I Read More

New Mexico House Unanimously Passes Legislation To Expand Amber Alert System

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STATE News:

  • Bill Passes 64-0

SANTA FE – In a victory for New Mexico’s children, the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation that will require cell phone and pager companies to issue Amber Alerts to their customers. The bill, which passed 64-0, is sponsored by Rep. Sarah Maestas Barnes.

“When a child goes missing, we need to do everything we can to find them and bring them back home safely,” Maestas Barnes said. “The Amber Alert System saves lives – that is why it’s so critical that we expand the service to reach all New Mexicans who have a cell phone.”

The legislation will expand Amber Read More

Heinrich On President’s 2016 Budget Proposal

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U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., released the following statement on President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposal:

“Recognizing that our nation’s deficit has been cut by two-thirds since 2009, the president’s budget proposal acknowledges that it’s time to propel our economic recovery forward by investing in our country again. To that end, I am very interested in his proposal to build a 21st century infrastructure to create jobs and improve our nation’s competitiveness. 

“I’m pleased Read More