Politics

Udall and Heinrich: Prevent Fires From Downed Power Lines

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Downed power line illustration. Courtesy photo

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following news that recent fires in New Mexico were caused by downed power lines, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich are encouraging cooperation between utility companies and federal agencies to keep trees away from power lines and reduce the risk of wildfires.
 
Downed power lines have caused several wildfires, including the Tres Lagunas and Thompson Ridge fires currently burning in northern New Mexico.
 
In letters to the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Agriculture and the electric
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Udall: Americans Deserve More Transparency on Phone Record Collection

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U.S. SENATE News:
 
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Tom Udall released the following statement today on news reports that government agencies have collected extensive information on Americans’ phone records:
 
“The news that the government issued a blanket order for Americans’ phone records is deeply disturbing and exactly why I voted against the Patriot Act in 2001. It’s also why I have opposed reauthorization of similar provisions without adding civil liberties protections – protections that require agencies to explain specifically what information
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Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard Attends National Meeting in Cincinnati

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Los Alamos air service to Albuquerque continues to grow in popularity and Monday’s 6:30 a.m. flight was nearly filled to capacity. On Monday’s flight was State Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, left, who took the early flight on her way to attend a national meeting in Cincinnati for legislators dealing with DOE site cleanup and other nuclear industry related issues. Garcia Richard is a member of the National Conference of State Legislators’ Nuclear Legislative Workgroup. Courtesy photo Read More

Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard Tours Thompson Ridge Fire Area; Meets With Residents

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Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, D-Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Sandoval and Rio Arriba counties, visited the Thompson Ridge Fire area Saturday and said that it is predominately burning fuel on the forest floor and except for isolated spots, has not moved into the canopy thus far. Courtesy photo

During a tour Saturday, Sandoval County Deputy Fire Chief Jess Lewis points out to Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard the site of the Thompson Ridge Fire back burn area where a containment line is being cut just inside the Valles Caldera property line. Courtesy photo

Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard with New Mexico Read More

Luján Announces $180,000 in Economic Development

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Rep. Ben Ray Luján

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

SANTA FE – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District has announced that the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District will receive $180,000 through the Economic Development Administration to assist with efforts to increase private capital investments and job creation in the region.

“A comprehensive strategy to promote economic growth is essential in the effort to attract businesses that can create jobs in the private sector,” Luján said.  “These important federal funds will Read More

Governor Appoints Jim Hall to State’s IT Commission

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Commissioner Jim Hall

STATE NEWS:

Gov. Susana Martinez has appointed James Hall of Los Alamos to New Mexico‘s 15-member Information Technology Commission.

New Mexico’s Information Technology Commission reviews and approves information technology plans and initiatives for the state.

“I look forward to working with the Information Technology Commission,” Hall told the Los Alamos Daily Post this morning. “The state, if it can use information technology appropriately, can create both efficiency in state government and deliver better services to the Read More

President Pays Tribute to America’s Fallen Heroes

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President Obama pays tribute to America’s men and women in uniform. Courtesy/WH

WHITE HOUSE News:

WASHINGTON, DC— In this week’s address, President Obama commemorated Memorial Day by paying tribute to the men and women in uniform who have given their lives in service to our country.

The President said that America has always risen to meet and overcome its challenges because of their brave sacrifice, and asked all Americans to honor our fallen heroes and to stand with our veterans and military families as we come together this weekend.

Access audio of the address and video of the address Read More

Luján: Republican Student Loan Bill Makes College More Expensive

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U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District voted today against a House Republican bill that will make it more expensive for students to attend college with federal subsidized Stafford student loans. With the interest rate on these loans set to double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent on June 1 action is needed to keep costs down for millions of students across the country.

“Rather than passing legislation that simply keeps interest rates on student loans where they are, House Republicans have come up with a disappointing Read More

Letter to the Editor: Perhaps Religious and Charitable Donations Shouldn’t be Tax Deductible

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By DON NEEPER
Los Alamos

Thurman Talley suggested (5/16/13 Los Alamos Daily Post) any 501c organization that made political contributions should lose its tax-exempt status.

 
At the risk of seeming obstreperous, I’ll make a bolder suggestion. Although charitable and religious organizations themselves should not be taxed, perhaps donations to such organizations should not be tax-deductible.
 
Why should other citizens collectively have to pay more tax just because I choose to donate to my favorite charity or church?
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